Starting a diesel with dead battery

[BBrodin]

Is there a way to start a diesel pickup when the battery goes dead?
Say your in the mountains with no battery to jump your diesel, can you start it by rolling down hill and putting it in gear? How about an automatic transmission?

 

[Dave Fritz]

I've done this with a totally dead pair of batteries.

With a manual, you must pull the fuel shutdown solenoid by hand and use something to tie it up. Get the truck rolling and pop the clutch in 3rd gear; it should start with no problem.

Automatics can't be push started.

Dave

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1994 2500HD 4X4 modified for off-road camping
2001 2500 ETH/DEE QC SB 4X4
Fritz's DodgeRam.org

 

[Eric_77]

Are the new trannies not able to be push started or is it real bad for them. On my old muscle car (66 GTO) the manual said to push start with auto to place in second gear and push to about 35 or was it get to 35 then put in gear that seems harsh. So I know auto can be push started but that was in the days before electronic trannys.

 

[Ethdee]

Most new transmissions don't have rear pumps.

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James
1990 <font size="1">Ford</font size> 1/2 ton shortbed 4x4, 351, 4. 10 LSD

[This message has been edited by Ethdee (edited 05-17-2001). ]

 

[Missouri Mule]

The owner manual says it is no-no to push start.
But what the heck if your in the middle of nowhere and no one around why not. Just don't turn it off until you get new batteries.
Manual yes. Autos???

Saw somewhere advertised (and seen Interstate Battery man use one) a portable battery jumper. Plugs in to ac outlet to charge I think. The one I saw was about the size of brief case.

 

[rhoads]

With a auto you are dead in the water!!!!!!!
Stick pull ur on the shut off solenoid,,tie ur and roll off the hill--or pull, put in fifth gear pop the clutch --and will pop off . .
to jump start if totaly dead(both batt) may take tow sets of cables& two batt's