So here's what's been happening to my 98 Accord. For the past few months the engine shuts off during driving and sometime a couple min after starting. I thought for sure it was the ignition switch wire. So I replaced it and felt that it was the issue. So just today I started the engine and after 30 sec to a min the engine cut off. Then it started fine. Then at night I started the car again and it was fine but right after pulling out of my parking stall, steped on the brakes it turned off. Tried to restart it 3 times with pulling the key out each time to have it die within seconds. I don't know what else to check or replace. I took it to 2 shops and they can't duplicate the issue. Any sugestions would help.

 

PGM-FI Main Relay.

When you say "shuts off during driving" what exactly do you mean?

Do you lose all power or is it just the engine that "shuts off"?
Meaning, does everything else still work, lights, radio, heater blower motor, windshield wipers and so on?

When engine quits, what do you see on the cluster, any change from when engine is running? 94

 

Thanks for the reply. For most of the time it is all power loss then maybe 10 sec after I have power. Some of the time I still have power in the cluster but could see all gauges shut down to off position.

Another strange thing happened today as well: Put key to second position and I can't remember if I tried starting the car yet but all my cluster lights started flashing quickly with clicking noise. It did it twice after removing the key each time. Then it started normally the 3rd time. Actually the first time the engine did come on then turned off after 10 secs. Thanks again...

 

You have a power or ground connection problem.

Start by redoing the main batt. to chassis and chassis to engine ground, probably one cable running from batt. to engine with a clamp to chassis at some point along the cable, probably under the batt. like a lot of other Honda/Acura, meaning you will have to remove the batt.
Sorry I am just not sure where the chassis ground is on a 98 Accord.

If that does not solve your problem check the main power connections, batt. to engine bay fuse box, alt. to engine bay fuse box, all main fuses.

With both the power and ground connections do not just eyeball the connections, remove/undo the connections, clean both contact surfaces and then reconnect, making sure bolts/nuts/clamps are tight. 94

 

We have a '99 CR-V that was shutting off. It would quietly shut off (engine quits and all dash, radio, lights, etc. go off). It would start right back up no problem. This occurred sporadically. I just learned there was an ignition switch recall of '97-'99 Hondas. Go to Honda's (recall site ) and type in your VIN to see if your car was included in the recall. My car was in there. I called the dealership this morning and they made an appointment with no problem and are fixing it today.

 

There is a TSB for this problem as it was quite common in Accords,Civics. and Preludes of that era. The problem is most likley the ignition switch. Some switches were replaced 2 or 3 times.