Shuts off while driving?

1998 HONDA CIVIC
292,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
NICHOLE80
i have the car listed above LX model. A couple of months ago i started having fuel issues. i replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel relay, drained the tank and cleaned it and put premium gas back in. ( i never run anything but premium). once i replaced all that i wasn't getting spark. so, i replaced my MAP sensor, throttle positing sensor cap and rotor and the bottom o2 sensor. During all that the only code that was thrown was the 0420 code. that's why i changed the 02 sensor. month and half later (2 weeks ago) it shut off on me again. this time couldn't get it to start at all. towed it home battery drained so i couldn't check for a code. tested my coil. It was bad. replaced that, the cap and rotor again, and the spark plugs. ran fine for a week. Today it shut off on me 3 times going to work which is only 4 miles away. and once on the way home. had to wait maybe 2-3 minutes before it would start again. once i got it started it ran fine the rest of the way home. The only code is the 0420 code still. I was thinking it could be my camshaft sensor or crank shaft sensor. or would a clogged cat be the issue?
i should also mention that my car was stolen a couple of times about a year ago. They messed up my ignition. Which i haven't bothered to replace. Whenever i go some were i pull the fuse for the fuel pump, that way the car won't start if someone attempts to steal it again.
Feb 15, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

When it fails to start, we need to determine if spark or fuel is lost. So, when this happens, see if the engine starts if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know its fuel related. If it doesn't start, check if there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Note that the crankshaft position sensor can act this way. The sensor on this vehicle is integral to the distributor. If you find no spark, that is what likely will need to be replaced.

Read through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe
Feb 16, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Avatar
NICHOLE80
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I know it's getting gas. that i do know. so, is the crankshaft positioning sensor next to the coil on the distributer? or is down by the timing belt and harmonic balancer and what have you.
Feb 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,503 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, I would replace the complete distributor you can get them for about $68.00 on Amazon.

https://amzn.to/3XbXvho

Here is how to change it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

Feb 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Avatar
NICHOLE80
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
does a new distributor come with an ICM?
Feb 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,503 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yes, and pick up coil as well.
Feb 25, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.