If it was the tapping, that is your starter going bad. The brushes are worn and tapping them knocks them into place / disrupts the non-conductive garbage that has accumulated in them.

If its the wires (praying) you should be able to re solder. (unlikely)

You might have a few good weeks of rapping on your starter each morning before it leaves you stranded somewhere. - take note if it happens more on damp or cold mornings versus mild or dry.

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