RedZoneOS

98 civic EX. 3 ish years ago i got a new distributor, within the past year i've changed the cap/rotor, spark plug wires. I have no CEL, no significant idling issues (just a bit high at initial start up)

anyway, i only have random issues with this car like every couple of weeks, and always while driving or stopped at a light.
The other day, I was making a left turn and when I approached 45mph car died. (all the dash lights came on, no power steering etc). Few days prior, I was waiting at a light, and all of a sudden same issue.

Since it works more often then not, can i rule out grounding/wiring/fuse issues?

based on all the researching I did on this forum, it seems it could be Main relay? One of my friends also said alternator, but I find that hard to believe considering the issue occurs so randomly, and I never lose battery power... what do you guys think

carlos8

When the car die and you try to start it do you Hear the fuel pump prime?

If not check your Main relay. If the pump prime check for spark if not spark present check the ICM.

RedZoneOS

thanks for responding, sorry been working too much and i forgot about this, haven't had issues since i posted!

anyway, not sure how to listen for a fuel pump?

as far as spark, i have no start up,driving, or idling issues at all so I can't imagine its that but I will test it anyway.

testing/checking ICM or anything like that is probably outside my realm of expertise so I'll probably take it to a mechanic at that point. Any other simple things I can check on to eliminate possibilities before I take it to a shop?

goldsy

For the fuel pump, you'll hear the relay click about 2 or 3 seconds after you turn the key to the on position. In my 97 Hatch, I can only hear the relay, I can't hear the pump from the drivers seat.

Best option, hop in the back seat (the fuel pump is right under it. Have someone turn the key to the on position and listen for the sound from the fuel pump. It's as simple as that.

RedZoneOS

all right thanks i'll try that if i keep having problems. I checked the relay clicking sound and it works fine, but since I was having such random and infrequent issues, I figured it would work until the problem comes up anyway.

I decided to pull the relay and check the solder contacts. They are definitely worn down and a few have weird bulges/cracks. I think I may just replace that since its like 30-40 bucks and go from there. I'd try to repair it, but i have no soldering skills lol

by the way, any idea if the ones on amazon are the same or should I buy from one of those honda direct sites?