My Honda 99 V6 LX Coupe is recently giving me problems, yesterday night while driving on the highway, when I accelerated it, it died for a moment and then picked up. Today while I was stopped at a stop sign, when I accelerated it, it died again. After few min it started and died again, It started again and after driving a few yards quietly died again. It started after few minutes and while again on the highway while trying to accelerate it, it died again. After that it ran fine and got me to home, but I felt that it was running a little heavy and was less responsive to accelerator both while accelerating and decelerating. Any help or idea as to what is causing this and how can it be fixed, It has 160K miles on it and has been running remarkably well for the last two years. Now they are saying it's the fuel pump and that might be causing the problem but they are not gauranteeing that it will cure the problem. is it the main relay - do I have to get the fuel pump changed too? PLEASE HELP

My "gut" is to focus on fuel filter first, then spark plugs. Before replacing the fuel pump, use a gauge and check the pressure. It attaches to the banjo bolt on the fuel filter. Many people with V6 engines let their spark plugs go too long, because of the hassle of replacing the rear plugs.

With 160,000 miles on your Honda, I would, however, replace several other parts proactively; e.g. rotor, igniter, coil, distributor cap, spark plug wires, and main relay. I would even consider replacing the ECM, if you plan on keeping the car for another 100,000 miles.

Do you hear your fuel pump run, when you turn the ignition ON? Does it stop after 2 seconds? Does the Check Engine Light go out after 2 seconds? Is your car "throwing" any codes? These are important diagnostic questions to answer.

With 160,000 miles on your Honda, I would replace some parts proactively; e.g. spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, spark plug wires, fuel filter, main relay, igniter, and coil.

Do you hear your fuel pump run, when you turn the ignition to ON? Does it stop after 2 seconds? Does the Check Engine Light go out after 2 seconds?

Thank you, the dealer called in and said that it will be corrected with the change in main relay, however, I took it in for tune up, and they did not change the spark plugs saying that their specifications were all right. This is my last time I will ever take it to a dealer they are a rip off. He was first saying that it might be the fuel pump, does the fuel filter lies with the fuel pump, why is it so difficult to get a good reliable mechanic.

Regards,

MB

Fuel filter is on the firewall, while the fuel pump is in the gas tank. Because of the advanced mileage on the car, I would still proactively replace the items listed above. Finally, I would recommend you use synthetic engine oil, if you are not already. Change it every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Thanks again, one thing I have noticed too is that it runs heavy and goes till 300RPM before it changes gears and also there is lag in acceleration.

Also the engine lights goes off and the maintenance light is off too

Sounds like your automatic transmission needs servicing. Have the pan dropped, cleaned, and filter replaced. Replace the ATF with a quality synthetic, such as Amsoil or Mobil 1, that meets Honda's specs. ATXs need to be well cared for these days, since they are so problematic.

See if this meets the specs for your Honda:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx

You can buy it at WalMart for around $5.65/qt. It's worth every penny!

Where should I take it for Transmission Servicing.

I would take it to a Honda or Acura dealer--or a local outfit that specializes in Hondas/Acuras. Try to get all of the fluid changed, even what's in the torque converter. It's very important on today's electro-mechanical transmissions to change the ATF often. ATXs are more involved than engines.

What servicing has your transmission had? Is the fluid pink or is it brown with a burnt smell? You likely have varnish and buildup developing. Hopefully, you can catch it in time.