Rep Power: 188

I have a 1999 Civic DX, 4-speed auto.
I can be coasting down a road at 20MPH or so, with my engine off and the transmission in neutral, and then I put it in either 'D' or '2' (forget which) and transmission fluid will transmit enough power to turn the engine! It's not both positions, just one of those. I know 'D' and '3' both start at gear#1, and just effects going into 4th gear + overdrive, so no difference at this low speed.

Also, if you turn off the ignition at this shifter position while cruising at 20MPH or so, the engine won't stop turning, you'll feel the engine turning slowly, I don't have a tach, I'd say a few hundred RPM but I'm not sure.

It could be done at less than 20MPH, I'll have to check it out. I think I remember doing it at 15MPH.
Will update.

Neat eh?

 
Rep Power: 0

The transmission will keep the motor turning over for a short period due to residual transmission pressure. But usually after a few seconds it will loose pressure and stop turning the motor.

 
Rep Power: 314

What? Why? You will destroy the transmission doing this. Automatics are not designed for this.

 
Rep Power: 188

@BlueEM2, just in case your battery dies and you want your car to work without jumper cables.
I'll try to find out if it's 'D' or '2' that this works in and lowest engine start speed soon.

 
Rep Power: 314

Hmm... I'd have to be REALLY stuck to do this. Like in the middle of the desert with nobody to call for jumper cables.

 
Rep Power: 188

Heh um, a little embarrassed here but I tried it today but it didn't work!! Doh! Perhaps that feature of my transmission has worn out...

It wouldn't keep the engine spinning or spin it to starting speed in 'D' or '2" at speeds up to 25MPH.

 
Rep Power: 294

I've done it in in my automatic Impala, getting pushed by another car on flat roads. I had a bad starter. Speeds were always close to 45-50 mph to get it to start. Saw a crazy video of a guy jacking car up and spinning his tire with some rope, then popping his clutch.