1997 Honda Accord LX, 6 cyl, 2.7 liter, 180k. For the past few weeks the car has been making an audible tick or thunk sound that seems to come from the front passenger side of the car. Each time the car makes the tick, it loses electrical power and the dash and headlights flash. Most recently, the car has begun stall and regain power with each tick. Sometimes the speedometer drops to zero and back up again with the ticks. Battery is fully connected, can't see any visible loose connections...anyone have any ideas???

 

Can you make it happen by wiggling the key? If so, you have a flaky ignition switch.

 

Nope. Doesn't happen when I wiggle the key... Just occurs randomly - sometimes while in motion, sometimes while parked...

 

Loose, damaged, or corroded battery cable could cause these symptoms. Also just because wiggling the key doesn't cause the problem does'nt rule out ignition switch assembly. Notice when no-start occurs whether the dash lights come on or stay off. If they stay off, this suggest ignition switch assembly.

The clicking could be main fuel relay closing/opening when power is lost or possibly arcing somewhere.

Check under hood fuse box main lead connections for security also. A loose connection here would cause this problem also.

I would still lean towards ignition switch assembly because this is so often the cause of your problem.

good luck

 

Thanks gentlemen! Think it is the ignition switch - gonna get a new one today. Appreciate the advise - saved me a trip to the shop!