carlmoll Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I recently bought a 2004 Forester X (manual). The salesman told me that there is no way that it can be "push started". This means that unless you carry a spare, charged battery, then you are totally stranded if the battery goes flat. Isn't this a backward step? Or is there some way that the motor can be cranked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 The salesman is probably on crack (like most of the Subaru dealer people). He most likely told you that as a CYA (cover your...) measure, in case you did roll start it and something bad happened. The ONLY thing that I can think of that might cause trouble is that the ECM would not be recieving the "start" signal while the engine is turning, but I can't imagine that would keep it from starting. It might take a little longer, but it should still start. There's only one way to find out really. Just roll the car down a little hill in 4th gear, pop the clutch, and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 The car can be push started if there is enough juice to run the fuel pump and the puter, but not enough to run the starter, or if teh starter fails. Even the salesman dont really research the car or even read the owners manuals.... alot dont bother to know thier product. I think once the car gets below 4 volts it wont push start. I think that the bar minimum for the ECU fuel pump and fuel injectors to fire off and to excite the altenator, but im not sure. As with any car with an altnator, of the car is stone dead, it wont push start. You need some residual power there to make an electric feild in the altanator to getr things going. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 It can be done, BUT the risk is getting fuel into the cat and a big POP! When it explodes. It'll cost you a new catalyst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferret Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I did this from time to time with MY02 Forester. No gas flows thru the injectors until the ECM receives a pulse from the crank / cam sensor. I never had a problem. On a hill, I just turned the key to on, rolled down in 3rd and released the clutch slowly. Started easily every time. Since then we moved and I have done it also in MY04 Forester, but due to flatter terrain around our home, not as frequently. But I assure you, I have still done it on MY04. I expect it saves the starter and solenoid contacts. No probelms....No adverse effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 No adverse effects, IF your engine is fine and isn't starting because of a faulty starter or low battery voltage. However, if your ignition isn't working, you will find that the injectors put out fuel and foul the catalyst. Ok, they don't always pop, but you can bet it will stop working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 er um .... there is this really handy invention. Where you stick the key, if you twist is all they way, as far as it will go, the car will start. Its almost like magic. I dont know about anyone else, but i would much rather replace a starter then replace a catalytic converter. Its handy to know how to push start a car, but with fule injection you wait till the last second to turn the car on then let the clutch out to avoid that entire BOOM thing nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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