I was driving down the road when the car started sputtering

LEPARD2099

MEMBER
1997 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
174,000 MILES

I have a 1997 Honda Accord V6. Earlier today I was driving down the road when the car started sputtering, my RPM gauge and speedometer both began moving erratically, then they both rested on 0. Soon, I was stopped at a red light and the car began to move forward while my foot was firmly on the brake. Needless to say I hurried back home and I'm now looking for answers. Also, not sure if these problems may help diagnosis the problem, but my ABS light stays on and my radio goes in and out, but the radio stays on when I keep my lights turned on.

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi lepard2099,

The radio turning on and off and the engine sputtering is most probably due to an electrical power interuption. The most likely cause could be a failing ignition switch, an item that is known to fail over time.

As to the vehicle moving when brake pedal is depressed. If the pedal sinks while being depressed at a stop, the master cylinder is leaking internally or there are leaks at some point in the brake circuit.

The ABS light indicating all the time means the system is faulty and you need to retrieve the trouble code to understand what is causing it.