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-   -   1999 Honda Accord Breaks Down/ Check Engine Light On (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=247888)

  • Aug 11, 2008, 03:23 PM
    donaldson966
    1999 Honda Accord Breaks Down/ Check Engine Light On
    I have a 1999 Honda Accord (4 cyl). It has always run well. It has 120K miles and has been well maintained. I recently paid over $1000 for regular maintenance -- replace belts, tune up -- the typical manufacturer's check-up. Last week my car broke down 3 times in a short city trip -- lots of stop & go. The temperature was over 100 degrees, but my car was not overheating. Took it to Honda dealer -- they said nothing showed up on the diagnostic & of course they didn't have the problem. The next day, it broke down again & my check engine light came on. My husband works for Toyota & they said they didn't know what was wrong, so they took it to Honda (as a favor, mechanic to mechanic kind of thing). Honda says it's the catalytic converter, but the 2 Toyota mechanics aren't sold on it, but since they're not Honda mechanics, they told me is could be the problem. Cost of repair (with the mechanic discount -- $950!! ). I do NOT want to put nearly $1000 in the car if it's not certain this is the problem! Anyone having issues like this or know what could be the problem! Definitely need help -- I am a stay at home mom because I have a disabled child -- definitely cannot afford to throw away $1000! Thanks
  • Aug 11, 2008, 05:14 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey
    If the Check Engine Light came on, the diagnostic trouble code should be stored in the ECM (computer). Have someone tell you what it is. Once you tell us what the code is, we are in a better position to evaluate what may be wrong.

    I have never seen a catalytic converter need to be replaced on a Honda, especially on one as new as your's. You really need to describe, in greater detail, what the symptoms were. If "breaking down" means the car stalled, I'm inclined to suspect it may be a heat-related ignition problem. On Hondas, this often means the main relay, Ignition Control Module (ICM), or coil may need to be replaced. If this sounds like your problem, I would replace all three of these problematic components yourself.

    Here's how to replace the ICM and coil:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post265896

    The main relay is located left of the steering column. To help you locate it, turning the ignition key on and off will allow you to hear and feel it click. Due to heat, cold solder joints develop, over time, on the main relay's printed circuit board and cause the car to stall. This is a classic problem with Hondas during the summer. It's not uncommon for diagnostics not to reveal these intermittent electrical problems.
  • May 24, 2010, 04:34 AM
    sygirl357
    I have a 1999 honda accord check engin light on also when I stop my car jerk some time idoes and somethime not, please need your help
  • May 24, 2010, 06:06 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    sygirl357, attach a code reader to the data link connector under the dash and report back what codes were thrown.

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