When a manual transmission vehicle does not start due to a low battery, you can start it with a push or a sufficiently steep road. You should only use this method as a last resort, in case there are no ignition cables or a replacement battery available.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure the car cannot be started with the key
The driver must keep his foot pressed on the clutch. The foot should remain in this position until step 6.
Step 2. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to "on"
Normally turning the key would operate the starter motor.
- If the starter motor fails to start the car, the driver must shift into gear.
- The car will now need to be moved with the use of force. It is possible to use gravity (a descent) or to have someone push the car. Ask the passengers if they can help you push.
Step 3. Just before starting the push, make sure the key is on
Check that the clutch is depressed and that the correct gear is engaged (second gear is recommended). Check that the vehicle can be moved safely and consider the effects of gravity. Release the handbrake and push the car or let it slide down a slope.
Step 4. When the car has reached the speed of approximately 10-25 km / h in second (or reverse) or 25-40 km / h in third, the driver will have to operate the clutch for a fraction of a second
To do this, he will have to release the clutch completely for a second or less, and then immediately press it down quickly. If you take your foot off the clutch for more than two seconds, the car will stop and the battery will not charge.
Step 5. Make sure that during the moment you release the clutch, the engine has actually started
This will transfer mechanical power to the alternator, which will send electricity to the battery. In other words, driving the car will recharge the battery.
Step 6. Leave the car running for approximately 15 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery
If you don't leave it on long enough, the battery won't have enough charge to turn it back on once it is turned off.
Step 7. Have the battery checked
Now that the car has started, you should head to the workshop. Make sure you have the battery checked by a professional.
Advice
- If you are unsuccessful the first time, try again at higher speed.
- If the car is parked uphill, you can start it in reverse. If, on the other hand, it is parked downhill, you can use the gear of your choice based on the speed you will reach. The former may be fine, but often the clutch will scratch and be subjected to great stress. From third onwards you will have to reach speeds that are too high to be able to reach by pushing.
- It is a good practice to purchase cables to connect your car to others if the problem recurs.
Warnings
- If the battery remains discharged for a long time, it can experience an internal short circuit and be unable to hold a charge.
- In some vehicles, the alternator and ignition system require initial power to function. If the battery is 100% discharged, the car may not be able to produce a spark to ignite the fuel, unless the alternator is able to run without power.
- You should ALWAYS Do ATTENTION. Remember that when you push a car, before it starts, you will have very little control. The brake booster and power steering will not work and the steering wheel may lock up.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT this procedure with a car a AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.
