The short answer is no‚ you generally cannot push start an automatic transmission car. Here’s why⁚
How Automatic Transmissions Work
Automatic transmissions rely on a hydraulic system to shift gears. This system is powered by the engine’s rotation‚ which drives a pump that creates hydraulic pressure. When you turn the key‚ the engine starts‚ the pump begins working‚ and the transmission is ready to shift.
Why Push Starting Doesn’t Work
When you push start a car‚ you’re essentially giving the engine a manual boost. This works with manual transmissions because the engine is directly connected to the wheels. However‚ in an automatic transmission‚ the engine and wheels are separated by the transmission.
Without the engine running‚ the hydraulic pump isn’t working‚ and the transmission cannot engage the gears. Even if you managed to get the car moving‚ the transmission wouldn’t be able to shift‚ potentially causing damage.
Exceptions
There are a few rare exceptions⁚
- Older Vehicles⁚ Some very old automatic transmission cars might have a simpler design that could potentially be push started‚ but this is extremely uncommon and not recommended.
- Specific Models⁚ There are some modern cars with a feature called “push-to-start‚” which allows you to start the engine by pressing a button. However‚ this is a different system from a traditional automatic transmission.
Alternatives to Push Starting
If your car’s battery is dead‚ here are some safer alternatives⁚
- Jump Start⁚ This is the most common and reliable way to start a car with a dead battery. Connect jumper cables to a good battery and follow the proper procedures.
- Tow Start⁚ If a jump start isn’t possible‚ you can have your car towed to a mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and get your car running again.
- Portable Jump Starter⁚ These devices can be used to jump start your car without needing another vehicle.
Conclusion
While it’s tempting to try and push start an automatic transmission car‚ it’s generally not possible and could damage your vehicle. Always use a safe and reliable method to get your car started‚ such as jump starting or towing. If you’re unsure‚ consult a mechanic.