This problem just started happening yesterday while driving home. I was just cruising along at 55mph then all of the sudden the car just shut off. All the gauges went off like you shut off the car but the radio was still working. So I pulled over and it started right back up. Happened twice. It has never happened before. I imagine this is a very open ended question but just figured I would see if anyone else had this happen and what you did to remedy it.

 

And its a stock d16y7 engine. No swaps or mods beside an intake and catback exhaust

 

Is the CEL on? Does it work? When it cut off, did the CEL come on? When it does it again, check for a CEL, and pull the code. You'll most likely need to do this without turning the car off.

 

I didn't notice a CEL at the time. There is not one on right now. What is the easiest way to check if the CEL light is working? Should it illuminate when initially turning the key forward?

 

Yep, when you turn the key to ON(II), the CEL should come on for ~2 seconds, then turn back off.

 

Ok so CEL illuminates when turning the key. Took it to the local auto parts store here and had them check for codes and there were none. Also randomly after being warm now sometimes it takes a couple of key turns to start. Most of the time its right away but sometimes it takes some cranking before it starts.

 

Get one of these, use it, and tell us what color your spark is on all four. It's called a spark plug tester - you can find it at most parts stores for $10-$15. Ideally, do this test immediately after the car has died on you. Alternatively, do it when your car is having a hard time starting.



Your coil and/or ICM might be on their way out.

 

Hi guys, i have a 1999 civic (or known is south africa as the ballade) and my car does something similar. The car has a b20b engine in it and it did the same thing. I tried to start it again but just wasted my battery. Could it be my altenator or ecu that is causing it?

 

You might want to look into the ignition switch. I had a similar problem and the ignition switch was the issue. Check this thread out.

https://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-d...lling-2809649/

Good Luck,

DK

 

Thanx for the response king, i failed to mention that before the car dies, all the gauges dies and the car misfires. The lights also goes really dimm when that happens

 

Honda Acura ignition (no spark) troubleshooting tutorial - How to

Link to test the ignition switch

 

Would this also cause the car to shut off while driving?

So its happened various other times and at various speeds. Checked for spark right after it did it one time and spark was fine. Sometimes now it doesn't start right back up but everytime when you attempt to start it does turn over then dies within a second. It does fire then just stops. All the sudden it will just crank over and your good to go. Weird thing is, and I have tested this is, that it happens way more when the temperature outside is above 90. Also seems to happen a lot of times coming off of the throttle or cruising at a set speed. I have tried a couple of times to pop the clutch when it has happened at near freeway speed and that never works. You have to pull over and turn the key off then back on. I know that was wordy but just wanted to give some detailed experiences so maybe it will lead us somewhere!

 

Main relay

 

I would have thought this but I have never had a no start from cold. And even when it dies and you turn it back on its definitely getting fuel cause it fires right away and just dies. Guess it could be worth a shot picking a couple up from a junkyard!

 

have advance auto parts do an electrical system test. Alternator, battery, and parasitic loss

its free.

 

my money is on switch, once had a 99 accord (has a recall on it), did the exact same thing. test first, as always

 

Are we talking about the lock cylinder or the wires with the pigtail plugs on them? You can buy both I noticed!

LockSmart LA10165 - Ignition Starter Switch | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

Has anyone used one of these?. Seems like oreillys is the only one who sells it like this. All others have it as complete and also costs twice as much!

 

Honda sells them too..

 

never gone aftermarket, can't speak to the quality of that part, but that is what i think you need.

 

Just wanted to update this thread and say thanks to everyone! Replacing the ignition wiring after the key cylinder worked like a charm. Nothing has happened since. I also ended up using the Honda OEM part as suggested also! It was only a couple bucks more than the aftermarket part. One again thanks everyone and I am so happy to get that very annoying problem fixed !