CivicNoVa

I have a 1998 Civic EX automatic that consistently stalls at random. I think it must be an electrical problem because when it does die, it is sudden, not slow like a fuel problem would be.

It can happen at highway speeds or while I am sitting at a stop light. Without warning the tach will drop to zero and the engine will shut off. Often, if I am moving at the time, the tach will snap back up to where it had been and the engine will be back on. This sometimes happens two or three times and then it won't come back. But if I'm idling, it usually just shuts off. Much of the time the car will restart by turning the key to off and then cranking it for a few seconds (sometimes while pumping the gas). Every once in a while, it won't turn over at all, and I have to wait for some time before it will start again.

These problems have so far only happened while the car was warmed up (after 20 minutes of driving or so) or on a really hot day.

I have replaced the Main Relay, and that doesn't seem to be the issue. I hear the fuel pump run every time I turn the key to On, so I don't think it is a fuel issue. I have also taken it to my mechanic and he said that he couldn't find anything wrong with it. His advice was to drive until it won't go any more.

Any advice you give would be much appreciated.

Former User

Sounds like a bad ICM inside the distributor. Have it tested.

JonGP4

Having the same exact problems, although I have replaced the ICM (Ignitor) and re-soldered the connections on the Main Relay, still hasn't fixed the issue.

Thinking a new Main Relay might be my next choice, but would love to hear other opinions.

This is on a 98 Civic Hatch, Base DX, no A/C

Former User

^Resistance test the coil.