A guy showed me this many years ago (93-94), but I always wonder how he did it.

He let the car roll backwards just a bit on a car on a minor incline with the engine off. Then he pop the clutch with the trans in gear (not sure if it's 1st or Rev) And the car started.

He said that can only be done on a small light car. And would not show me, trying to keep the secret, and wanting to be "the man" I guess. The car we was in was a Suzuki Swift GT (anyone still remember that pocket rocket?)

Anyways, please explain how he did it.

 

I did it in reverse like two days ago. Worked fine. Just make sure there's no one behind you.

 

yeah, that's be a good idea....

 

This is just the same as push starting a car. When you pop the clutch you are cranking the engine over like the starter motor does - The ignition must be turned to on in most car or else the electrics would have some sort of direct wiring on the Swift! A good one if your battery is flat!

Brian

 

So... when I "pop" start my car in reverse.. does the motor actually run "backwards"???

The things that make you go hmmmm...

 

Ok, so for the guys who done it. Explain your steps.

 

1- Turn key to "on"
2- Move car
3- pop clutch
4- drive

Get the car movin pretty good...forward is best. Use second or third gear. Pop clutch. After the engine turns over 2-3 times it should start. I used this method to start my POS truck two summers ago.

 

eheh that's easy to do

done it few times with old cars..

have to put the ignition in with hondas now cause the engine won't have any gas to run on and no fire




[Modified by JinMTVT, 10:27 AM 8/18/2001]

 

i've done this many times on my old bimmer,dam alternantor,but? does this cause harm on any parts of the car-engine,tranny etc,just curiouse if anybody knows?
I'm sure its not the best thing to do to the car>>

 

BULLSHIT. Cannot be done with out hotwiring it. Your buddy was probably stealing that car.

 

who would want to steal a swift?

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:18 AM 11/16/2006

 

It can be done and its no different than popping your clutch going forward. My integra's starter was going out, so at work, I would park in a spot at an incline. After work, I would put the key to "II", put it in reverse, let it roll some, then pop the clutch. Did that for at least a week before replacing the starter. Don't worry about the engine rotating backwards, thats not whats happening. Your reverse gear will allow the car to move backwards, but keep the engine rotating correctly, just like it would any other time.

 

My point in this is just to find a way to start if the battery dies. I don't like jumping the car cause I got too many things hook up like alarm, stereo, amp, etc. Plus I heard that jumping the car is a bad idea cause it can damage some electrical stuff.

So just thinking of alternatives, instead of a new trick.

Thanks for the info guys.

 

Why not? Doesn't the alternator take over when the engine is cranked over and running?

 

This could not be more incorrect. Push starting WILL work if you have a dead battery as it forces the altenater to produce the ignition spark.

 

Sorry Teken, but I'm still in disagreement with you. The sole purpose of the battery, when starting your car, is to give the starter the juice it needs to crank the engine over. By popping the clutch, you are bypassing the need of the starter, therefore bypassing the need for the battery, in this application. As fas as disconnecting your battery to see if this really works, you might be right, it may not start. I don't know if this is true, but I've heard that the battery needs to be connected to complete the vehicles circuit.

 

Teken-

When you push start a vehicle the wheels turn the tranny which turns the engine which turns the altenator which produce power which powers the DEAD BATTERY which powers the spark plugs which starts the car. You are correct in that you need a battery to start a vehicle, but when you push start the altenator does the work.


[Modified by Dr Pooface, 8:48 PM 8/19/2001]

 

I know that this defintitely does work with a dead batter (although the battery has to still be in the car). I left my lights on at the movies for about 2.5hrs, and when I came out, none of my stuff worked, not even my keyless entry, which was just great because with my POS alarm system, you can't unlock the door with the key, only the remote. Had to have my girlfriend climb in through the hatch and open the door. Then this big *** dude pushed my car in reverse out of my spot, then pushed it himself to about 5mph, and I popped the clutch, everything started just fine. I offered to help him push, but he said he was training for the Ironman competition. Go figure.

 

He prolly was doing it to impress your girlfriend!

 

if the battery is dead the alternator will not do anything.

 

The Bastard!!! I'll have to kill him....with 20 other people helping me out..hehe

 

You guys are so wrong.

NOW READ CAREFULLY.............

IF your battery is DEAD, completely DEAD, you CANNOT push start your car. You MUST have at least enough juice to light up the dash lights.

If you don't believe me, give it a whirl. Take out your battery, and try to bump start your car, you will find it does not work.

A BATTERY is a "Storage" device, your vehicle depends on it. If your "Storage" device cannot hold a charge, or is not present, your vehicle will NOT run.

Mind you, this only applys to vehicles that have an "Alternator" not a "Generator"

 

you do need a battery connected to bump start a car, but you do not need any power for your ignition lights to come on. if there is enough power in the battery to illuminate the ignition lights then it will have enough power to produce a spark and prime the fuel pump and start as soon as the clutch is disengaged. if there in no charge in the battery at all all it means is that you need to push the car a little faster so that you have enough momentum to carry on pushing when the clutch is dropped and the engine is turning over as the car is pushed. as the car is being pushed, the engine will turn and the alternater will generate enough electricity to run the fuel pump and spark the plugs.

when doing this it is a lot easier if all electrical things like lights, fans etc are turned off.

it does not work on autos, can cause damage to diesels, and also can damage catalytic convertors.

 

Thank you Ben.