I have a 98 Accord, auto tsmn, 4 cyl.: Lately, it just dies while driving. No sputter or warning, the engine just cuts off. After 1 - 3 minutes, it will start again. Runs fine when it runs. Yesterday it did it twice while going 40 or 50, and 1 time while sitting at stop light. Someone thought it might be the "brain box", but other than that, I don't know.

 

Try to make it happen by wiggling the key. It's not uncommon for the electrical part of the ignition switch to get flaky.

When it quits, it will NOT immediately re-start?? Does the starter crank but it doesn't fire up? If so, then carry around a spare spark plug. Unplug a wire, plug it into the spare plug, & check whether you get spark. You want to decide if the non-start is because of no-spark vs. no-fuel.

 

Thanks Jim. It cranks fine and sounds as if it will start, but when I let go of the key, it's not running. I'll try this a few times, let it sit for a minute or 2, and then it will start.

 

Try this...
Start it, but don't completely release the key. Release it just enough so the starter quits running, but hold the key just a bit against the spring. Get it?

If you can make it start & run like this, that almost proves it's a bad ignition switch. When you finally let go & allow the spring to push the key back to the ON position, it'll act like switching the key OFF.

 

Get the dealership to run the VIN, you might get a recall freebie.

 

Thanks Hondadude:

So a recall, possibly, even if this honda has 141,000 on it? I don't know the dealer, so just check with the one closest to me, you think? Thank you.

Jim:

I'll try your tips tonight.

 

Any dealer can look that up, with your VIN. Doesn't have to be the original selling dealer. Well, probably has to be within the same country, or at least the same continent...

IF its got an active recall, it'll be a freebie.

 

thanks, guys for your help a couple weeks ago. It WAS the ignition switch, and it WAS covered at no charge due to a recall! You guys rock - thanks again. I love the internet !!

 

Hey, thanks to you for taking the time to post up what the 'fix' was;
most of the time the people trying to help are just left wondering if they helped or not.