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Can you bump start a car with dead battery?

Yes, it is generally possible to bump start a car with a dead battery. This is a technique used to start an internal combustion engine that has a dead battery by using the momentum of the vehicle to turn the engine over and generate sufficient electrical power to start the engine.

To bump start a car, you will need another car with a good battery and some assistance. Here are the steps involved:

1. Place the dead battery car in neutral gear and turn the ignition switch to "ON" or "Accessory" mode. This will allow the steering wheel to be unlocked and provide power to the electrical system (like the lights).

2. Connect jumper cables between the good battery car and the dead battery car. Make sure the red cable is connected to the positive terminals of both batteries and the black cable is connected to the negative terminal of the good battery and a metal part of the dead battery car (not the negative terminal).

3. Start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery a bit.

4. Have someone sit in the dead battery car and put it in second gear (or third if the car has front-wheel drive). Depress the clutch pedal.

5. While the car is in gear and the clutch is depressed, have the person in the dead battery car turn the ignition key to "Start" (but don't hold it in the "Start" position).

6. At the same time, the person in the car with the good battery should release the clutch pedal in a quick motion. This will cause the dead battery car to jolt forward, which will turn the engine over. If done properly, the engine of the dead battery car will start.

7. Once the engine starts, keep it running for a few minutes to allow the alternator to charge the dead battery further.

8. Safely disconnect the jumper cables, starting with the black cable first, then the red cable.

Note that bump-starting can put strain on the drivetrain components and may not be suitable for all vehicles, especially modern cars with automatic transmissions and advanced electronics. It's important to consult your car's owner manual or seek advice from a professional mechanic before attempting to bump start your vehicle.