i"ve recently purchased a 2002 honda accord, the previous owner has swapped the original engine with an H23a DOHC Vtec 4 cyl motor (bluetop). lately i have discoverd that i can start my accord WITHOUT stepping on my clutch pedal so clearly it has been bypassed. My question is if the securty safety system has been bypassed can this cause my accord to shut off while im driving? and what are some other things that i can look out for?

My accord also while driving when the engine light comes on, will not let me accelerate and the rpm needle twitches/flickers at times as well then the car shuts off. But as i turn the vehichle back on everything is back to normal. Now because this engine was swapped my mechanic is unfamiliar with it and is unable to diagnose any possible issues so if anyone can pls help me or if anyone has any advise for me it would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

Check the clutch pedal switch, didn't look at the books but I think there are two on that gen..one for the cruise and the other for the starter.

What codes are you getting...get them, that is the only place to start. If the light is coming on there are stored codes.

 

Why you would purchase a car with all those problems is beyond me.

 

rpms flickering. car shutting off. Most likely ignitor in the distributor.
H23 non-VTEC, H22, and H23 VTEC distributors are all interchangeable.
It is real easy to swap.

1. Remove distributor (if you have never done this, note cylinder position before removing by looking at the rotor)
2. Remove distributor cap (3screws/bolts)
3. Remove rotor (1 screw on the shaft)
4. Remove dust shield/protector (You should now be able to see your ignitor. Has 4 wires going to it. 3 on top 1 on side)
5. Note where the 4 wires go and remove them.
6. Remove 2 phillips head screws and pull ignitor out.
7. Replace ignitor and install new in reverse order.

I am not saying this is absolutely your problem, but I have seen it numerous times and an ignitor can be found at the junkyard for cheap or pocket.
(if you get that reference, your call) I know H23 VTEC has a hard time getting parts in the USA.

But look into that.
If you need pics I can provide that for you.

Good luck. This is the first step I would take.