98 Civic died while driving then started 10 min later

A friends 98 civic EX died while she was driving to work this morning, when it died she said all the dash lights came on. The radio and heater never turned off. The car would crank but not start. After sitting for about 10 min it started. The fuel tank is low but not empty. I'm thinking maybe a clogged fuel filter or some water in the fuel tank. What do you guys think.
Jeff

I'm not too familiar with Honda's but in any case like this, it's best to start at the basics and work your way up. If you suspect water, try a fuel additive to absorb the water. If your friend isn't sure when she had the fuel filter replaced, that might as well be done, too since they're cheap.

When she mentioned all the dash lights lighting up, does she mean ALL dash lights lit up? That might indicate an electrical problem. But she might just mean the CEL and probably battery voltage lights came on which would be expected when the engine quits.

most likely a igniter problem. if it happens again you should check for spark..

I'm not too familiar with Honda's but in any case like this, it's best to start at the basics and work your way up. If you suspect water, try a fuel additive to absorb the water. If your friend isn't sure when she had the fuel filter replaced, that might as well be done, too since they're cheap.

When she mentioned all the dash lights lighting up, does she mean ALL dash lights lit up? That might indicate an electrical problem. But she might just mean the CEL and probably battery voltage lights came on which would be expected when the engine quits.

She said the dash lights came on like when the key is on but the engine is not running. Whis what I would expect if the engine died and key is still on. The car has almost 300K miles and never had the fuel filter changed. I told her to get that done. She also has never serviced the transmission can you believe that? I told her she should get the tranny serviced also.
Thanks for your input.
Jeff

most likely a igniter problem. if it happens again you should check for spark..

I will tell her. Is the igniter easy to change?
Jeff

it is pretty easy to swap. under the dist cap 4 wires connected to it.. 2 screws

Sounds like it just needs a general tune up.

Change spark plugs and wires
Change air and fuel filters
Run a fuel system cleaner through the fuel tank
Replace distributor rotor and cap as necessary
Change fluids (transmission, power steering, etc.)

My daughter's 98 would do that intermittantly. It had spark, and fuel pressure. I looked at the rotor and cap, the rotor didn't look good at all. I replaced the rotor and cap and never had the problem again. It had about 150,000 on it.