I searched the forums and did some google searching but still have not found an answer.

I have a 96 accord LX 4 cyl non vtech manual.

Sometimes, more lately, I will be driving my car without any issues, and when I turn my car off, all the power goes out. No locks, lights, or anything. I cannot start the car. It might take 10 seconds for the power to come back or a minute. Lately when the power comes back on the horn will start going off. When the power is off for longer than 10 seconds, the ecu must be resetting, as my check engine light has been reset. "CEL is from a missing cylinder"

A week ago when I was driving I noticed the power go out for a spit second, when I turn on my high beams. The radio and gauges all die, but turn back on right away.

Could this be a ECU issue, short, or a relay? Does anyone know where I should start looking?

I am not looking to put a bunch on money into the car, I have had it for 10 years and put 4k miles on it a month. Maybe up $200, other wise I will just go buy another car when this one dies.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Loss of power sounds like an issue with the ignition switch... http://techauto.awardspace.com/ignitionswitch.html

However the horn honking sounds like an alarm issue.

Check the ignition switch for wear via the link provided.

 

^ this

 

Would the switch be related to having no power to lock my doors?

I know the key cylinder is worn, as I am able to start my car with a screw driver and able to remove the key while the car is running.

Thank you.

 

Check the battery terminals. I remember my car didn't start right away andi had to keep the key on the start position fora few seconds. The battery terminals were loose

 

If it is sloppy enough it might, but that would affect any other shared circuit feeds.
Have you checked all fuses, verified no wiring is damaged, or loose connections?
If the lock cylinder has been punched it could be that there are other problems or damage done to the car due to previous theft. Aftermarket radio installations can be pure hack jobs, and if the radio was stolen and then replaced with a factory type unit then the wiring may not have been done correctly.

 

Start with just replacing the lock cylinder since you know it's bad and you need to replace it. If that doesn't completely fix your issue replace the ignition switch or atleast test it.

 

start by cleaning and tightening your battery terminals and ground connections, loose connections/frayed wires can heat up due to added resistance and when they get too hot, the resistance becomes too great to keep the circuit functioning properly.

look at your battery if the positive terminal is the only one corroded, or corroded far worse than the negative, then you have a loose/dirty ground point