Hey guys, I'm wondering if its safe/okay to pop start a modern car? Ive done it with my dads 1969 Camaro (awesome car to learn stick on), but I own a 2021 WRX, 6 speed. I also have AAA & a battery jump pack, so I dont expect to ever have to do this. But ive been asked a few times if its okay to do on a car like this when the battery is dead and im not sure. Could I press the start/stop button twice (turns on the ignition... i think...) and get it rolling the pop it? Or with all the tech in this car could I damage sensors/ the VVT system. These engines are interference engines with timing chains.
Thanks,
-Nick
It should work, if you have some battery, but if the battery is so dead, it may not be enough to power the computer. The ecu needs to see at least 10.5 volts in order for it to function. Anything below that and the computer may not fire the injectors/spark plugs etc.
As long as it's a stick you're fine.
is that the same as a push/roll/bump/clutch start?
You couldn't do it on my buddy's 10 year old manual Tacoma. You had to have your foot on the brake to start it.
This car only needs to have the clutch pressed to start, and Im assuming that just engages the starter. So I dont think I need to worry about that in particular
No it's to overcome the neutral safety switch. So people don't try starting the car in gear. I'm surprised you don't need the brake pedal depressed, because every manual car I've owned since 2000 wouldn't start without both the brake and clutch depressed and that includes several Subaru's. As safety minded Subaru is, I'm surprised you don't also need to step on the brake as well.
The variations in electrical systems makes my head spin. After reading above I questioned my faulty memory so I went into the garage and started the 01 Mustang. No brake pedal needed, only clutch in my case. It's the no frills model. 🙂
Screw it, my next car will have a carburetor
I always put a jumper wire on the clutch switch anyway.
Thanks for the info. That's sounds like the one I'm looking at and I think it's the same one on Scotty's tool page for $100. It's the GB40 model. 4.5 stars on Amazon with over 51, 000 reviews. I think I'll pull the trigger.
Why not? As long as the computer can power on to manage the engine correctly it should be as good as a starter.
Some modern cars, like the best selling car in Russia - will automatically engage 2nd and start if the battery dies.
This is an actual feature of the ZF AMT installed on the Lada Vesta.
( According to online sources )
I have used this method many times on older vehicles with carburetors and no computers. It did not work on my 2001 mustang with a dead battery on three attempts rolling down a hill. I don't know just how "dead" it was at the time but without enough battery capacity to run the electric fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system, fire the injectors and plugs, and boot up the ECU the engine won't start. Just getting the alternator turning a little bit to produce a weak spark doesn't cut it anymore based on my experience. Your clutch pedal position switch may also play a roll on a high tech vehicle with push button start, I don't know. Modern cars are absurdly complex as Scotty likes to say.
I was wondering that too, this cars needs to have the clutch fully pressed in to engage the starter. But I also wouldnt be using the started, so i guess that doesnt matter here. Maybe if theres still enough existing power to power the fuel pump, spark plugs & ECU it'll work. Im a bit shocked it didnt work on your 01. I think ill still use a low power charge if its ever dead.
Yes, that jump pack is your best bet. I've been looking at getting one my self the past few days. I assume yours plugs into a USB port so in theory it's always charged for an emergency?
I have a NOCO, got it for around $100 as a gift maybe 2 years ago. Probably used it 5 times max, its worked well so far. It came with a 12v DC car plug to a USB output, but I typically charge it inside with like an Iphone charger. I like it bc it seems safe & super easy to use. I think scotty made a video about some jump packs a year or so ago.