Hey all, have a couple of questions for a project Ive been working on. So its a 2001 Accord with the vtec 4cyl engine, the original complaint from the owner was that the vehicle runs normally most of the time, but every once in awhile will die randomly while running - either idling or driving. So they've been going thru alot, changing a bunch of random parts and now (lucky me) its my problem. So after a couple days of normal running, the vehicle died and would not restart. So After a lengthy trip across town I get to the car, do the usual checks for fuel pressure (Plenty, and pump runs when the car is keyed on.) but of course, cranks but will not start.

So testing for spark, I wasn't really shocked to find there was none. Having recently dealt with a similar issue on a totally different vehicle I began to search for the reason there is no spark. Using a bi-directional scan tool I was able to observe that the fuel pump is being commanded on, the Immobilizer is switching to a 'Run" state when the vehicle is keyed on. So that ruled out two concerns. So I did a little research into how the vehicle actually generates signal for spark and I ran across one oddity. There is a four wire connector on the side of the distributor, and according to what diagrams I was able to find online it appears that the black/yellow wire is supposed to be supplying 12v to the distributor (From the ignition switch) - however, this is not the case. I found between .2 and .4V on the wire with the KOEO, initially leading me to suspect a bad wire / ground connection. So after examining the black/yel wire for about as long as I could and finding it in serviceable connection I checked the black wire for excessive resistance from (Harness end near ignition switch connector) and the distributor connector. I found both continuity and low resistance.

So, this has me thinking - has the ignition switch failed? Could it have been supplying the proper voltage at times and cutting out at other times and now has just totally failed?

So I ordered the switch, and plan to make the voyage back out there once it arrives. but is there anything else I could be overlooking?

Keep in mind I have verified the following.

Fuel supply, grounds, battery cables, the integrity of the black/yellow wire which supposedly provides the voltage to the ignitor.

any help would be appreciated!