I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder. It has 192,000 miles and is used as my everyday commuter. About three weeks ago, my wife was driving it and said that it shut down in the middle of the highway for like 4-5 seconds. Gauges all went to zero and dash lights illuminated. After 4-5 seconds everything came back on and was fine. It didn't need restarting or anything. It just started working again she said. I thought maybe it was because she was running on dead empty and the fuel pump shut the computer down for a few seconds.

Fast forward to yesterday. It happened again. Exact same scenario but had a half tank of gas. Same exact symptoms. Again, didn't need to restart or anything. Just started working again after 4-5 seconds.

Needless to say, with a 40 mile commute on major highways, I am a bit nervous to drive it. There are no codes and no service engine lights on. I replaced the O2 sensors last year. New radiator 4 months ago. Literally those were the only repairs in the last 4 years. It did have the ignition switch recall performed.

I have read on line and talked to some buddies that it could be anything from fuel pump, alternator, or distributor.......I know there are a few guys on here that give really sound advice and was wondering if there was any input you could give. I have a shop to take it to but would like more information before I go if possible so that I don't get taken to the cleaners.

This car has been AMAZING in its performance and reliability and am willing to spend some money to keep it going, but at some point it will become diminishing returns.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

 

Sounds like the elect part of the ign switch is giving out. Pretty common on these.

 

That's my guess too. I ordered the part and will install it hoping it fixes the problem. Figured it was easier try that first and see what happens - worst case I am out $50 and minimal time to replace a part that probably would have failed soon anyway. Already traced the cables and grounds best I could from the battery and all seems OK there. Thanks for the input.

Shawn

 

Mine did similar -- ignition switch fixed it. The switch was covered by a recall, but they said mine had already been recalled. ???

 

+1