Hey Everyone:

My '98 Accord (EX 4dr) won't stay on. It will turn over, start, but stay idle for a few minutes at about 400-500 rpms when cold. Once it warms up, it will no longer stay idle at all and shuts off unless I keep it on by revving the engine. The engine does a lot of shaking during its 500rpm idle or at 1200rpm while I keep it revved. The check engine light has come on while troubleshooting, but I had no warning before the problem started. I stopped at a gas station to refuel, and the problem started as I pulled in and the engine just bogged down and shut off. It was fine earlier that day.

I live in Los Angeles, the car has 130K miles, and is serviced regularly. The last major service I had performed was an overhaul of the tranny.

Has anyone encountered this problem before? If so, is it spark, fuel system, or pump? Thanks for the insight.

. Check for codes, using a scan tool.
. Make sure spark plugs (NGK only), distributor cap, rotor, and fuel filter have been recently replaced.
. Test/replace the Ignition Control Module (igniter) and coil. Some auto part stores can do this for free. Because of the mileage on the car, I would replace them. I recommend doing this every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

You probably have a stuck or bad eiacv(engine idle air control valve). Check it by unplugging it and see if it makes a difference. If not than it is not working. Car should not shut off though. Unplug eiacv. Clean throttle body of carbon and restart engine. Turn idle air bypass screw on throttle body out until the car will idle, then down to 450-500 rpms. This is base idle. Plug back in eiacv and restart. If it does not idle at 750, then you have a problem with eiacv and go from there.

Sounds like you need a good tune-up and needs spark plugs and wires. Also check the motor mounts if your motor is shaking or vibrating that will be the definite cause. You can have someone to check it for free.

Try having someone check your O2 Sensor... this is an air sensor for your engine(from what I understand). I have owned several Accord's (mostly older models) and this is a common problem. Also, check your hoses... its a pain in the rear, however, the smallest hole will have MAJOR effects on these cars.