Starts, Dies, Starts, Dies? WTF?

[cmgreensr]

So, the car is a 98 LX 4 cyl auto with 231k on her. She's my daily and I make sure maintenance is kept after.

The most recent issue is sometimes when I start it, it starts but dies instantly. This can happen just once or several times but eventually it will stay running. When it does, it's runs smooth as if nothing is wrong. No cel, obviously there is fuel and spark in order for it to start in the first place. I'm a bit baffled and tried searching but didn't find anything exact. Closest was main relay but my understanding is that I wouldn't have any start from that.

Mostly looking for ideas on this since I won't have time to work on it but hoping to drop it off to my man tomorrow so any suggestions on where to look would be helpful.

Thanks in advance, searching answered most of my questions over the last year but I guess you gotta make your first thread someday lol

 

[Brimstone Brown]

I had a similar problem awhile ago. It ended up being the ignition switch.

 

[cmgreensr]

Ignition switch was done under recall and a couple moths ago it was showing similar symptoms of ignition switch. Turns out my key was worn out beyond recognition so with a new key, all those went away.

Still willing to explore that as an option though.

 

[kleen98accord]

Alternator? It's job is to provide electricity.

 

[cmgreensr]

Ok, so to add to the symptoms, it just did it again. When I clicked the key to acc the radio came on as usual but I had no power windows. Once the windows started working again, I was able to start it and it kept running. Took 3 tries to get it to keep running.

 

[xci.ed6]

Nah, batteries good.

I'd check for spark &/or fuel injector signal (know what a 'NOID' light is?) and go from there.

To be honest though, it sounds like IACV issues, if it starts then dies, but those are both quick to eliminate issues.

 

[cmgreensr]

I'm afraid to say, I don't know what a NOID light is.
Wouldn't the IACV give me idle issues as well and that wouldn't have any relation to the windows I'm sure?

Appreciate your help

 

[cmgreensr]

Double post ftl

 

[xci.ed6]

noid is solenoid light, like a strobe, you can find in tool section of most auto parts stores.

no windows sounds odd, got MIL on before car starts?

 

[cmgreensr]

Like what you use to set timing? If so, yes I know what it is lol

Everything appears perfectly normal whether it's going to keep running or not. All lights light up. Only connection I've noticed so far is it not continuing to run and the power windows and I can't even be certain they are connected. I reset the multiplexor at the same time so I'll have to wait till the next time to see if they are truly related.