can you push start with a bad starter/solenoid

01E46Joe · 05-03-2011, 09:57 PM

Ok so ive went through my reading, (http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/20...ter.pdf#page=4)
and i can hear a click when key is turned to on. However i tried bump starting the car twice and nothing, im not sure if the car was going fast enough, so i was wondering if the car fires right up if you have a bad starter/starter solenoid. Refer to page 5 on the site listed, thanks

planejane325i · 05-03-2011, 10:13 PM

Without actually being there it is difficult to say. The click you are hearing may be the solenoid. If it is the solenoid, it may be clicking due to the fact that it is not recieving enough ampers to turn over and engage the starter. That being said, if there is not enough power to turn the solenoid/starter, it is also possible that there is not enough power to run the fuel pump. The car should only need a few mph to start, make sure you pop the clutch hard, and if necessary put the clutch back in again to avoid a stall. To finally answer your question, yes you can push start a car with a bad solenoid or starter (provided the car has a manual trans, of course)

Stiggles · 05-03-2011, 11:01 PM

first off, what is your battery voltage when trying to push-start it?

01E46Joe · 05-03-2011, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac_2007

first off, what is your battery voltage when trying to push-start it?

have not checked, this can be done by the on board computer dash thing right lol, and all lights work normal, and horn sounds loudl. tried jumping it and nothing.

Stiggles · 05-03-2011, 11:14 PM

Its on the OBC, I think test 9.0 after you unlock everything with 19. You will need at least 9.5-10 volts to be able to run the car from what I understand.

If you say it still doesn't start, idk. Prime your fuel pump by turning the key to the ON/RUN position for a few seconds before trying the push-start and have all accessories/HVAC/lights off.
In case of a silly mistake, the key does have to be inserted and in this position when making attempts to start it by popping the clutch

mrcomic · 05-03-2011, 11:21 PM

You wouldn't happen to have halo lights installed would you? If you do and you connected them to the terminal under the hood check that for corrosion. I recently thought I needed to replace my starter after getting a new battery and my car still not starting. This is a simple check and easy fix if this is your issue, worked for me and worth a look.

05-03-2011, 09:57 PM	#1
01E46Joe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: sterling heights Posts: 52 My Ride: 2001 325i View My Garage	can you push start with a bad starter/solenoid Ok so ive went through my reading, (http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/20...ter.pdf#page=4) and i can hear a click when key is turned to on. However i tried bump starting the car twice and nothing, im not sure if the car was going fast enough, so i was wondering if the car fires right up if you have a bad starter/starter solenoid. Refer to page 5 on the site listed, thanks __________________

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05-03-2011, 10:13 PM	#2
planejane325i Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 90 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	Without actually being there it is difficult to say. The click you are hearing may be the solenoid. If it is the solenoid, it may be clicking due to the fact that it is not recieving enough ampers to turn over and engage the starter. That being said, if there is not enough power to turn the solenoid/starter, it is also possible that there is not enough power to run the fuel pump. The car should only need a few mph to start, make sure you pop the clutch hard, and if necessary put the clutch back in again to avoid a stall. To finally answer your question, yes you can push start a car with a bad solenoid or starter (provided the car has a manual trans, of course)

05-03-2011, 11:01 PM	#3
Stiggles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 5,711 My Ride: Was built Fri 13th View My Garage	first off, what is your battery voltage when trying to push-start it?

05-03-2011, 11:14 PM	#5
Stiggles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 5,711 My Ride: Was built Fri 13th View My Garage	Its on the OBC, I think test 9.0 after you unlock everything with 19. You will need at least 9.5-10 volts to be able to run the car from what I understand. If you say it still doesn't start, idk. Prime your fuel pump by turning the key to the ON/RUN position for a few seconds before trying the push-start and have all accessories/HVAC/lights off. In case of a silly mistake, the key does have to be inserted and in this position when making attempts to start it by popping the clutch

05-03-2011, 11:21 PM	#6
mrcomic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Laramie, WY Posts: 16 My Ride: 2000 328CI View My Garage	You wouldn't happen to have halo lights installed would you? If you do and you connected them to the terminal under the hood check that for corrosion. I recently thought I needed to replace my starter after getting a new battery and my car still not starting. This is a simple check and easy fix if this is your issue, worked for me and worth a look.