My 1997 Honda Accord EX 4cyl. intermittently dies while driving. The fuel filter, fuel relay switch (under dash), spark plugs and wires, new complete distributer have all been replaced. The car has 204000 miles but runs great when it runs. I plugged in a FIX'd obd scanner and nothing shows up. After the car dies while driving, if I attempt to start the car it just cranks. If I wait 10 minutes or so, the car will start up immediately and I can go on my way until it decides to die again. I am desperate as I am 59 years old and on disability. Please help!!!
I plugged in a FIX'd obd scanner and nothing shows up.
Those "Fix'd" devices are not very good, they're very limited. A proper scan tool should be used to check freeze frame and live data as well as any codes.
Seeing as how that car is 27 years old and pretty high mileage there could be almost anything wrong with it. It could be your fuel pump is dying, the crank position sensor is going bad, an ECU problem, or a wiring issue for just a few examples.
See the troubleshooting section of the FAQ for tips on what to check when the car won't start. You can use starting fluid to determine whether you're dealing with a fuel problem or a spark problem.
Additionally you can find the shop manual for your car online here, which may have some helpful information:
Thank you all very much. I appreciate your help 🙂
@bootz- You're welcome, let us know how you make out.
After the car dies while driving, if I attempt to start the car it just cranks. If I wait 10 minutes or so, the car will start up immediately and I can go on my way until it decides to die again
I would suspect a fuel pump problem. Fuel pumps don't trip a CEL in that Honda's era. Use live data and freeze frame data to help confirm this.
Depending on the frequency of it dying, you could also do it the analog way. Rent a fuel pressure tester from AutoZone, hook it up to a Schrader valve and measure the pressure at the fuel rail. Start the engine and let it run. It should always stay at 60 PSI. If goes below 60, the fuel pump is on its way out.
Thank you all very much. I appreciate your help 🙂
Thank you all very much. I appreciate your help 🙂