Accord quits running,but restarts right away

[rebelvance]

My wifes 97 Accord just quits running while driving down the road, but then restarts right away. Engine dies,temp. gauge dies, but everything else is still working! radio, lights, gas gauge. It's as if the key switch was turned to ACC.. I'm guessing the ignition switch or main relay. Is there any way to nail it down as to which one is the problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated! And easier on my wallet!

[somick]

If you can restart it right away it most likely the switch. With bad main relay you would have to wait for it to cool down a little.

Good luck,

Sam

[jeffcoslacker]

Try moving the key back and forth slightly off the RUN rest position while it runs, see if it dies. It shouldn't shut the motor down unless moved fully off the RUN position...

Although every time I've seen the ignition switch fail, all the instruments went dead when it happened...

[rebelvance]

Thanks! Bought a new switch today. Don't know when i'll get it in, I've got Boy Scout duty this weekend! jeffcoslacker is right about the instrument panel. Temp gauge dies but gas guage does not. Then agian, the gas guage stays put when the key is turned off. Daaaa on my part....! Tried the key jiggle and it doesn't make a differance, everything keeps running. I did notice today that the Headlights went out also. First time i've had to drive after dark, in the dark! Will repost after I put the switch in and run for a couple of days.

[rebelvance]

Scouts was canceled, because of flooding! I installed the switch on Saturday and drove it to D.C. (146 miles) on Sunday without any trouble. I disected the switch and the contacts were burnt pretty bad, on one of the post in particular. Thanks for the replies. Big Help!