How to Push Start a Standard Vehicle

Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

When a manual transmission (also known as a stick-shift) vehicle is not starting due to a dead battery, it can be started with a push or with a sufficient slant in the road. This method should be used as a method of last resort only if jumper cables and a live battery are not in reach.

Steps

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1
Ensure that the standard vehicle cannot be started regularly through the use of its key. The driver should also make sure to have his foot pressed all the way down on the clutch. The drivers foot should remain in this position until step 6.
- Just FYI, if the battery is dead and you have a fuel-injected vehicle that’s out of gas, you will not be able to push start the car. There’s no reserve fuel or pressurized fuel to start the engine with.
2
Place the key in its keyhole and turn it all the way into the "on" position. (Regularly turning the key here would initiate the starter)^{[1]
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- Once the starter has failed to start the vehicle, the driver should shift into a gear.
- The car will now need to move by the use of physical force. One can either use gravity (hills) to their advantage or have the car pushed by someone else. Ask a passenger if they are willing to help push.
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Make sure the clutch pedal is pressed down and that it is in the correct gear (2nd gear is recommended). Make sure that it is safe to move the vehicle and take into account any affects gravity will have on the vehicle. Release the hand brake and have the car pushed or let it roll down a hill.^{[2]
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Once the car is pushed to a significant speed of approximately 10–25 km/h (6.2–15.5 mph) in 2nd gear (or reverse) or 25–40 km/h (16–25 mph) in 3rd gear, the driver will need to engage the clutch for a split second (this is known as popping the clutch). This is done by releasing the clutch pedal in it's entirety for a second or less and then pressing it back all the way down at a quick speed. If your foot is left off the clutch pedal for over a 2 seconds the car will stop moving and the battery will remain dead.^{[3]
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Be conscious that during the split second that the clutch pedal was released the car will have effectively started the engine. This will send mechanical power to the alternator, which will send electricity back to the battery. In other words, simply driving your car will recharge it's battery.^{[4]
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If it is not left on long enough the battery will still be considered dead once the car is shut off.^{[5]
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Now that your vehicle is moving, its next destination should be the garage. Make sure to have your cars dead battery checked by a professional.

The Takeaway: Push Starting a Car with a Dead Battery

Place the key in the ignition and turn it to the “on” position, then push the clutch pedal down and put the vehicle in second gear. Push the vehicle to a speed of 10–25 km/h (6.2–15.5 mph). Once moving, release the clutch for a split second and push it back down quickly to start the engine.

Community Q&A

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I disconnect my battery while I'm at work. When I have to start my truck I hook the battery back up, but the truck won't start sometimes. Could it be the starter or the battery?

Community Answer

If the battery was working well when disconnected, then either its connections are dirty or a cable is about to break off. I mention the cable because disconnecting often can really stress them just by bending.

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Does push start work if the starter motor is dead?

Acyclist

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As long as your battery is functioning normally and your spark plugs are in working order, then yes.

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Tips

If it didn't work the first time it may mean that you will need more speed for the next try

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If the car is parked uphill, it should be placed in reverse and pushed from the front of the car backwards. If it is parked downhill any gear but reverse can work given enough speed. Gear 1 will generally work although this is likely to "jerk" the car and add a lot of stress on the clutch. Gear 3 and up require more speed, and a lot more force from the person pushing the vehicle.

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It would be good practice to purchase a set of jumper cables to leave in the vehicle in case the problems persist.

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Warnings

If the battery has been left dead for a significant length of time, it can become internally "shorted" and will require replacing because it can not hold a charge.

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On some vehicles the alternator and ignition system requires initial power to function. If the battery is 100% drained, the car may not be able to provide spark for ignition, unless the alternator has self activating/charging type windings.

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CAUTION should ALWAYS be used. Remember that before push starting the car, it has very little control of itself. The brake pedal should always be available.

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DO NOT ATTEMPT these steps on an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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