car dies while driving, please help!

[euroborn1]

i just bought a 99 accord v6 automatic last week, car runs and drives like new. BUT today, i was coming home from work, sitting at a red light, and the car just died, so i put it in park, tried to start it, it cranked, but wouln't start, then the 3rd time it finally did. So im driving, no problems, for next like 20 miles, went to walmart, left walmart and car started up no problem. Then about 4 miles later i was going like 40 on a road and the car died in motion, so i pulled over, and it started right up for the first time. PLEASE HELP, what could it be? Thanks in advance for any help

[Vixen89]

Need new battery, and welcome to DA.net. lol >>

[lpaudio2]

get the alternator, and battery tested.

main relays can also fail and produce that result
http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub.../aa010301b.htm

[Vixen89]

^do his method first.

[euroborn1]

thanks, im glad i found this forum... goin to get the battery tested out now..

[euroborn1]

so i took the car to auto zone and got the alternator tested and everything is good on that. I didnt get a chance to get the battery tested, but I talked to my mechanic and he said there is no way its the battery or alternator. He said it could be the ignition module. Then i called honda up, and they said it could be doing it because the car sat for a while, the guy i bought it from said he didnt drive it for like 6 months. I dunno what to get out of this. I put on like 80 miles today and it did it 3 times. Twice at a red light, which took about 4 tries to start, then once while I was going like 40 it just died so i pulled over, and it started right up on the first try.

[lpaudio2]

dont assume. get the battery checked. you'll do a major Doh, if it was that. Its the cheapest fix. I agree though, It does not sound like the batter (provided the terminals look ok).

When it dies. do you lose all power, or can you still operate the radio?

Ignition module could be it too, try jiggling it when its failed if its bad, you should be able to jiggle it back.

[legendaryskillz]

my 91 legend had this issue, try changing the "main relay"

[aljeda]

Is your car stock? Internal ignition coil right? I had the same thing happen to my Accord w/ H22A when I first bought it, if you do the work yourself you can get the Ignition Control Module tested at Auto Zone or Oreilly Auto Parts for free. There are more ways to diagnose it without taking it to a shop, most of these do not require you do take anything apart. PM me and so I can get more details about what exactly happens to your car and how often. Good Luck!

[03LXV6]

Sounds more like the ignition switch. I think there was a recall on the 6th generation for that. If it was the battery, the car would run off the alternator once it is started.

[euroborn1]

so if its a recall, it would be free to get fixed even im not the original owner and the cars not under warranty any more?

[03LXV6]

Depends on the terms of the recall as far as mileage limit. Go to https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com and put it your VIN. It will give you recall info if there are any. It will also tell you if it was done. It will be free as long as you are within the mileage limits posted regardless of ownership.

I'm not 100% sure there was a recall on yours but I remember reading something about the 6th gen.

[Tiquet]

Originally Posted by euroborn1

so if its a recall, it would be free to get fixed even im not the original owner and the cars not under warranty any more?

I am not sure about the accord but what you experienced sound familiar to my 1997 CRV. It was a recall for the faulty ignition switch.

I was not the original owner of my CRV as well. But when I went to https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com and put my VIN, it provided the info you need to get it replace at a Honda dealer. It should be free. Make sure to let them know ahead that all you need is to get that recall part replace and nothing else.

[euroborn1]

yea so i went to the honda dealer today, and the guy I bought it from last week actually had the ignition switch changed oct 27th 2009!! and the status of the recall said it is fixed.. this is crazy....they said they gotta charge me a hundo for the diagnosis, and if it is the ignition switch again they'll refund me for the diagnosis. WTF