Anybody bump started car with an automatic gearbox?

[G350]

Anybody here managed to bump-start a car with an automatic gearbox apart from me and 530dTPhil?

530dTPhil said:

I did it many years ago with a Beetle automatic. The handbook said tow to about 25 mph and engage drive -- it worked! Never tried it on any conventional automatic though.

^from the "Correct way to push-start a car" thread.

G350 said:

Free-wheeling in neutral with the engine off down a very long stretch (>10 miles) of deserted desert dual carriageway in the middle-east, put the ignition on and just snuck it into D and the engine started in a very smooth and undramatic way. Easy peasy. Not tried it in my other automatics.

1995 model Jeep Grand Cherokee, full-time 4x4, 4-litre 6-cyl, 4-speed autobox.

Most driver handbooks warn against it, some threatening serious gearbox damage. Also due to the probable speed involved it is possibly not the safest thing to be doing.

But has anyone else tow-started or bump-started a car with an auto gearbox? What speed? Any damage/problems?

[G350]

Welshbeef said:

But you shouldn't bump start even manuals since catalytic converters were introduced as the unburnt fuel kills it and a new cat is not cheap and if exhausted is an mot failure.

Don't bump start cars

That's a good point. My Jeep was a leaded-spec car with no cat.

Here's what it says in my 2011 BMW 3-series handbook:

...With a catalytic converter, the vehicle should only be tow[-started] when the engine is cold; with an automatic gearbox, tow-starting the engine is not possible...

[G350]

Welshbeef said:

With auto's firstly if the engine is running and let's say you accelerate up to 50mph push it into N and then let it coast down to 40mph and push it into D? Anyone tried anything like that?

Yes, loads of times with the G-wagon, Forester and others. No probs. It just slips back in to gear - bit like letting the clutch out in a manual.

Not tried it in the E91 (yet) as its only done 000200 miles

Why you ask?

[G350]

Thanks all for the input. It's been a good read.