How to Manually Turn a Car Engine

If your car’s battery is dead, you can still start it by manually turning the engine. This process is called “bump starting” or “push starting.” It’s not as difficult as it sounds, but it does require some coordination and strength.

Safety First

Before you attempt to manually turn your car engine, make sure it’s safe to do so. Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Shift the transmission into neutral.

If you’re not comfortable with trying to manually turn your car engine, you can call a tow truck for assistance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Find a helper. You’ll need someone to help you push the car.
Get in the driver’s seat. Turn the key to the “on” position, but don’t start the engine.
Have your helper push the car. Once the car is moving, depress the clutch pedal and shift into second gear.
Slowly release the clutch pedal. The engine should start to turn over.
Once the engine is running, shift into first gear and drive away.

Tips

Make sure your car is in neutral before you have your helper push it.
Don’t release the clutch pedal too quickly. This could cause the engine to stall.
If the engine doesn’t start after a few tries, stop and try again. Don’t flood the engine.
Once the engine is running, let it idle for a few minutes before driving away.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble manually turning your car engine, there are a few things you can check:

Make sure the battery is securely connected.
Check the spark plugs and ignition wires.
Inspect the fuel filter and fuel pump.

If you’re still having problems, you may need to take your car to a mechanic.

Conclusion

Manually turning a car engine is not a difficult task, but it does require some coordination and strength. By following these instructions, you can safely and easily start your car without a battery.