How to Push-Start a Car With a Dead Battery
by Editorial Team
Cars with manual (stick shift) transmissions can be started even when the battery or the starter motor isn't working. Here's how you do it.
Step 1
Make sure that the problem is either the battery or the starter: If the engine cranks ("rrr-rrr-rrr") when you turn the key, then the problem isn't the starter or the battery.
Step 2
Plan to have at least one person sitting in the driver's seat and one person pushing. Mid-size and large cars require two or three people to push, depending on the strength of the people and whether or not the car is parked on an incline.
Step 3
Turn off all accessories (radio, wipers, lamps).
Step 4
Turn the key to the "on" position.
Step 5
Depress the clutch pedal with your foot.
Step 6
Put the transmission in first or second gear.
Step 7
Release the hand brake and the foot brake.
Step 8
Note that the people pushing need to get the car rolling as fast as they can. This works best down a hill or an incline.
Step 9
Release the clutch pedal while giving the engine a little gas with the gas pedal once the car is moving about as fast as you can run. The engine should start.
Tips
- Cars can be push-started going backwards, too! Just put the transmission in reverse instead of first or second and push the car backwards.
- A car with a completely dead battery often cannot be push-started.
Warnings
- One person can push-start a car that is parked on a hill, but this can be very unsafe as you must jump in the car after getting it rolling, and there is a chance you may lose control of the car.
- Certain manufacturers of specific models do not recommend starting your car this way. Check your owner's manual for warnings.
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