Push Start Your Car by Yourself
This technique applies to any gas-engine, 2- and 4-stroke vehicle with manual transmission (stick-shift). The use on those with the timing belt-driven camshaft engines is discouraged.
Contents
Steps
- If you can, use a slight downhill road without traffic.
- Before starting, engage the 2nd or 3rd gear and switch on the ignition (dashboard lights on, no starter!).
- Fully engage the clutch pedal, release the parking brake, and let the vehicle pick up speed (about 20 km/h for 2nd, 30 for 3rd gear).
- When you have the speed, release the clutch pedal; the engine should start almost instantly (don't rev it too much, remember it ruins the cold engine).
- Continue to drive if you can; if not, control speed and pull over as appropriate.
- If a low charge on the battery was the problem ,go for a longer ride or have it recharged (this is within reach of most DIY people).
- ASAP have the vehicle checked, find out the problem and repair.
- This is an emergency procedure and should be avoided whenever possible.
Tips
- In vehicles equipped with timing-belt driven camshaft engines the procedure may be used in emergencies only and the clutch should be released more slowly to avoid jerking and belt slippage detrimental to both the belt and engine.
- A valid alternative is jump-starting the car, but you must have adequate cables, another car with a healthy battery and the starting motor in good working order.
Warnings
- Will not work with an Automatic Transmission.
- During the process the vehicle is not fully controlled, so make sure other people, kids or pets are not too close.
