I have a 99 Accord, Manual Trans, 4 Cyl.

So there I was minding my own business driving 55 MPH on the highway and It stalled. I put it in gear, popped the clutch and got nothing. Then I pulled over to a complete stop and tried to start it and it immediately cranks and lights up to about 1k RPM and then dies. If give it gas it will sometimes go to 2k rpm before it dies. It is almost as if there is a start sequence, but it dies early in the sequence.

What I did
- Checked Fuel Fuse
- Replaced Fuel Relay under dash
Nothing changed, but without the relay it simply cranks and cranks
- Replaced the Fuel pump.
Nothing changed
- Checked Spark Plugs, they are worn but bone dry
- Tried a different key, with no change.

I talked to a Honda tech and he said something about a circuit under the steering column that can fail. Does anyone know what this is called?

Any other ideas would be much appreciated.

 

Tech may have been referring to the ignition switch itself. If a heavy weight(key charms, trinkets, 10+ keys, etc) is on the key tumbler it can cause the switch to wear out prematurely. If you pull off the column covers, you should be able to pull the electrical switch off and inspect it for wear at the contacts.

FWIW, I thought the 98-00 cars had a recall on the ignition switch for failing in just a manner.

 

WINNNER!!!!!!!

I held the key for a few seconds after it turned over and it held.

Now I may swing by the honda dealer and get that cable

 

It may just be the lock cylinder that is bad if the key is real loose inside the tumbler.