My car won't start sometimes but it will start when I push it off

Tiny
OCEAN LADY
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 SATURN SL1
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 250,000 MILES
I have used your site for quite some time now. Thank you very much for providing it for us. My question now is partly answered already, but there is something else i'd like to know. My car won't start sometimes but it will start when I push it off. (You know, manually with the car in second and popping the clutch.) Does this sound like the starter still (or the fuse) I haven't checked the fuse yet because it's hard to get out and I need to buy a pkg of replacement first. Just wondering in the meantime. If it means anything that I can push and start. Thanks so much. Ocean Lady
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 AT 10:31 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This could be due to a bad starter.
When you turn the key if can hear the starter click but not crank over, it means that the power is going to the starter, but it is not engaging.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Just so we cover all possibility, have you tried jump starting the vehicle?
As you know bad or weak battery can keep the car from starting.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-jump-start-car-battery-using-jumper-cables

If you are able to jump start it then the issue is a bad battery.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2021 AT 8:30 PM

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