Read the thread for 2009 titled "Honda Civic Won't Start After Throttle Body Cleaning."

I'm having the same problem. My 1998 civic has been stalling at idle on and off for over 3 years. Cranks right back up, though. My CEL is on all the time, but the codes point to the upper O2 sensor, which I have replaced but the light still stays on with the same codes. Had no problems for 10 months, now I've got one.

Just last week, the car died on me under power and won't start. Cranks like a bull, but won't turn over. I replaced the fuel filter, checked the relay and fuel pump. I even replaced the spark plugs. After replacing the plugs and fuel filter, I got it to start. Ran it at idle for 20 minutes and it was fine (except for some oil smoke in the exhaust, but I overfilled a little when adding some gunkout). Next morning, I took it to work and it died on me after 2 miles. Haven't been able to get it started again yet.

I assume I got it started the first time because it was flooded out & when I replaced the plugs the cyclinders got a chance to breathe out. When it stalls, it just quits - no chugging, no noise, just stops immediately like I switched it off. It almost acts like it's shutting itself down, but I don't have theft deterrent systems or anything that I could think of that would send a signal like that.

I'm about to change the pcv valve and clean the throttle body, but I'm not too confident that those would shut me down like that with no shudder, shake, or shimmy. If that fails, I'm grasping at straws... another O2 sensor next - maybe upper and lower (before/after catalytic converter). Can the O2 sensor have anything to do with it? Do they put shutdown codes in cars nowadays to risk lives saving air quality? (I hope I'm kidding on that one).

Anyone have any ideas?

One more thing to add... I had the ICM checked and it works fine. I replaced the coil & distributor about 9 months ago. Got spark from my plugs - checked that too. When it ran, there was no dieseling or out-of-time symptoms.

TxGreaseMonkey, I need your help on this one.

You have had a lot of patience, to put up with a stalling Civic. It's too dangerous, however, to tolerate that at all.

The oxygen sensor my have thrown a code, due to incomplete combustion. It may really be fine, however. I suspect the real problem is with the distributor. I'd replace the ICM, especially if it has never been changed, since I place little faith in testing them. If the problem persists, I'd install a genuine Honda distributor housing. Too many aftermarket distributors for Hondas are junk, which may include your's. You don't suspect it, since it's new.

Be sure to perform the K-Test on the ECM in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-2.html#post229012

Use a code reader to reset the ECM. Ensure the CEL then comes on and goes off normally, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II). If that happens, then the problem is almost guaranteed to be with the distributor.

Here's how to replace the ICM:

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

ICMs sometime fail due to a short in the rotor or distributor cap, which causes the high secondary voltage to be discharged in the distributor, often ruining the ICM and coil. Ensure your distributor cap and rotor are in good shape.

Thanks, TxGM.

I'll run the tests before I buy anything else. The throttle body needs cleaning either way. Any precautions I should take? I've got some CRC MAF sensor cleaner and a new gasket. I'm planning on removing it to clean it tomorrow.

Nothing special. This may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-7.html#post1054149

Thanks TxGM!

I installed a new distributor and that seems to have done the trick - at least it started right up once I installed the new one.

I tried all the cheap suspects first - (checked for gas in the tank :-P), tested fuel pressure, installed new pcv, new fuel filter, tested fuel pump and main relay, tested for spark, installed new spark plugs & wires, tested ICM, cleaned IACV, installed new distributor cap... nothing worked. Once I put in the new distributor, fired up on the first shot.

Never would have figured it to be the distributor housing.

Thanks again!

Nice job. Yes, hands-on experience is the best teacher. Did you install a genuine Honda distributor housing?

OK so I have done all the above I have replaced the rotor, distributor, wires, plugs and even the head gasket and my car dies still here and there like if I start it up I have to press the gas in to keep it running for about 20 sec if I don't it dies right away. I even replaced the head gasket.

I also have like a coal type film that is all over my back bumper where my exhaust is as if its un burnt fuel but yet I don't have any leaks and also my antifreeze is a little milky after replacing the head gasket I'm stumped I have no idea what to do. And I don't think I have a cracked block