Push starting a dead battery in a manual transmission car is one way to get it running.If you don't have jumper cables or another car around, push starting can be accomplished with nothing more than the keys and a few friends.Vehicles with manual transmissions can only be used for this process.Attempting to push or pop start a vehicle with an automatic transmission can cause serious damage to the vehicle.
Step 1: There are signs of a dead battery.
To confirm that the battery is dead, turn the key in the ignition and see how the car reacts.A clicking noise from the starter, the engine turning over slowly, and the dashboard lights not coming on are some of the signs of a dead battery.There is not enough power in the battery to start the engine if the dashboard lights come on but the starter clicks slowly.The battery is dead if nothing happens when you turn the key.The issue is not the battery if all the lights come on.It could be an issue with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or the mass air flow sensor.
Step 2: To start the car on a hill, you need to know if it is too steep.
It is not safe to push start a car on a steep slope because you may lose control of the vehicle if it fails to start.A slight incline may help get the car rolling, but anything higher than that is too dangerous to push starting a car.The car won't have power steering or power brakes until the engine starts and is running, so never attempt to push start a car down a steep hill.
Step 3: The path of the car needs to be clear.
Because steering and braking will be difficult while push starting the car, move anything it could hit out of its path.You may not be able to move as well.It is not safe to push start the vehicle if there are trees in the way.If there is nothing in front of the vehicle for at least 300 feet, it can roll in a straight line.If the path in front of it is not clear, push the car slowly.
Step 4: Turn the key into the ignition and it will be on.
If the battery is dead, the engine won't start, but if the key is on, it will feel like starting the car.This will allow you to steer.When you push start it, you need to be in the on position.The engine won't start if you drop the clutch.The steering wheel will be unlocked with the key, but you will not have power steering until the engine is running.
Step 5: The transmission should be put into second gear.
If there is a problem with second gear in your car, you could potentially use first or third gear.Press the clutch with your left foot and then slide the gear selector all the way to the left and back to place it in second gear.The vehicle could buck if you use first gear instead of second gear.You need to push start the vehicle at a higher speed than you do in second.
Step 6: Release the parking brake and press the clutch pedals.
Depending on your car, the parking brake will either be a peddle located near your left knee or a handle in the center console.After you release the parking brake, press the clutch with your left foot.If you don't know where to find the parking brake, read the owner's manual.Hold the brake pedal down as you release the parking brake if you are on a slope.
Step 7: As your friends push the car, release the brake.
Make sure your friends push on the back of the vehicle in a safe spot, like the bumper or the trunk lid, rather than the window.As they push the car, remove your right foot from the brake pedal.The tail lights, spoilers, fins, and windows are not safe to push on.A few friends will make it easier for one person to start a car.
Step 8: Drop the clutch when the speed increases.
As your friends push, focus on keeping the car on the road.Dropping the clutch is when the car is rolling at 5 mph (8 km/h) or faster.The engine will start turning if the crankshaft is connected to the spinning wheels through the transmission.When you drop the clutch, the engine will start if you are moving fast.The engine will fail as it starts.You do not need to give the engine any gas.It will make the engine and car accelerate.
Step 9: In front wheel drive cars, keep a tight grip on the steering wheel.
Torque steer is when the steering wheel is turned to one side and the engine is turning the wheels.To prevent the car from changing direction, keep a tight grip on the wheel.Torque steer happens when the engine tries to turn the wheels faster than they already are.As the engine starts, Torque steer will feel a jerk in the wheel.
Step 10: If the engine did not start, try again.
Press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor if the engine fails to start.Your friends should push you to bring up the speed.It is possible that the engine fails to start because you weren't rolling fast enough.When the engine starts up, repeat these steps.
Step 11: After the engine starts, press the clutch back down.
The electrical charge is produced when the engine starts.With your left foot, press the clutch back to the floor.The engine's revolutions per minute will drop if you put your foot on the clutch.The engine will keep running if the battery is charged.
Step 12: Step on the brakes when you put the car in neutral.
As you push the gear selector to the neutral position, keep your foot on the clutch.The car is out of gear.Use your right foot to apply the brakes.Once the car is in neutral, you can remove your left foot from the clutch.When you stop, don't shut off the car.
Step 13: The car needs at least 15 minutes to charge.
It will take a while for the battery to be fully charged, so leave the engine running when you stop.15 minutes will probably do if the lights were on but the starter was slow.30 minutes to an hour is more appropriate if the battery is dead.It is possible to drive the vehicle while it replenishes the battery.You will have to start over if you shut the engine off before the battery is charged.