Originally Posted by Relic1
it depends on the trans's ability to lock into a gear as well. most auto trans's don't lock into a gear till it sees enough pressure and the right vehicle speed to do so.
I know for a fact that you can do what Hondaman said with older domestics, but I've never had to try it on a honda.
I did a bit of research and this is what I came up with.
Most automatic transmissions will not push start. There are a few exceptions though. A couple of the GM Power glide, and early Chrysler/Dodge Torqueflite 727 transmissions: These had an auxiliary pump driven by the tail shaft. Push the vehicle, this pump turns, you get fluid pressure, the clutches can engage, and voila: you can push start. This still requires a longer run than push starting a stick tranny.
So basically, the engine turns a pump to pump the transmission fluid in an automatic. Unless the transmission has an auxiliary pump, which the Civic Automatic does not, it will not push start.