98 Honda Accord Dies at random; Won't Start

h20mobius · #1 Sep 3, 2005, 06:27 PM

Mom has a 98 Accord. Car dies intermittently, and then won't start.

HOW IT DIES: The RPM's gradually drop (at random) until the idle no longer keeps the engine running. If you notice it dropping, you can give it gas and "ressurrect the idle" - which seems to be fine for awhile after.

AFTER IT DIES:
After the car dies (at random), it will turn over with a healthy crank, but not start unless you let it sit for 5 minutes or so. So far, this has happened in relatively warm weather (75+).

AFTER IT RE-STARTS:
No check engine lights are flagged, and the car runs fine for an indefinite amount of time (sometimes days).

My theory is, it has to be related to Engine Management (sensors, OBD, etc), Fuel Delivery (pump, relay, filter) or Ingition (spark, distributor, etc).

Has anyone experienced this? Dealership says they can't find out what's going on...

Many thanks.

dave98accord · Oct 18, 2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h20mobius

Mom has a 98 Accord. Car dies intermittently, and then won't start.

HOW IT DIES: The RPM's gradually drop (at random) until the idle no longer keeps the engine running. If you notice it dropping, you can give it gas and "ressurrect the idle" - which seems to be fine for awhile after.

AFTER IT DIES:
After the car dies (at random), it will turn over with a healthy crank, but not start unless you let it sit for 5 minutes or so. So far, this has happened in relatively warm weather (75+).

AFTER IT RE-STARTS:
No check engine lights are flagged, and the car runs fine for an indefinite amount of time (sometimes days).

My theory is, it has to be related to Engine Management (sensors, OBD, etc), Fuel Delivery (pump, relay, filter) or Ingition (spark, distributor, etc).

Has anyone experienced this? Dealership says they can't find out what's going on...

Many thanks.

Same problem here!

Now my wife has a 99 Civic that had this problem as well and she had the cap, rotor, plug wires and plugs replaced and this seems to have solved the problem I am now facing the same issues with my 98 Accord and will try the cap, rotor and wire routine to see if that helps.

That said, there was another part behind the fuse box that I saw on this forum, but can't find right now, that may be the culprit.

stay tuned and I'll let you know how it worked out.

Duane in Japan · Oct 23, 2007, 12:55 AM

The under dash fuse box may have the Electrical Load Detector (ELD) attached to it.

dave98accord · Oct 23, 2007, 04:45 AM

Ok here goes,

I replaced the Main Relay and that seemed to help a bit but now the hesitation on start up seems to be the cap, rotor, wires thing. (Just when you think you've solved the problem!)

That is where I am now.

dave

Duane in Japan · Oct 23, 2007, 05:32 AM

You should verify if there is no fuel or no spark or your no start scenario next time please. More help if you need guidance.

dave98accord · Oct 23, 2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane in Japan

You should verify if there is no fuel or no spark or your no start scenario next time please. More help if you need guidance.

Thanks, I am inclined to say that it the spark issue. My guess is that the wires etc haven't been replaced in a very long time.

Duane in Japan · Oct 23, 2007, 06:04 PM

My friend, go pick up an adjustable spark tester from your local parts store, they were in the past mainly available to the professional, I understand now they are available over the counter, pull a plug wire during your no start scenario, plug in this tester to the plug wire and ground it, have a friend try to start while you monitor for spark, say 15KV adjustment.

There is a FAQ on how to inspect the ignition system, ignition coil and ignitor at the top of the forum. I understand that Autozone can check both for free but I do not know their procedure. I guess you have to remove them and hand carry the items inside for bench testing.

dave98accord · Oct 23, 2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane in Japan

My friend, go pick up an adjustable spark tester from your local parts store, they were in the past mainly available to the professional, I understand now they are available over the counter, pull a plug wire during your no start scenario, plug in this tester to the plug wire and ground it, have a friend try to start while you monitor for spark, say 15KV adjustment.

There is a FAQ on how to inspect the ignition system, ignition coil and ignitor at the top of the forum. I understand that Autozone can check both for free but I do not know their procedure. I guess you have to remove them and hand carry the items inside for bench testing.

I will try that.

Domo!

haller24 · Aug 9, 2009, 01:22 PM

if your having a prob with it strarting and and dropping...try checking the igniter in the distributer...most common.I had this prob.auto zone sells this for 44$ rather then 60$ and up.but there are ways of testing this.also check the timing and idle air control valve

notnilc · Sep 3, 2009, 08:17 AM

Hi, i have proplem whit Accord 3.0 -98 its wont start.
Chek engine start ligt, but main relay dosnt wont.
Where is mainrelay?. sorry my bad english.