Honda Car Forum

While driving yesterday, the engine cut off. Indicator lights came on (as if the key was turned, but the engine not cranked.) I pulled over, check belts and oil, then tried it again. It started up...ran for a minute or two, then died again. I let it sit for a good half hour, til my Dad showed up. We started it again, ran fine for 10 mins, as I was trying to get to my brother's house. Halfway there after about 10 mins. it died again. I let it sit for 1 min. then it started up and ran all the way to his house (4 more mins?)

Today, I replaced the fuel filter. Started it up and headed home. Ran great for 15 mins. Then cut off on the interstate. I pulled over, waited a few mins. then continued. Ran for a few mins. I did this three times. Then it was taking much longer before it would start again, and shutting off much quicker, so I left it on the side of the interstate and got a ride home.

Starts up great.
Does not sputter or make any noises...engine just cuts off.
will start up great again after a few mins.

POSSIBLE CAUSES????

Thanks,
SKY

So this doesn't sound familiar to anyone?

That sounds strange, have you checked your spark plugs, if they have not been changed in a while that may be the problem. They could not be getting a spark and when they do they cannot sustain ignition for long periods of time. May want to check the Alternator, spark plug wires and distributor as well. Something is not allowing your engine to "spark" and ignite the fuel to keep the engine running.

Thanks for the idea.

I've read in old threads, and it seems that maybe it's one of a few things.

Igniter? (ignition module) -would a bad module cause the symptoms I'v
described?

Main relay? - Does this cause these symptoms when it goes bad?


I know I need to see if it's not getting fuel or spark when it quits. I will, it has just been too cold, and I have another car, so I'm not in any extreme hurry.

Just hoping someone could chime in about their experience with a bad IGNITION MODULE (igniter) or MAIN RELAY.

Thanks again.

It is confirmed that the engine does not get spark after it has quit. I assume I'm getting fuel.

I have also noticed that the check engine light does not go off when the problem is present.

Wait a few minutes, and the check engine light will go off, and it will start as usual....but will run for about 20 seconds.

Something electrical getting hot after it runs for a while. Is there a relay that would act like this?

Ideas?

Thanks,
SKY

Due to the amount of help I received in this forum, I doubt anyone cares. But for someone in the future with a similar problem who finds this thread, I will post my results.

I replaced the ignition module this morning. Cheap one from O'reilly's auto parts, $43.

It has solved the problem.

Now if I could just find a way to take off about 250,000 of the 315,000 miles it has on it.

adios,
SKY

Thanks schuyles for posting your results and being helpful.
Thats way I am responding.

Ignitor problems: I have had 2 ignitors (ignition modules) fail before. Usually the engine runs for a bit then it stops. Then you wait a while and it will start again. Make sure you fix this soon. I am told it will get worse fast and only last you maybe a week.

Main Relay (fuel pump relay): I have had this fail also. It happens on HOT days 85-90 degrees. The engine stops and will not start until it cools down awhile.

Coil Problem: I never had this happen until today. It was a cool day 65-70 degrees so its probably not the Main Relay. I tried to start the engine over a 3 hour period and it would not start, so its probably not the Ignitor. I checked the coil with an OHM meter and it was out of the recommended specs for 2 of the 3 OHM tests. (This is the first time I have used a OHM meter (it checks for resistance on the metal) and it was extremely easy to do. It only took about 10 minutes to test. For a 2nd test on the coil, I pulled the coil wire on the distributor and put a screwdriver in the hole and held the wire next to it to see if it would spark while someone cranked the engine. No spark. I will buy a coil a let you know what happens.


other helpful links
1992 accord no spark