Hi everyone, I just bought a new-to-me 96 Honda Wagon EX with around 80k original miles and I don't have any history on the car. I've had it about a month and have put about 100-200 miles on it, and it has stalled twice. Each time it stalled, I was decelerating toward a stoplight or to turn a corner where I had to slow all the way down. Also, each time it stalled, it started right back up with no problems.

When it stalled, the dash lights went off, etc, AC cut off (not sure if that helps diagnose). I have been using the search and reading the help forums, and the below look to be the most common fixes, but am hoping to get our advice on what I should tackle first. I have basic tinkering knowledge, but would probably rather buy something new rather than solder something, but could be talked into it. Possible fixes (?):

• Main Relay - is this the same as the fuel pump relay? I've seen a couple different references
• Ignition Switch
• Coil inside distributor
• ECU

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Yes, the main relay is the same *** the fuel pump relay, were you low on fuel at all? My old wagon used to stall when in the same situations you described while being low on fuel.

 

Thanks, I wasn't low on fuel though. But did you ever figure out what the problem was?

 

If I remember correctly, I just replaced the Main Relay and it solved my stalling problem. Mine was fuel related so I'm not sure if it's also gonna work for you, but I'd go ahead and replace it since it's 25+ years old now.

 

Thank you, will give that a shot this weekend, and also still open to other's experiences with similar stalling as well.

 

Your main relay nor distributor or ecu would cause your lights to go out after stalling. The key ignition is a suspect. They do tend to fail and personally I have had to replace mine as similar symptom to yours. Mine got worse and almost got stuck far from home having to drive holding the key on and shifting gears.. They are very easy to replace.