Starting a vehicle without a battery is possible, but only under exceptional situations. Diesel and automatic vehicles are not the type of vehicles that can be started under those conditions. But it’s not advised to follow this method unless it is a dire need.
If a battery is faulty, just leave it there so that it can take all the load coming from the alternator, and shield the parts that are sensitive to high voltage fluctuations.
Can a car get started without a battery?
Yes. A vehicle can be started without having any battery. However, this depends on different factors, particularly if the vehicle comes with an automatic or manual transmission. If the battery is just weak, you can do a jumpstart by utilizing the cables linked to another vehicle’s battery or doing a push-start if cables are not available.
The second option is only possible if there is manual transmission. It’s not advised to push-start an automatic vehicle as it will do more harm than good.
There are only 4 methods to start a vehicle without a battery:
- Utilizing a starter booster
- Adding a new battery
- Pushing the vehicle until it starts
- Using a towing car
But if the battery is dead due to different reasons (presence of cracks, the electrolyte is either boiled, leaked, or shorted) or a battery is unavailable, then a start booster is needed.
Speaking of a vehicle that contains no battery or has an automatic transmission, it’s suggested to not start it by towing or pushing as it is just too challenging. There should be at least a weak battery to initiate a jumpstart. Plus, it is much more difficult for a diesel vehicle to start with no battery.
How to start a vehicle without any battery when it’s towed?
In order to start a vehicle without a battery or a dead one, it’s still essential to have a power source (having 10 to 15 volts) when it’s towed. To have an accurate start, the alternator’s excitation needs to be connected with the plus power source. The excitation is a thin, separate wire.
If the battery is dead or faulty, it needs to be disconnected. Moreover, the plus terminal should be completely isolated from the body in order to prevent short circuits.
- Connect the vehicle with the towing car using a rope.
- Disconnect the radio, all consumers, etc.
- Turn on the ignition.
- Instruct the towing car to move.
- After reaching a suitable speed for the chosen gear, slowly let go of the clutch and allow the engine to start.
- Remove the device utilized for excitation. But don’t turn off the drive and engine.
No matter what gear you use, it depends on the engine. If the atmosphere is cold, utilize the second gear. But if it’s hot outside, utilize the third gear. If the gear is more low, rpm will be higher. You shouldn’t use the first gear as the engine resistance will be high and it will cause issues to tow. Not to mention that the timing belt can be slipped or broken.
Read More: How to Repair a Car’s Battery
How to push start a vehicle when there’s no battery?
A power source is needed to excite the alternator to push start a car without a battery or with a dead battery. If there’s no power, then merely pushing the vehicle won’t start it with no battery. The vehicle will have to be pushed some distance as the pump needs time to add fuel.
- Before doing the push start, check if there’s some gasoline in the tank.
- Lower the vehicle’s weight by removing things from the trunk or interior temporarily.
- A maximum number of people should push the vehicle.
- After you have reached the speed of 10 km/h, press the clutch, apply the second or third gear, and start the engine by slowly releasing the clutch.
If there’s a diesel engine, everything will be more difficult as it’s challenging to initiate the engine because of high compression. Moreover, until the power is delivered to the glow plugs or the engine is warmed up, it’s not possible for the diesel engine to be started, particularly in the cold.
Common-rail fuel systems are highly sensitive to vulnerable circumstances that include forced launch and it’s repair will cost you. So, if there is a nearby vehicle that can assist, it’s better to jumpstart instead of towing or pushing.
