Let’s say I have a problem with the starter motor, or the buttery is too weak, how can I start the engine by towing or just letting the car go downhill? Of course, we are speaking about a manual one.

Not tried it the Freelander but have in other cars:ignition on, second gear, clutch in. Gather speed then let clutch out quickly.

Managed to do it in reverse with a Peugeot 504. Could not get the starter motor to work.

Now I have an auto so I'm stuffed! Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

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I have done it myself with many cars but with freelander 2 it’s not working. It seems that there is a conflict with various sensors and switches. In order for the engine to start, it has to rotate with enough speed and the clutch has to be pressed.

Surely the clutch has to be pressed just for the starter motor to work? By that reckoning, you are saying that the car can't be tow started. Are you pressing and holding the start button first without the clutch depressed to turn on the ignition?

Yes! By pressing and holding the start button for 2 seconds the ignition turns on.

Without pressing the clutch.

Ok sounds like it isn't possible. If the starter motor is sticking try rocking back and forwards in first gear, or hitting the starter motor with a wooden mallet (not sure how easy that would be). If the car then starts, it is the starter motor which needs replacing. If your battery goes flat after a few goes then it is your battery.

I was always taught as an apprentice to not bump a diesel due to the high compression in the engine causing damage to the transmission.

I've heard Some horror stories about transit cam chain tensioners being damaged and cams jumping teeth due to bumping.

However diesels get bump started all the time and seem to suffer no problems after.

Check your battery isn't totaly flat as you will need some power to allow the run stop solenoid and ecu to do their thing.

Get up some speed, with ignition on and clutch in engage second gear and slowly bring the clutch up. Don't dump the clutch as it will cause unneeded shock.

I checed the battery is good. Anyway, sometimes it starts some time it does not. I can hear the solenoid when I push the start button. By having someone in the car (to push the start button) an me hitting the the starter with a hummer always start's. Obviously is the starter the problem. The issue here is how we can start the engine by running downhill. I think the ECU is not leaving it to start. Or maybee is just a switch on the clutch that has to close contacts without pressing the clutch (somehow).

Why not change the starter motor?

I think you are right. I have tried various combinations in the past but been unable to get the engine to fire up on a hill.

Thank you for your help.
Sooner or later I will have to change the starter.
I am disappointed though as I considered that the main advantage of a manual gearbox over an automatic one is that you could start the engine even with a drained battery.

No, surely that is the driving experience!

Do not try & bump start what ever you do unless you fancy snapping the timing belt.