Anyone ever push start a JK? Have you tried and it didn't work? I'd like to know if it can be push started. And, for those who may have done it, did you have the ignition switch in start or run?

Another way to put this: When does the JK's anti-theft key verification system check the key? In start or run?

 

Key on, roll the jeep in gear and let your foot off the clutch once your moving at a decent speed once it starts depress the clutch again so you don't stall.

 

Done it a bunch of times. Some wiring issues to a powered sub turned out to be faulty...but anyway, its easy as pie. Key in and turn like your starting it up. Getting it going at a decent speed, I've done it on flat ground at just over 5mph, but going down hill is much easier. Make sure its in SECOND or even THIRD gear, never first and pop the clutch out rather quickly. And zoom, your off.

 

That's what I'm focusing on. Okay, last night I tried it like we would have done in the days of yore (a long, long time ago) and just had the key in RUN. But, I think I must put the key into START (hold it in that position during the process) in order for the key to pass the Sentry test. Once the vehicle is running for a few sec's, I can release the key to the RUN position. That's what you're saying, right?

 

I pushed started my old Sentra back in the early 90s and I just put the key in the run position, in gear, clutch in and popped it when my buddies got me going fast enough. If you were holding it in the start position and once the Jeep started and power is flowing wouldn't the starter begin to turn...causing that "The car is already running why did you try and start it again grinding sound!"

I'm not sure about the sentry key stuff though. I would think just having it in the ignition would verify it.

 

i just turned it to run and it worked. i was curious about the same thing one day so i checked it out. since it was in perfect running order, the jeep would have started on its own had i turned it to the start position. turn key directly to run, roll, pop clutch, drive away

 

I sometimes do it when ever parked on a hill. But my cheapo electric cooler killed my battery one day. Few buddies pushed and I popped the clutch in second or third. No prob, you do not have to have the key in the start position.

 

I didn't have to hold the key like you would to engage the starter motor if that's what you mean.

Where it rests where it has been started, yes.