Car shutting down, then starts up fine. - Honda Prelude Forum

Frost44 · 02-07-2002, 12:22 AM

Has anyone run into this problem? I thought i'd brain storm a bit before ordering some parts...

Here's the problem... While driving the engine will shut off then If I wait a bit it'll start up again and everything will be fine. When It dies, it's almost like a fuel cut off or a no spark condition. If i try to do a restart right away, it rev's (because the starter) then it just drops to 0. Anyhow, I don't notice any decreaced performance when it does run.

I'm guessing it could be the igniter/distrubitor, or maybe a fuel pump? I'm leaning more towards the igniter/distrubitor. I'm gonna pull it and check the contacts soon.

I installed a new clutch and lightened flywheel, because of the flywheel bolt that worked it way out. But the problem happened before this too, just not as frequently as it's happening now.

MikeRenz · 02-07-2002, 12:29 AM

check your spark plugs 1st...takes a coupla seconds per. I doubt its your fuel pump.

its kind of weird to have probs w/ spark and not throw a code. Your check engine light is not on?

i'd check electrical wires too. You could have a cut wire and it could be grounding itself or arcing. Check engine grounds too.

Frost44 · 02-07-2002, 04:31 AM

Yeah, i'm gonna check the plugs when I check the dist cap. Actually I might want to double check the engine ground since we did remove it to take the trans out.

moneypit · 02-07-2002, 04:48 AM

I have the same problem. You may find some info on a thead I started. It turns out that my valves are to blame. I need to have Honda rip it apart and replace bent/burnt valves that are killing my engine. Car just shut off when driving

Frost44 · 02-10-2002, 09:18 PM

I doubt it's that, I had that problem before too though... 12 bent valves, I had them all changed and upgraded... But when the car is running, it runs strong like and idles normal.

HoNdAHaXoR · 02-10-2002, 10:07 PM

dude i had the same problem.. if you bent your valves did you get your ring lands inspected? man.. im having both swapped.. i had a broken ring land.. even honda didnt diagnose it right in the 2 days they had the car.. really didnt through a code either..

gochoo82 · 02-10-2002, 10:53 PM

i had the same problem...
it ended up being the spark plugs

Frost44 · 02-11-2002, 04:20 AM

Hmm, I'll check the plugs too... The shop put new plugs in which was about 8k ago, they did a leak down/compression test and they said it came out normal after all the work was done.

I'm just gonna take my car to honda for the emmission's warranty thing. They said that they'll replace spark plugs/dist/rotor etc at 50k or 75k.

Man I gotta get me a good tool set, It sucks having to drive to my friends house to do work on my car.

ExiledinIN · 02-11-2002, 05:21 PM

Moneypit. How did Honda diagnose the valves w/o having to tear the engine out?

You indicated you had the following engine codes (MIL):
42, 43, 88, and 89

42 and 43 - PGM-FI Communication Line
88 - ?
89 - ?

I can't seem to find the two codes in the Helm manual.

I checked my codes last night (just received my service connector). And had codes 42 and 79 (ATTS Control Inhibition).

Just curious how Honda came w/ the valves and if it relates to me... Only thing I can remember is that my ATTS light came flashing on the last time the engine quit. Other than that, no check engine light flash. When I plug in the service connector, the check engine light stays on. What is this? Anything?

Ludeon · 02-11-2002, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frost44
...I'm just gonna take my car to honda for the emmission's warranty thing. They said that they'll replace spark plugs/dist/rotor etc at 50k or 75k. ...

Hmmmm... you dont say?

Thats cool, will they do it below 50k?

Frost44 · 02-12-2002, 01:56 AM

Not sure if they'll do it under the specified mileage, but just check with your local dealer and give them your vin. I belive it's extended to 75k or something like that. My local service center called me and told the info a while back.