2001 Accord: Engine Shuts Off While Driving

Hi, I have a 2001 Honda Accord, and it has been having a problem where
the engine shuts off while I am driving. When it is idling and the
problem occurs, it will shut off entirely so that I have to put it in
Park and then restart it. If I am driving more than 10 mph it will shut
off for half a second (I'll lose acceleration and the dashboard lights
all flash) and then it will click back on. The Honda dealers I took it
to did a diagnostic and said nothing was wrong. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!

 

wrote in

Sounds like the ignition switch.

How heavy is your keychain? If you've got lots of stuff on there, try
removing the key from the chain and using it on its own. If that doesn't
help, the switch is probably bad.

With the engine off and the key turned to II, and you turn the key, slowly,
ever so slightly, in either direction, can you induce a buzzing or clicking
noise?

 

I had the same exact problem on a car once. It turned out the started
was loose. Make sure the bolts holding the starter in are tight.

 

| > shut off entirely so that I have to put it in Park and then restart
| > Any suggestions?

see a thread above ( 11-5-06 ) on ignition switch

 

Sounds like the ignition switch recall prob. I had it. Sucks,indeed.
Get it fixed ASAP! Should be FREE!!!

Kevin

 

Engine dies while driving could be two factors as I experienced: 1)bad alternator which cannot provide enough power or electricity through the entire engine's electronic components. Especially today new cars using more electronics than ever. I can name a few such as power steering, fuel injector, ignition coil, ... not count all other electrical components. 2) bad starter (loosen cable).

For # 1, the symptom of bad alternator when you see all internal dashboard lights or head lights are getting dimmer until the engine losing power then stall.
For # 2, some people do not believe that bad starter or loosen cable that connects the battery to the starter will cause engine stall. I experienced this twice. If you see the battery cable is corroded; especially when you see it is loosen at the battery post. You need to clean with wire brush to make sure it has a good connection. If it becomes heavily corrosion, then it is time to replace a new battery cable.

 

I would check the throttle body plate and O2 sensor.