Hi all. I have a 90 Honda Civic. It is my only car now since my teenager stole my Pathfinder and totalled it 3 weeks ago. I have no choice but to repair this thing, which was originally to be her car. So, please don't respond to me with buy a new car... not possible at this time.

Ok, so we have replaced: distributor cap, starter, Master Relay, Main Fuse, Fuel filter.
After replacing the master relay two weeks ago after having it analyzed at a shop on the computer hookup. It seemed to be running fine. No problems until yesterday, when it started acting up again. We will be driving, and then it just dies, with the check engine light coming on full strength. It's like I am running out of gas. It starts back up. Sometimes by letting it sit, and fortunately, while in the middle of the road, it has started up right away. Now it's doing it more frequently. My guess is that this is a computer issue?
Could this have to do with the fact that somewhere along the line of owners, the fan was hardwired to the battery with speaker wire and connected to a toggle switch on the dashboard? I don't know, maybe a thermostat issue? I really have no freakin clue. TXGreaseMonkey, if you are on here, I would appreciate your assistance as you seem to know your stuff, and you aren't a jerk. Thx for your help! :eek::mad::confused::(

Perform tests, in Sections A and B, below:

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

If the Check Engine Light (CEL) stays on, when you turn the ignition switch to ON, the problem is likely with the ECM; therefore, perform the K-Test on the ECM. ECMs on these older Hondas are dieing--it often starts on an intermittent basis.

Here's how to replace the ECM:

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

If the CEL only comes on after the engine dies, then I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

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

I recommend replacing ECMs, ICMs, and coils every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. These are problematic components on Hondas of this generation.

Thx! Isn't the ECM that black box under the Dist. cap? We replaced that too last year. Could it be the whole distributor?

The ECM (computer) is under the dash, along the right kick panel. The ICM is a little black box inside the distributor--it contains a microchip that gets fried.

Once again thanks for help and infanite patience... so I just tried to start my car and was getting the cel again with no start even though the main relay is doing the three clicks only after the third time trying I held the key in start position and it started right up. Now thinking maybe ignition switch? Is there a way to test it to see if that is my problem and would that also cause my car to die while its running?

Yes, that sounds like the ignition switch may be bad. Check it for wear, pitting or melting. Here's how:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-2.html#post224652

If the CEL stays on, when you turn the ignition switch to ON, the problem is a bad fuse, main relay, ECM, or ignition switch--that's it. Again, it sounds like your problem now is the switch. Here's what the ignition switch and harness looks like and costs:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=BOR&MfrPartNumber=CS592&PartType=410&PTSet=A

since it just dies randomly, could it maybe be the fuel pump?

txgreasemonkey knows his Hondas, but I used to have a Chevy that would randomly die, then start up again after a rest and run fine - turned out to be the fuel pump.

Might be the solenoid is going bad.