I have a 2000 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe (automatic) and hadn't had any problems with it, until today. I was driving along and had to stop at a red light. When I went to pull away from the intersection after the light turned green, the engine just lost all power and started chugging and eventually died. I couldn't get it to restart immediately, but eventually after about a minute, it restarted and run just fine for about 5-10 more minutes, then, after slowing down to turn into a neighborhood, it happened again. As I hit the gas peddle back down to get going down the road, there was no response, the engine just started chugging and stuff, so I shut it off. I waited a minute and it restarted running just fine. To me, it sounds like I could have a problem with my ECU or something like that... does anyone have an tips here?

Could it be a bad fuel filter? plugs? plug wires? or does it sound like an ECU fault?

 

so after some searching, the only things I've turned up that is somewhat similar sound to what is happening to my car is related to my ignition switch. am i reaching at straws or does this sound right?

 

I under stand your frustration. My 99' Ex Coupe, V6 does the same thing. Honda put out a recall on two parts they believe to be an issue. One directly relating to our problem.
-The first is the replacement of the ignition switch. This is aimed at stopping the spontanious dying of the engine and all electronics. HOWEVER I have gotten a hold of "Honda of America"( a consulting service for Honda owners, provided by the honda corporation).I believe the # is 1-800-999-1009. They can tell you if the car has been serviced for said recall.
-The second is a neutral safety switch that may refuse to disengage or not engage at all at times. Stopping you from taking it out of park-OR- not stopping you from taking it out of park when the vehicle is not running, nor the brake pedal engaged.

I found that both of these were performed on my car by supplying them the VIN.
But of course it still does both. The ignition switch problem more than the other.Unfortunately Honda feels once they have done both recalls, they are free to wash their hands of any further liability.
After talking to a good friend of mine at the Honda dealer, it seems that replacing another part may fix the ignition switch problem. According to him, a couple of customers have gambled it and haven't complained since. I have miss-placed the OE part #. But the NAPA, ECHLIN part# is KS6853. I haven't changed this out yet bt once I do- Im going to do a proper write up on this whole thing if it fixes the problem.

P.S. If any of this info is missleading I apologize. But I will do the research and look through my notes to update this topic.

 

it didn't lose all the electrical power, it just started to chug then died. no matter what position i put the throttle pedal in, there was no response. i'm hoping it is something as simple as having the ignition switch replaced, even if its already been done and i have to pay for this one.

 

talked to the tech yesterday, he seems to think it is probably a bad "main relay" so... who knows.

 

call a dealer give then your vin # ... have them check to see if there is still a recall for the ignition module ... even if its not the problem for sure ... its best to get it fixed before the problem starts ...

 

thanks for the advice. they did and there's not recall outstanding for it... i followed up with Honda America anyways and got the same results.

 

well atleast that eliminates that theory ... im stumped hopefully someone can figure it out ...

 

It sounds kind of like a fuel supply issue. Have you considered dirty fuel injectors? I just changed the ignition switch in my '97 Accord and the symptoms your'e having don't sound like the ones I had. Fuel injector cleamer is cheap, easy and may elimenate some speculation.

 

I'm going to clean them soon, however, I got the car back yesterday afternoon with a new Main Relay and the issue has not repeated itself, yet. I feel fairly confident that this has corrected the issue, but still, there is some maintenance (injectors, plugs, etc.) that I am going to take care of this weekend, just to try to be safe.

 

This may sound stupid, but if the problem accurs again: try jiggling the key in the ignition and pay attention to see if the dash lights attempt to do a self check.If so, this is most likely an ignition switch issue.

But I do hope that you got it fixed. Keep us posted!