I believe auto trannies need the front pump running to supply the pressure necessarry to apply the appropriate brake bands and clutch packs to apply a gear. Since the front pump is driven by the tranny input, then it cannot hold a gear unless the engine is running and therefore cannot be push or pull started.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record