I have a 98 Accord which has been shutting off and then turning back on while driving all by itself. I mainly notice the problem because I usually drive with the radio on and then all the gauges go down to the rest position, the radio shuts off, all of this only for about a second or less, then the car turns right back on. When it does turn on the ABS light stays on. The light goes away after I manually turn the car off. Next time I turn on the car the light is off.

This has happened about 4 or 5 times in the last week. I remember it happened once about 6 months ago but that time the gas tank was pretty empty and I just thought it was that. But now since it started happening again I'm beginning to get a little concern about it.


I do want to add that recently my mechanic cleaned out the EGR Valve and replaced the O2 sensor that is located on the Cat converter. These were performed because of engine codes.

Please if anybody has experienced anything similar and has some answers then I would appreciate you let me know how to take care of this. I often drive with my 15 month old daughter and get very worried when this happens.

Thanks in advance

. Call Honda and see if there has been a problem (TSB) with the ignition switch on your specific vehicle.

. Ensure that the spark plugs (NGK only) are not over 2 years old, if they are conventional plugs, or don't have more than 50,000 miles on them, if they are platinum plugs. You also want to replace the distributor cap and rotor, if they have not been replaced in the last 60,000 miles. Replace the fuel filter, if it has not been replaced in the last 60,000 miles.

. Check for codes.

. Test the Ignition Control Module and coil at AutoZone (these items are located inside the distributor). They will do it for free, using their Well's machine. If the problem persists, check/replace the main relay. If the problem still persists, it may reside with the ECM (computer).

My gut is that a normal preventive maintenance item has been overlooked and it's catching up with you.