what automatic cars can be bumb started

[Miranda]

The short answer is that very few modern automatic transmission cars can be bump-started, and attempting it can cause serious damage to the transmission. This method, also known as push-starting, is primarily effective for manual transmissions because it directly engages the engine with the wheels via the clutch. Automatic transmissions use a torque converter instead of a mechanical clutch, which prevents the wheels from spinning the engine fast enough to start it when the battery is dead.

The core issue is a lack of a physical connection. When you push an automatic car, the wheels turn the transmission output shaft, but the torque converter fluid coupling doesn't transfer enough rotational force to the engine to crank it over. Furthermore, many modern automatics have electronic solenoids and pumps that require battery power to even engage the gears properly. If the battery is too dead to power the ignition and fuel systems, the engine won't start regardless of wheel movement.

Transmission Type	Can it be Bump-Started?	Key Reason
Manual Transmission	Yes, this is the primary method.	Direct mechanical clutch linkage spins the engine.
Traditional Automatic	Almost never.	Torque converter fluid coupling prevents effective engine cranking.
Automated Manual (e.g., some early Smarts)	Technically possible, but not recommended.	Has an internal clutch, but requires complex electronic interaction.
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)	No.	Uses a pulley system or other mechanism that lacks the necessary direct drive.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)	No.	Computer-controlled clutches require battery power to function.

Your safest and most reliable course of action is to use a portable jump starter or traditional jumper cables connected to another vehicle. This provides the necessary power to crank the starter motor and run the car's computer. If you're frequently in situations where a dead battery is a concern, investing in a compact lithium-ion jump starter is a wise preventative measure.

[AdalineAnn]

Forget it. I learned this the hard way with my old sedan. We pushed that thing halfway down the block and it just wouldn't catch. A neighbor came out and explained that automatics don't work like a stick shift. There's no direct link from the wheels to the engine. You're just wasting your energy and risking a huge repair bill. Grab some jumper cables or call for a jump start. It's the only way that works.

[Annie]

From a technical standpoint, bump-starting relies on creating a direct mechanical connection to turn the engine over. Automatic transmissions are fundamentally different. They operate through a hydraulic system and a torque converter. When the battery is dead, the transmission's internal pump lacks the power to build the necessary pressure to engage the gears effectively. Even if the car is moving, the engine won't crank. Attempting this can lead to insufficient lubrication and damage internal components. Always opt for a proper boost.