Ok Honda enthusiasts,

I have an issue that I can't seem to figure out! So I have a 1998 Honda Civic Lx 5 speed manual transmission (no mods) with a check engine light for the Catalytic Converter (not the problem).

The issue is that while driving my car seems to shut off for a second and start back up. note: the radio doesn't turn off, the rpm's drop and speedometer drops as well.

Any Ideas what this might be?? or where I can start diagnosing??

 

Ignition is starting to be. why on't you fix the o2 problem have you check that you're not getting any other codes

 

I don't have any other codes. the ignition is starting to be what?

its not an o2 problem I need to replace the Catalytic converter... and that thing is expensive.

 

Sorry was on my ipad.

the ignition is most likely on it's way out. just throw a test pipe on if emmisions isn't an issue,

 

When you say the ignition.. Do you mean the ignition coil?? In the distributor? Or the ignition switch in the steering column? I have already replaced the ignition switch on the steering column at the dealer (it was a recall).

 

ignition coil within the distributor. Have you replaced the spark plugs/wires at all??

 

honesty it sounds like it might be a the secondary fuel pump relay to me. I had a problem like that once. test them out. then again your post is really general. good lucky

 

If emmisions is an issue, buy an aftermarket high flow cat. They cost way less than oem, but function the same. They probably won't last as long, but you're still coming out ahead. Most exhaust shops will install parts you bring in.

 

if the price of parts are to much money for you, you could always resort to duct tape and bubble gum. like s2 said, there are cheaper alternatives out there. You could even slap a test pipe on for the time being.

 

What codes were pulled? If its P0420, the cat below efficiency, you do NOT need a new cat, although many repair shops would say so. A simple fix for that is some sort of fuel system cleaner, I used techron, and a nice drive on the freeway at 65+ mph. That worked for me. But then again, wha was the exact code pulled?

 

Yes thats the code thats pulled... I will try a fuel system cleaner.

 

yes I did last year. I'll check the ignition coil.

 

How can I test if its the fuel pump relay???

 

its not the fuel pump relay because my car turns on.... if it was the fuel pump relay it would not turn on.

 

It's the secondary fuel pump relay and can cause intermittent problem(happens only sometimes). If it is the primary and gets too hot if will shut the car off completely and not restart, until it cools. I need to look for this nice schematic I had for an 94 accord I had. Anyways better luck to try the cleaning products first before you go in to deep lol