'93 Accord turns off while driving...

[Kuroneko]

Hi! I have a car which has been giving me problems lately. It turns off while I'm driving, and I lose power steering and braking. I have to pull the car over, and then wait a while before I can start it up again. It usually takes about twenty minutes of driving to turn off, and once it dies even if you can get it going it will usually die again before much longer.

I brought it into a local shop, and they said that they have "no idea" what's causing the problem, and tried to charge me EIGHTY-FIVE DOLLARS for checking the computer codes (none came up.) Does anyone here have any ideas? I'm going to bring it to a dealership I think, but I'd really rather just fix it myself or at least have some idea what the problem is before I bring it in. I'd really appreciate any advice!

Edit: Also, from my research online, it looks like it could be the ignition module or maybe a relay below the dashboard? If it *is* the ignition module, would I be able to replace it myself? I'm a complete newbie when it comes to cars, but I'm willing to try and learn

[AccordCodger]

Well, it's not the most common description of symptoms, but for the relatively small cost involved, I would swap out the main relay, and see if it fixes the problem. (A number of people here recommend pulling it out and resoldering the contacts, but for the sake of your sanity, I'd just go ahead and replace it).

[mpumas]

After the main relay, look to the igniter and/or ignition coil. They are easily replaceable.

[pracklam]

Would agree with mpumas. I would start by checking the ignitor (ignition control module) and the ignition coil. These are both accessed by removing the distributor cap (at least on my 1990 LX). I removed my ignitor and took it to Advance Auto. They have a device that puts a load on it to test. They also gave me the electrical specs to test my ignition coild primary and secondary circuits (very easy to test with ohm meter).

After you have ruled these two items out, I would replace the main relay located under the dash (has a red cover). If your problem has occurred on a hot day or after sitting in the sun for a long time, this could very possibly be your problem.

Several weeks ago I finally found that I had a bad ignition switch which gave similar symptoms as with a bad main relay. I had replaced the main relay but was still having the intermittent starting problems. The ignition switch is the electrical switch ($50 +/- at local parts store) that plugs into the fuse panel on the driver's side below the dash. You will need to remove the plastic cover trim below your steering wheel. You can diagnose a bad switch by turning the key to the start position, but instead of letting go of it, move the key back to the run position while still putting pressure against it. Put enough pressure on the key to just disengage the starter motor. If it starts and remains running while holding the key, you most likely have a bad switch.

[schmerf]

We had the sam,e problem with our '97 Honda CR-V. I went to the local mechanic who charged us a lot of money for a "solution" thyat did not work. I called the dealership who advised that it was likely the ignition switch which was covered under recall. Problem fixed and we have been happy ever since.