I have a 1998 accord EX with the 2.3L Vtech engine. On my way home from work today the car beeped at me I think about four or five times...although there were no warning or indicator lights on. I continued to drive and it began to beep again and then the whole car just shut down, and I coasted to the side of the road. As Iturned the key to the off position, when it hit the ACC position I noticed the odometer come back on as well as the rest of the electrical. I got out and checked the oil and it was fine. I let the car set for a few minutes and then cranked it back up and it drove the rest of the way home fine. What gives??? I have had no problems at all..this is truly odd. I am suposed to use this car for a trip to Atlanta,GA this saturday, but am now very worried..I mean this thing just shut down while in gear and died!! Please can anybody offer any insight as to what this might be???

 

It sorta sounds to me like that could be a flaky ignition switch. Can you make it happen by wiggling the key?

(Don't put yourself in danger by doing this test in busy traffic...)

 

I will try it in the morning and see.

 

There was an ignition switch recall on some of the 98-02 Accords with certain VIN #'s. have you heard of this?

 

x2 .... our new moderator has seen similar problems. The ignition switch seems to be pretty common.

 

HA ha, is that ME?

My '98 Accord had a recall for the ignition switch, but they explained it as a reinforcement of the lockcylinder, so you cannot remove the key without turning it to OFF. Apparently the DOT thinks that's more dangerous than a carshutting off unexpectedly...

Besides that, I've heard enough stories of flaky ignition switches. Especially with heavy keychains.

 

LOL


Stonewall: Just a thought .... do you have an aftermarket alarm system in there? I've seen them cause weird problems that disguise themselves as ignition flaws too

 

Nope, no aftermarket alarm or anything and this morning on the way to work, I wiggled the key a bit while I was driving and it did nothing. It is running fine now, but who knows when it will do it again.....it would be pretty scary for it to die while I am running about 80mph up 85 in Atlanta traffic. I called my mechanic and gave him the scenario and he also thinks it is the ignition switch. I will check on the recall...meanwhile if it is not covered anybody know what this part usually cost? Thanks so much for all the responses!!