How To Start Automatic Car By Pushing

How to Start an Automatic Car by Pushing: A Guide to Emergency Starting

So, your car battery has died, leaving you stranded with a dead automatic. Don't panic! While starting an automatic car by pushing isn't as straightforward as with a manual, it's entirely possible in certain situations. This guide will walk you through the process, outlining the necessary conditions and safety precautions. This method is primarily for emergencies and shouldn't replace regular car maintenance, including checking your battery regularly.

When Pushing to Start is Possible (and When It Isn't)

Successfully push-starting an automatic car hinges on several factors. Crucially, your car needs to be on a slight incline. This is because automatic transmissions don't allow you to easily control the engine's speed like a manual transmission does. The downhill slope provides the necessary momentum to crank the engine.

This method WILL NOT work if:

Your car is on level ground or an incline. You need that initial momentum from gravity.
Your battery is completely dead and not just low. A completely dead battery won't have enough juice to even attempt a start, even with a push.
Your transmission is faulty. If there are pre-existing problems with the transmission, push-starting is extremely risky and potentially damaging.
Your car is too heavy. This method is best suited for smaller cars; larger vehicles will require a significant amount of force and people to move.

The Step-by-Step Process: Push-Starting an Automatic

Safety First: Before attempting this, ensure you're on a safe, level surface away from traffic. Have someone to steer and someone to push. Wear appropriate safety attire and gloves to protect yourself from possible injuries.

Prepare the Vehicle: Engage the parking brake firmly. Turn the ignition key to the "on" or "accessory" position – but don't start the engine. This activates the electrical systems without cranking the engine.
Find Your Incline: Identify a slight downhill grade. A gentle slope is sufficient; you don't need a steep hill.
Positioning: Have someone steer the car while others push from the rear. Ensure clear communication between the pushers and the person steering.
Push and Steer: The pushers give a steady, strong push to accelerate the car down the incline. The driver should simultaneously disengage the parking brake and quickly put the gear selector into neutral (N).
Release the Clutch (If applicable): Some automatic transmissions may require a short burst of acceleration by briefly putting the car in drive (D) while others just require maintaining speed in neutral. Consult your vehicle’s manual for the specific step.
Engine Cranking: As the car picks up speed, the driver should quickly shift to neutral (N) again to allow the engine to start. If successful, the engine should fire up. Quickly shift to park (P) immediately after starting the engine.
Post-Start Check: Once the engine is running, check all systems to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Alternatives to Push-Starting

Pushing to start is a last resort. Consider safer alternatives:

Jump Start: This is the most common and safest method for a dead battery.
Call for Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance services are designed for these types of situations.

Conclusion

Push-starting an automatic car is a risky endeavor only suitable for genuine emergencies and specific circumstances. Understanding the limitations and safety precautions is crucial before attempting this method. Always prioritize safer alternatives like jump-starting or calling for roadside assistance whenever possible. Remember to check your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle.