My '99 Accord, 140k miles, recently began having a problem where every now and then, the engine suddenly cuts off for several seconds. This happened the first time over Txgiving weekend, happened again once in January, and has happened a couple of times in Feb. I'm worried since the frequency seems to have increased, and I'd really like not to have to wait until it's cutting out all the time to get it fixed.

Gas mileage is also down by several MPG, and I think the car isn't quite as peppy as it was.

I had a very similar problem some years ago in my old Saturn. When the problem was finally fixed, gas mileage and performance both also improved. I think the fix that finally did it was a new distributor, but I can't remember for certain.

Has anyone had this sort of problem? Any suggestions what it might be? Thanks!

David

 

When was the timing belt changed? Last oil change, tune up? My 95 Civic was doing the same thing you described, then the timing belt went out. So more information on maintenance might help people figure out the problem.

 

Timing belt was changed about 30,000 miles ago. Tuneup maybe 40-50k ago.

 

There have been stories about flaky ignition switches. See if you can make it happen by wiggling your keys (withoutbeing stupid in traffic...)

Any check-engine lamp? Go to AutoZone or someplace to read stored codes, just in case something is stored without the CEL being lit.

Ignition system (distributor/plugwires)is a good thought, but I wouldn't do much $$$ unless I test something & it tests BAD.

Let it cool down completely, open the hood & get someone to start it incomplete darkness. Look for arcing along the sparkplug wires or distributor cap. That would mean they need to be replaced.

 

I'm pretty sure there was an ignition switch recall on 6th gen accords. You could look for that and there should be somewhere listing what VIN# Honda's needed a new ignition switch.

 

How heavy is your keyring? Seriously. A dozen keys swinging back and forth can definitely wear an ignition switch.

This has been a problem with some of Honda's bikes.