Can you push a car with a manual transmission if it is in first gear?

Why do you want to push a car with the transmission in first gear?

If you push it in neutral, it will push a lot easier.

If the point is to turn the engine to make it start, because the starter is not working, then you could push it and let the clutch pedal up with the ignition on, and the engine may start.

Why you would want to push a car with the transmission in gear, when the point is not to start the engine, is strange.

If you are just asking if turning the engine by pushing a car with the manual transmission in gear will damage the transmission, then the likely answer is no (within sensibility).

But if you pushed the car 60 mph in first gear, then there would likely be damage to the engine.

I'm just not sure the context of your question.

If the engine can move the car through the transmission, then the car can move the engine through the transmission.

-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972

It could be done, probably not by one man alone.

Yes. The clutch must be engaged, the switch turned on. Push car to start coasting; then driver must pop/release clutch (3rd gear is best). If the car won't start to begin with - why be worried about the transmission? In my experience - it should be fine. Deal w/the transmission at a later date. Biggest worry if it should start is the gear box AFTER it starts. Best to find out the real reason behind why the car will not start.

With the clutch in

yes. best avoided though as excess force can cause transmission damage . if carried out slowly and not for any length ,will not be a major issue with most vehicles.

Many times I've push started a vehicle with standard transmissions. You need to put the tranny in 4th gear.

That won't damage the transmission, gently pushing the car and it will be hard to do, since you're working against engine compression. You might damage any part of the drive line hitting the car hard with the transmission in 1st gear though.

Yes you can if you keep your foot on the clutch.

If you need to start the car, then its better to keep it in second gear and depress clutch when you got enough momentum.

In first gear, there is a lot of stress on the drivetrain, yes. It is not a good idea and why?

And pop starting a car works much better in a higher gear!

all it would do is turn the engine over... and you probably would have a hard time getting it to move if it was in 1st gear or any gear... if my car won't start I always look for easiest place to push in my surrondings and put car in neutral then once it is rolling at about 5mph + then put it in 1st or 2nd gear and pop starts the car. do not believe it will damage

A car, once in gear, can be pushed without doing damage to the transmission, unless it's pushed at high speed and the gear box is stuck in a lower gear. The only difficulty is overcoming the moment of inertia in the torgue converter.