If the dashboard lights come on but the starter clicks or turns over slowly, that’s because there is power left in the battery, but not enough to start the engine. If nothing happens at all when you turn the key, the battery is completely dead. If all the lights come on and the engine keeps trying to turn over without starting, the issue is not the battery. It’s more likely an issue with fuel delivery (fuel pump, fuel filter), an issue with airflow (intake, mass air flow sensor), or a problem with the vehicle’s ignition system.
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.
Make sure there’s nothing in front of the vehicle for at least 300 feet (91 m) so it can roll in a straight line. Push the car slowly to re-orient it if the path in front of it is not clear.
The key must be in the “on” position when you push start it. Otherwise, the engine won’t start when you drop the clutch. The key will unlock the steering wheel, but remember that you will have no power steering until the engine is running.
First gear has a lot of torque, so the vehicle could buck unexpectedly if you use it instead of second gear. You need to achieve a higher speed to push start the vehicle in third gear than you do in second.
If you are unsure of where to find the parking brake, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. If you are on a slope, be sure to hold the brake pedal down as you release the parking brake to prevent rolling.
Tail lights, spoilers, fins, and windows are not safe places to push on. One person can push most cars fast enough to get them started, but a few friends will make it easier.
The faster you’re moving, the more likely the engine is to start when you drop the clutch. The engine will buck and sputter as it starts. You don’t need to give the engine any gas, but may choose to. Remember that doing so will make the engine and car both accelerate.
Torque steer happens only briefly as the engine tries to turn the wheels faster than they’re already turning. Torque steer will just feel like a short jerk in the wheel as the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start, it’s likely because you weren’t rolling fast enough. Repeat these steps until the engine starts up when you drop the clutch.
With your foot on the clutch, the engine’s RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) will drop down to an idle. The alternator will recharge the battery and keep the engine running.
You can take your left foot off of the clutch once the car is in neutral. Do not shut off the car once you stop.
You can drive the vehicle around while it recharges the battery. If you shut the engine off before the battery is charged enough to start it again, you’ll have to start over.
