Hi guys, hopefully you can help me diagnosing the problem with my car.

I have a 1997 Honda Accord EX Automatic with 134,000 miles that will occasionally have problems starting and/or turning off unexpectedly. The engine will start then turn off immediately. If the key remains turned to start and I rev the engine for 3-5 seconds it will remain running with out shutting off. This issue happens intermittely.

Also, while driving (usually car has been running for atleast 20 minutes) the car will shut off. This has happened a hand full of times and all but one happened on expressway driving. If convienent I will pull over and start it up, but lately I have shifted it into Neutral, restart, then proceed with driving (all without pulling over). To me it seems these problems are connected. Any help diagnosing the issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have a friend with a chevy lumina that starts like that. He believes it is the MAP sensor, but it could be a number of sensors other than that.

when your car shuts off is the temperature normal beforehand?

 

yea because Accords are just like Luminas

I would suggest either the igniter or the electrical side of the ignition switch
* Does the tach act funny near the time it acts up?
* if you play with the key when it's running does it act up?

 

I am also going to go with the ignition switch. Check that out. Start the car and jiggle and see what happens. Does it cut off? Look there first.