Really strange problem and searching got me nowhere. Some background:

Like many of the 6th generation Accords with the non-climate controlled ac, my switch panel for the AC quit working. I tried 3 local you-pull it yards, then ordered one from the high-end recycler (who never came through; that's another story).

So, on to eBay. On eBay, the switches come as part of the radio surround panel, including the center AC vents, clock, emergency-4 way flasher switch, and all of the HVAC controls. Easy install, and I've got AC again! No small thing in central Florida in July, especially with a dark green coup.

One really bizarre thing though: the 4 way flasher provides power to the ignition. If I turn it on, the instrument lights plus all of the emergency and indicator lights come on.

If the car is running, just the instrument lights come on, and then I can switch the key off and the engine keeps running.

Tomorrow I'll try swapping out the switches between the two panels, but in the meantime: is this something that anyone else has seen or hear of?