What is the starting sequence for a manual transmission car?
4 Answers
Manual transmission car starting steps are as follows: 1. Before pushing the car, turn the key to the ON position to power up the vehicle, eliminating the need for manual key ignition. 2. Then depress the clutch and shift into second or third gear. 3. When the pushing speed reaches about 10km/h, release the clutch while simultaneously applying some throttle assistance. 4. When the engine shows signs of starting accompanied by operational sounds, it can generally be started successfully. At this point, quickly depress the clutch, shift to neutral, and control the throttle properly to complete the startup. Extension: If attempting to start while in gear without depressing the clutch, it will cause the car to lurch forward, potentially leading to a rear-end collision. Additionally, the engine operating under heavy load may stall, causing abnormal wear. When in neutral, avoid rocking the gearshift lever back and forth as this accelerates wear on the shift fork, eventually leading to difficult gear shifting over time.
Back when I first got my driver's license, my instructor taught me that starting a manual transmission car involves five steps: First, make sure the handbrake is engaged and the gear is in neutral, then press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot. Second, turn the key to ACC to let the dashboard perform a self-check, and wait for all the warning lights to go off before proceeding. Third, lightly tap the accelerator pedal twice with your right foot to wake up the fuel pump—this is especially important in winter. Fourth, turn the key to start the engine while keeping your right foot near the accelerator, and release the key once you hear the engine roar. Finally, slowly release the clutch until you feel the car slightly vibrate, then quickly release the handbrake and give it some gas to start moving. Remember, starting the engine without fully depressing the clutch can cause the car to lurch forward, which is very dangerous!
When driving a manual transmission, we emphasize the 'three-point start,' but the actual startup is simpler: First, press the clutch pedal all the way down without being lazy—this action prevents rolling and protects the gearbox. Then, step on the brake with your right foot and pull up the handbrake with your right hand. Turn the key and don’t rush to release it; hold it for two more seconds to let the engine stabilize. Once the tachometer steadies, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch to find the biting point, and when you feel the steering wheel start to vibrate, gently press the accelerator while gradually releasing the handbrake. On flat ground, you can skip the brake pedal for a lazy start, but on a slope, you must follow this procedure—otherwise, rolling backward and causing a rear-end collision could be troublesome.
Starting a manual transmission in the cold winter months requires some techniques: First, turn the key to the "on" position without igniting the engine, allowing the fuel pump to work for ten seconds; then, press the clutch pedal fully and turn the key to start. After starting, don't rush to shift gears—let the engine idle in neutral for 30 seconds to warm up the oil. Wait until the water temperature gauge begins to rise before pressing the clutch and shifting into first gear. At this point, slowly release the clutch and apply throttle to avoid stalling easily. In summer, although deliberate warm-up isn't necessary, avoid driving immediately after a cold start if the RPM hasn't stabilized, as this can cause jerky movements. For older cars, pay extra attention to the battery's condition—when the voltage is insufficient, the starting sound will become sluggish.
