I'd appreciate any assistance in diagnosing this problem. I've taken it to mechanics and they can't seem to figure it out.

I have a 1996 Honda Accord 4 cylinder dx.

The car has real trouble starting in hot weather, but starts easier in cold weather. In hot weather, it usually won't start at all. It will crank though, it just won't start.

The car also randomly shuts off when I'm cruising on the road. Just shuts off and I have to pull over (power steering off). The radio is fine though, so probably not the battery. I have a new battery in it.

The mechanic has tested it with a new distributor/igniter, but the problem remains, so he ruled out the distributor.

The gas pressure was checked, and it was normal.

Alternator was checked and is functioning properly.

The mechanics latest theory is a "bad computer."

Any ideas or thoughts? Thank you.

 

Main relay is often the culprit, http://techauto.tripod.com/

 

the PGM-FI main relay should be checked. my prefered method for checking it is to replace it with a known good one (read: new one) and see if the issue is resolved.

the story behind these relays is that they tend to develope fine cracks in the solder joints. the heat in the car on a hot day can be enough to open this crack to the point that current flow is insufficient to close contacts and send power to the fuel pump. normally when the interior of the vehicle cools, it will start up. in your case it may actually be a loose solder joint since it cuts out while driving. this is my theory.

 

Potentially the ignition switch too.