DaLex

I got this car a little over a year ago from someone who had finally fixed it up after letting it sit for over a year. It ran perfectly when I first got it, however about six months into having it, the check engine light would come on randomly and the car would start accelerating slowly and then shift awkwardly between 3rd and 4th gear. (By awkwardly, I mean the car would sort of tremble and the little needle on the tachometer would go up and down and up and down and then shiiiiFT.) But then go back to normal a few days later. I've pretty much figured out this has something to do with the vacuum system. But of course, being in college and having no money to take it to a mechanic, I just kept driving it and tuning it up as best I can. My dad assured me that as long as the "vitals" are still functioning properly (cooling system, ignition, fuel, suspension) that I could still drive it, as long as I get it fixed "eventually."

But then one night, I was driving down the highway at 60mph with cruise control on, when the engine died. No bang, no jerk, it just out of nowhere lost its tug and rolled to a stop. All electronics were functioning, so this rules out battery/alternator. I tried starting it back up again, in which it would turn over but not start. Timing chain is fine, fuel pump is fine. The guy who towed me home was a self-proclaimed mechanic, though he was baffled at how a car could just lose power at highway speed.

My dad and I changed the distributor cap and rotor, since both looked pretty worn... but still, the car refuses to start.

Now, I know that the 99 Accord had a recall about a bad ignition wire, so I changed that out almost the day after I got the car. So I KNOW it can't be that... but still I have no idea why it died out at highway speed and won't start. Like I said, new cap and rotor, functioning timing belt, fuel pump fine... what could it be and how would I go about diagnosing the problem?

Fitz Williams

iTrader: (1)

I would bet on the igniter. I had that happen once.

DaLex

I figured it was something else inside the distributor. I just ordered a whole new one.. will be here in a few days.. Let's cross our fingers and hope this works!