Why does hitting glitchy electronics make them work?

Question

If the audio system in my family’s minivan is malfunctioning, or if the clock isn’t displaying in our old Camry, all it takes is a solid whack or two to bring them back online. Why/how does this work?

In: Technology

Answer 1

If hitting it works, it’s because there’s a loose wire or bad connection and jarring it makes it connect.

Answer 2

Percussion Maintenance – a loose wire or electrical connection is moved and will sometimes reconnect. That’s the simple answer.