Hi,

I can't for the life of me figure out what is wrong with my car. I have a 1990 honda accord ex automatic with 160k. A while ago my tachometer would start fluctiating erratically while driving, and it was determined that the cheap distributor I bought off eBay was probably the problem. I bought a new (actually remanufactured) distributor from autozone, and shortly after it started doing it again, even worse sometimes to the point where I think it is going to stall. So I don't know if it is REALLY the distributor, because I have replaced it twice now.

Now the next problem, I have no idea if it is related to this or not. Now this problem is new, I have never had it before. It happens mainly when I am taking off from a stop. I hear a clicking on the left by my knee at the same time that the engine feels like it completely cuts off for a split second and comes back. Now, it seems to do it anytime I give it more than half throttle. Any suggestions for this are greatly appreciated. I can't trust my car the way it is and am not ready to buy another car yet. Thank you!

Have you replaced the fuel filter in this car? It sounds like you are not getting enough fuel to the engine from the way you describe the problems. Try that - they are not expensive and should be relatively easy to replace.

. Perform the tests, in Sections A and B, below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563.html

Be sure to run the K-Test. The ECM may be failing and it is causing the main relay, near your left knee, to go beserk.

I only recommend genuine Honda distributors. There have been many problems on this site with members who have installed new aftermarket distributors. Personally, I would run the tests above and likely install a new genuine Honda distributor, along with a new Ignition Control Module and coil. On older Hondas, problems tend to be failing Ignition Control Modules, coils, ECMs, and main relays.

OK, today something happened that I know is related, and maybe it would narrow it down. When I went to start my car, the "sport" light was staying on, and it would crank but not fire at all. After taking out the key and putting it back in a few times, the "S" light went out, and it would fire up for a split second, and then shut off as the "S" light came back on. I finally got it to start after I turned it to "on" and something by my left knee was buzzing, after 15 seconds or so it stopped buzzing, the "S" light went out, and my car started right up and drove fine.

Could the distributor cause this? I will still try the K-test tonight, but I'm trying to narrow it down.

It sounds like the ECM (computer) is bad, which the K-Test should confirm. I'm virtually certain of this. Here's how to replace the ECM:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563-3.html#post235038