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1988 Civic Runs Great Then Dies Without Warning

Tiny
SKY
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 HONDA CIVIC
Today our 1988 Honda Civic died twice without warning while going 25-35 mph. The car runs great otherwise.

Each time it happened it just suddenly lost all power, the check engine light went on. After we came to a stop, it restarted and ran normally and the check engine light turned out each time.

Any suggestions where to start?

1988 Civic lx
175,000 miles
auto
1500cc (I think)
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Sunday, July 29th, 2007 AT 10:02 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check for loose connections at the battery and check all grounds
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Monday, July 30th, 2007 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
SKY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The grounds I can see all appear tight as well as the battery connections. What would be next to check?
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Monday, July 30th, 2007 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,753 POSTS
This may be one of those that taken to a shop will show everything is fine. It could range from a failing sensor, to failing ignition switch, to who knows what. I might even recommend pulling out the EFI relay located up under the dash on the driver side. Check the contact soldering for bad connection.
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Monday, July 30th, 2007 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
SKY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok it just happened again while at idle in the driveway.

I tried to start it again and it took took 3 times before it did. It cranked over fine each time but didn't start until the 3rd time.

Would that eliminate the battery, a ground and the ignition from causing the problem since it was turning over without problem but not starting?

Would you still go with the EFI relay? What about a sensor. Any likely possibilities?

Thanks, Sky
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+1
Monday, July 30th, 2007 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,753 POSTS
When the car does not start check for spark at the plugs. We need to determine if it is fuel delivery or spark delivery. It needs to be done during the window of opportunity when the car does not want to start.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 AT 8:40 AM

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