How to Roll Start an Automobile With a Dead Battery

Automobile batteries are a critical part of an automotive electrical system. Batteries provide the electrical energy needed to turn the automobile starter motor, as well as providing the necessary energy to supply energy for the ignition system. However, if a battery is discharged, the starter motor will not turn, which prevents the engine from starting normally.

Thankfully, for automobiles with manual transmissions, there is another method for starting an automobile: the push start.

Things You'll Need

• Automobile with a manual transmission

Instructions

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. Disengage the clutch. Place the transmission selector lever into Neutral.

2. Push the automobile forward until it reaches at least 5mph. Disengage the clutch and shift the vehicle into second gear. Quickly engage the clutch. If the vehicle does not start, disengage the clutch, shift back into neutral and repeat this step until the vehicle starts.

3. Disengage the clutch, shift into Neutral and allow the engine to run for a few minutes before driving away.

Tips & Warnings

• Since push-starting an automobile may take more than one attempt, push start the vehicle in a level area.

References

• AskMen.com website: Push Start Your Car; Louis Whitehead