Q: Push-starting a modern car with manual transmission

asked by on May 16, 2016

Can I push-start a modern car with a manual transmission? My old car runs the battery down and is stuck in the second. Pushed it. The car in question is Volkswagen Golf Mk5 diesel.

Theoretically you can. If it’s a gasoline Volkswagen, sure. Turn the key, push the clutch and there you go. But a diesel engine has so much more compression and it would be very hard. I’ve seen a guy do it, but usually they do it with chain and they are pulling it with a truck.

Then when they push it, it would eventually start up. But push it down the hill maybe. You can push it and if it’s going downhill you might be able to. But diesel engines have so much more compression. They are very hard to push.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Can't pass smog check due to Check Engine light
The Check Engine light requires a special scan tool to determine the issue. Additional diagnostics may be required. An intake leak is common on this engine and may cause leaks, low fluids, and many other issues. With the vehicle sitting...
Car makes horrible noise going over bumps
Hi. It could be the struts, but then again, it could be a lot of things. Some other usual suspects include the control arm bushings, link pins and ball joints. A trained mechanic will be able to listen to the...
Overheating with new radiator
The cooling system would need to be tested to see if the combustion gasses are getting into the cooling system from a blown head gasket, or cracked head or block. This test involves a tester at the radiator to measure...
Startup issus, error codes
Those codes: P0170 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0170-obd-ii-trouble-code-fuel-trim-malfunction-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn), P0173 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0173-obd-ii-trouble-code-fuel-trim-malfunction-bank-2-by-blake-griffin), and P0335 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0335-obd-ii-trouble-code-crankshaft-position-sensor-a-circuit-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton) are indicating that the airflow coming in that is read by the MAF sensor to set up fuel injection timing does not match what the oxygen sensors are reading based on...
Alarm and keyless entry malfunction, G error code
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Mercedes Benz E550. The car alarm in many of the later model Mercedes vehicles has it's own set of small batteries. When these batteries go bad, they will automatically set off the...
Noticed that all bushings on my front lower control arms are torn. Can this be the cause of the popping noise I hear when turning
Yes that is correct. Bad bushings will cause a noise in the front end and excessive rattling while hitting bumps. If you need more help, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car's location to inspect the rattling...
I have a flat tire and the jack point is rusted.
Hi. If you look about six inches to a foot behind the jack point, the body of the car is there and is safe enough to use as a jack point for the car. The car jack may not fit...
Don't know which amp alternator to get to replace mine.
Hi there. The amperage rating is not the power of an alternator but rather the output that it can handle. Either alternator will work on your vehicle with no problems. I recommend putting in what your vehicle came with stock,...
P0746 2008NISSAN Maxima 3.5SE - Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance
The P0746 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0746-obd-ii-trouble-code-pressure-control-solenoid-performance-or-stuck-off-by-valerie-johnston) will set if the PCM detects an irregularity in the electronic pressure control solenoid circuit. Typically, that means that the level of hydraulic pressure (in PSI) commanded or expected is not actually detected by the computer....

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Exhaust Manifold
If the exhaust is excessively loud, there are engine performance issues, or the engine bay smells burnt, you may need to replace the exhaust manifold.
How Long Does an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Tube Last?
The The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube is part of your vehicle's EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and is part of the EGR valve. The EGR valve works to recirculate the exhaust gas your car produces so that you aren't...
Understanding the Volkswagen Oil Monitoring System and Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Volkswagen oil monitoring system indicates when and what service your car needs.