It is standard procedure that was actually part of driving test in some countries were they have then (not the US). The situation would be a car stalls on a rail track and does not start or after a spin stops sideways on a highway and car does not start. Put it in second gear and crank-it

I appreciate the railroad track/stall explanation, thanks Yo.

Rick

under warranty...

My guess: a simple wiring snip (or a relay job) will "fix" it.

I wouldn't try anything without a wiring diagram though.

My father's Prelude had same stupid Ralph Nader idiot switch. Well, one time it failed - couldn't start car with clutch engaged or disengaged. He was by himself in garage and was about 70 years old, so a bump-start was out of the question. Car had to be towed to dealer.

As for me, GET THE RALPH NADER IDIOT DESIGNERS AWAY FROM MY CAR!!!!!

NT

Its much easier on the engine bearings (thrust bearing, only one!) when the foot is off the clutch during startup. There is no clutch throwout force pressing on the thrust bearing at start up. There is no oil pressure and metal to metal contact when you turn the switch.

Safety is the only reasoning behind the interlock switch. Push starting would not harm the car's catalytic converter unless the engine (and converter) were at operating temperature. Yoiu could blow all the HC gas you wanted through a catalytic converter at room temperature. No reaction, no heat and no damage.

A short run push start would not damage the converter, even if hot.