Help! Car just shuts off at random - Honda Prelude Forum

PerkZ · 08-26-2008, 08:48 AM

I need some help, my 98 prelude has been shutting off while driving.

All that happens is:

my tach / speedometer drop
engine cuts off
the green key light flashes 5 times
If I push in the clutch and try to start it again, it will start right up and then instantly cut back off.

.

This happens a couple of times before the car will stay started and I can continue driving.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!
Cliff

Mrgoomis · 08-26-2008, 11:02 AM

Could be your alternator on its way out, I would take it up to an auto parts store where they can test and have that and your battery tested first as a troubleshooting measure.

PerkZ · 08-26-2008, 12:00 PM

Thanks a lot for the reply; would there be any other symptoms of a failing alternator I should look out for? My battery never seems low, the car always starts right up, my lights never seem dim...

Thanks again

SiccLude99 · 08-26-2008, 04:59 PM

maybe its the ignition switch?

PerkZ · 08-26-2008, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the reply, I suppose that is possible, however it does start every time I turn the key, the problem is that it shuts right back off again. Is this a common symptom of the ignition switch?

Mrgoomis · 08-27-2008, 10:11 AM

Hmm I withdraw my previous suggestion I guess. I'm going to guess it's something with the fuel system. The pump may be going bad and it is not able to hold pressure. It dies as you drive it and then stalls and wont start back up because the engine is no longer getting the correct fuel pressure. If you turn your key to accessory without starting the engine it will turn on the pump and pressurize the system. Once the car is running it might not be able to keep up with the demand of the engine. My ex-girlfriends blazer had a similar problem, I replaced the fuel pump and it was solved. How has your gas mileage been lately?

98auto · 08-27-2008, 10:27 AM

There was a recall on the ignition switch. When it fials, it cuts all the power to the car, as if you were shutting it off. It will kill all electronics, the fuel pump, the speedo/tach, etc. When you shut the car off, the green key lioght flashes. I'd start there.

SiccLude99 · 08-27-2008, 10:36 AM

Take your car to the stealership and check if the recall fixed.

ndantzler · 08-27-2008, 11:56 AM

Try starting it and immediately give it gas to keep the revs up

*disclaimer*
I am a noob
That's how we get our old cars running, maybe it will help, but probably it won't

PerkZ · 08-27-2008, 01:36 PM

Thanks a lot for the feedback, it sounds like it might be the ignition switch, I have an appointment with the dealership tomorrow to see about the recall. If that doesn't fix it, it sounds like the next place to look is the fuel pump, but I hope not.

98auto · 08-27-2008, 05:08 PM

its not a fuel pump. It's electrical. If its not the ignition switch (I think it is) I'd checkl the main relay next. dont start it and give it gas to keep the revs up. this should be an easy fix.

Mrgoomis · 08-28-2008, 10:15 AM

ahh did not read the part about the green key light, wouldnt be the pump then.

PerkZ · 08-29-2008, 11:44 AM

98auto and SiccLude99, you guys were right about the ignition switch. I just got the car back from Honda and they said it was definitely bad. I am pretty confident that my problem is fixed now, and at no cost. Now only if I could get the car to stop triggering "misfire" codes

Thanks a lot for your help!

98auto · 08-29-2008, 10:36 PM

glad you got it worked out!

SiccLude99 · 08-30-2008, 01:16 PM

awesome, thats good to hear.

jtown · 12-18-2008, 03:15 PM

I have the exact same thing happening on my 98 with 120k miles except I got the ignition switch replaced in 2004. So does this part just go bad over time?

jflipwa · 12-18-2008, 08:35 PM

Mine went bad 2 months ago, crv also has recalled switch