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View Full Version : 1991 honda accord shuts off while driving but restarts


drummerboy72
Apr 12, 2011, 06:13 PM
Hi there, so my '91 Honda Accord has been an incredible car but in the last month, it has stalled numerous times. It will start again within a few minutes & I can literally drive it for a couple hours without anything happening & then all of the sudden it just dies again.

To me it seems like it's not getting the proper spark/gas to keep the engine running. I've had the ignition switch replaced & it's still doing it. Scary situation on the freeway! I'm pretty sure it's not the battery, alternator or starter because all of my lights & electrical stuff work fine.

Any ideas, anyone?

TxGreaseMonkey
Apr 12, 2011, 06:18 PM
Replacing the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil will solve the problem:

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

drummerboy72
Apr 12, 2011, 06:33 PM
Wow, thanks for your help! In your response, I'm guessing that the Ignition Control Module (ICM) & the ignition switch are NOT the same thing? If that's the case I will definitely get this thing fixed tomorrow!

TxGreaseMonkey
Apr 12, 2011, 06:38 PM
They are totally separate. Your problem, by the way, is a common one on cars of that generation. It's easy to fix. Make sure the heat transfer compound is applied to the back of the new ICM.

drummerboy72
Jul 3, 2011, 11:27 PM
TxGreaseMonkey, if you're there I could use your help again. So, a friend & I ordered a new ICM & coil & replaced it about two months ago. The car ran perfectly without any issues for a month. However, now I am going through this same stuff again, only this time the car isn't necessarily starting when it stalls now. The engine just cranks but won't start. Seems like it's not getting gas.

Needless to say, this is really upsetting. Is this car even worthwhile?

TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 4, 2011, 04:44 AM
If the CEL comes on for 2 seconds and then goes out, after the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), then I would replace the distributor housing (genuine Honda only). Internal sensors may be bad. Install your new ICM and coil in the new housing, being sure to apply silicone heat transfer grease to the back of the ICM. If you didn't apply the heat transfer grease before, it may have caused the ICM to fail. Ensure you can hear the fuel pump run, when the ignition switch is turned to Position II.

drummerboy72
Jul 6, 2011, 11:06 AM
Thanks again for your help! Lately, the CEL light has been staying ON (before it was turning on & then turning off after a couple seconds, like you mentioned) & therefore the car has not been starting. After a couple hours or so it will start but it's mainly stalling right away after it runs now.

I'm thinking of ordering the distributor housing but you said to ensure I can hear the fuel pump run with the key turned on. Where is the fuel pump located on the Accords?

TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 6, 2011, 11:52 AM
Since the CEL has been staying on, the problem is likely the ECM. Perform the K-Test on the Map Sensor. Look into getting a remanufactured ECM with a lifetime warranty.

drummerboy72
Jul 6, 2011, 12:04 PM
Thanks again. I will look into that. I've noticed they are really expensive but I'm hoping that's not the case. Going to take it into Honda today & get it diagnosed. They can pinpoint the problem, right?