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View Full Version : 98 Honda Civic Shuts off while driving


heather81
Feb 24, 2006, 01:06 PM
Ok here is the freakin problem...

I can be driving and my car will completely shut off. The radio will turn off and turn back on, but the power steering goes out, the blinker won't work and then the lights on the dash board will blink on and off with a sound of a clicking noise that sounds like it is coming from the glove box. Then I try and start the stupid thing and it will turn over (start) and then turn right off. It usually takes a few times before it will actually start again. It doesn't matter if I am going 60mph or 30mph is will just shut off. I got a tune up because I had it tested on some computer thing at AutoZone and they said it was misfiring. Then my mechanic said he doesn't really know what would cause that problem, but he thinks it is the distributor coil. He says it will be more of a trial and error type deal. I can't afford to pay to have something fixed that is not broken. Can someone please help??

OMARH115
Feb 18, 2011, 01:04 PM
I have had the same issue for 4 months now, when i got the car from my dad he complained about the same thing, and its sporadic this problem. He took it to a mechanic and they had it for a week and they couldn't figure it our either. Once i received it, i took it to my own mechanic who looked at it and told me it was the distributor cap and then charged me 400 dollars to fix it. 3 weeks later it happened again. Finally i fuond eric car guy on you tube who pointed out it may just be a faulty main fuel pump relay located to the right of the glove box. I replaced it twice with an aftermarket relay ($50) and the problem got worst. Finally i went to honda dealership and picked up a honda authorized matsuba relay ($75)and it got a lot better. About one month later (this morning on my way to work) it did it again, stalled out, clicks from the glovebox and while it happened on an on ramp for a highway i went all the way down to the bottom of the ramp before it turned on again. And then it was fine. Please help us... anyone!

TxGreaseMonkey
Feb 18, 2011, 01:15 PM
. Perform the K-Test on the ECM:

The K-Test: Remove the MAP Sensor connector and turn the ignition switch to ON (Position II). Using a multimeter, check for 5 volts going between the MAP Sensor connector's reference wire (+) and ground. As you look at the connector, this is the socket on the right. Really press the black test lead into a cleaned main ECM ground on the thermostat housing. If the voltage is low, it’s probably indicating ECM failure. Most failed ECMs will record a fraction of a volt. To me, the K-Test is simple, elegant, and accurate. Many Hondas parked for several years are now back on the road. "The K-Test creates massive value, by providing a low cost solution where one did not previously exist."--TxGM

If it's the main relay that is clicking, I suspect the ECM may be intermittently failing. Be sure to clean the main ECM ground, located on the thermostat housing.

. Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil, if the problem persists:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-4.html#post265896