Car turned off whilst driving... suggestions on whats wrong plz!

[nobbs]

Hey guys,


So I was driving along the m4 last night when my car just switched off; as I was rolling, I attempted to clutch start it again (a few times) using the gears but the car would still not start. None of my reds were on, only the green key light that comes in the dash... when I put the car in neutral and let the car roll the reds did come on though.


After merging to my left lane I came to a complete stop. Tried starting the car a few times and after a good 8 attempts, the car started as normal.


Anybody had this happen to them? any suggestions as to what it could be?


I'm thinking fuel pump, but I would like to hear any similar experiences you guys have had.


The car is an EM1 btw with no mechanical mods at all.

[Jasemas]

Put the car into N with the hand brake u
Turn key to POS II and wiggle the key
If the cars lights go off
It could be your ignition switch

When your put your car into POS II you will hear your fuel pump prime
it makes like a 'whiring' noise

What have you done recently to the car mods/repairs?

[nobbs]

Cheers for the reply; I'll check the ignition switch and fuel pump tonight when I get home.


Have done nothing to it recently. The car starts normally all the time; tried to listen out for the fuel pump last night however as I was on the motorway it was too noisy.

[curtis265]

sounds like the main relay

[Mikeyy168]

what immobilizer and alarm do you have?

i had this in my ep3 when i had an autowatch alarm on it - started to malfunction and itll just turn off out of nowhere mid-driving.

ripped it out and it stopped.

[nobbs]

what immobilizer and alarm do you have?

i had this in my ep3 when i had an autowatch alarm on it - started to malfunction and itll just turn off out of nowhere mid-driving.

ripped it out and it stopped.


I don't have an alarm at all, just the OEM immobiliser.

[ECU-MAN]

If reds went out while driving and would not come back then the ignition switch is your problem.


Green Key confirms this as the IMMO unit thinks you turned off the ignition.

[Jasemas]

Aww yes!
There were recalls for the ignition switch problem for hondas in the US esp. 90-00s

[RenzokukenJ]

Preludes made in 97 all got recalled for the switch, make sure it's not that, as they got recalled for this exact reason

[nobbs]

If reds went out while driving and would not come back then the ignition switch is your problem.


Green Key confirms this as the IMMO unit thinks you turned off the ignition.

Cheers for the reply. Any idea what the ignition switch will cost me? (Roughly?)

[amant02]

Cheers for the reply. Any idea what the ignition switch will cost me? (Roughly?)

$50 bucks from HonToys Smithfeild. Same same problem as you discribed in my brothers ej6. I think they are interchangeable. We got the switch out of a ek1 just had to rewire for his car.

[Jasemas]

If i'm not mistaken
This is the ignition switch
http://www.hondapartsdirect.com/oe-honda/35130sy8305?search_str=35130SY8305

[amant02]

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?32333-DIY-Ignition-Switch-Replacement

Credits to ECU Man. Its for a lude, but just re wire, not hard to figure out once you pulled your one out.

[amant02]

If i'm not mistaken
This is the ignition switch
http://www.hondapartsdirect.com/oe-honda/35130sy8305?search_str=35130SY8305

I couldn't find the part number. But I was able to find the package that has the switch in it. for 90's Honda 35100-S01-A01

[Jasemas]

I couldn't find the part number. But I was able to find the package that has the switch in it. for 90's Honda 35100-S01-A01

I know this is for the US Hondas
But should apply here

Honda TSB Number 02-031

http://www.driveaccord.net/PDF/ignition_switch.pdf

1998–00 Civic – P/N 35130-S04-305

Hope this helps
Give Honda Aus a call and find out if your civic had a recall

[Jasemas]

Here you go
http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/956379

[nobbs]

Thanks for all the replies guys... Very much appreciated!

I have an EK CXi that I'm wrecking ATM... Would the ignition switch off that suffice for my EM1?

I know that Amant02 says he got it off an EK1 but just double checking :)

[amant02]

Hit me a PM if you need a hand. You don't live too far from me. See you around all the time.

[MIKO_OL]

Put the car into N with the hand brake u
Turn key to POS II and wiggle the key
If the cars lights go off
It could be your ignition switch

When your put your car into POS II you will hear your fuel pump prime
it makes like a 'whiring' noise

What have you done recently to the car mods/repairs?



yeah sounds like an ignition switch to me aswell. If it takes you a few cranks then it'll lead to the switch. had similar problem with another car i had, after a few times it just wouldn't start up anymore. Have a read, quite a common problem with most cars.

[SlobberGoat]

When the car dies, are you still able to use your indicators/emergencies/headlights?

[nobbs]

When the car dies, are you still able to use your indicators/emergencies/headlights?

Yes I am

[Grayfox]

Since there is a recall for the issue, go to honda and see if it was done to your car(ask to see it so they dont palm you off or make you pay)

You may just have to pay for labor if it hasn't been done.

[nobbs]

Cheers again for the input guys.


Been a bit busy over the last couple of weeks to attend to this issue however, the car is doing it more often now. I noticed that when the car shuts off and I try to restart it, all of my reds come on aside from the engine light... and the car doesn't start up. After a couple of attempts or after a few minutes though, the engine light comes to on when the reds are switched on and its when this occurs that the car fires up again.


Ill be calling Honda asap regarding the recall issue and go from there... I don't mind what it costs to fix it, I just want it fixed.

[nobbs]

Update: just spoke to Honda and there have been no recalls on my model; they checked using the VIN number.

[Jasemas]

Did you bring up the recall.gov.au website?

[nobbs]

Did you bring up the recall.gov.au website?



Yep I did, my Civic is a 99 model.

[nobbs]

Update: replaced main relay and the car is all good now!