Car died again..

[CG3[toed]SLOTH]

So i bought my car, 1999 coupe ex, about a month ago and since then the car has died on me a few times WHILE DRIVING.. I heard there was some recall on this problem but what exact part was it for? This was a known problem for the previous owner and was thought to have been fixed. The CEL was still on so the previous owner took it to honda and they said it was a bad ECU. So could it be the ECU thats causing all this? I read that it can be the main relay or ignition switch..are these easy fixes that i can replace myself or would i have to take it to a shop and whats the estimated price to do this? Should i get the ECU first or replace the main relay and ignition switch? Btw, i can start the car up right after it dies if i give it a rev.. without the rev, it will crank when i turn the key but wont start up. Also, when it dies all the dash lights are off except for the "key" light

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[finch13]

Could be the ECU, could be a flaky ignition switch. If there was a recall for your car, Honda would know. Call them up and have them run your VIN.

 

[CG6Lemon]

change spark plugs and wires, oil change, main relay, reset ecu, let car warm up? =]

 

[Sketch o5]

^^ uh...no.

there was a recall for the ignition switch. so it could be that, or also the ecu like previously stated

 

[CG6Lemon]

damn juuus andy!

 

[Sketch o5]

also, any corrosive build up on the battery could cause the car to just shut off moving down the road. happened to me once already hahaha. but ive gotten a new battery and new terminals since then. but all you need to do is clean it off, and put some stuff made for batteries on the battery terminal.

 

[DarkSideAccord]

younglemon... do u even know wat u r talking abt?

 

[CG6Lemon]

^ lol omg... okay okay just drop it lmfao.

 

[MikeyMike]

to me it does sound like the main relay, main relays usually stop working for a few hours and then feel like working again. the main relay triggers the fuel pump so if that periodically stops. main relays are $60 and you can just stick ur head under the dash and swap it.

ignition switch was recalled on most 98-99. ive had mine replaced. if your car comes under recall, get it done it should be free.

my car has never done this tho. mine would not start up for hours and then out of no where start again.

go with

ignition switch (free recall if you comply)
main relay ($60)
ECU (arm/leg for reprograming)

 

[finch13]

If it turns out to be ECU, don't reprogram it, just buy a *tested working* one from a salvage yard. Paid some $85 for a salvaged one back in my tuning days.