Electrical issue - power cuts out while driving

JOHNANDSANDY

MEMBER
2002 HONDA CIVIC
1.7L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

I have 2 problems with my 2002 Honda Civic automatic 1.7 L.
1 - the power to the radio and gauges goes out while driving
This is intermittent (sometimes happens every 5-10 minutes, sometimes every 30 seconds)
2 - The car will not start when the outside temp is cool or damp (like a cracked distributor cap of old days).

I tested the battery and alternator and both are ok.

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check coil and wires for cracking and plug wires for leaking probably old and need replacing. Have a local pro check for a bad dash that may be the problem.

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Sunday, September 20th, 2015 AT 8:39 AM

JOHNANDSANDY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There are no plug wires, this is distributor-less.
The coil seals all look good, and are pliable.
The plugs all look to have the same burn color and there are no issues with performance or idle, so I discounted a bad coil.
I originally thought an alternator connection was bad, but I do not believe that would cause the electric to cut out. I would think the battery power would keep the car from cutting out as it drives.
I replaced the body ground, but it had no affect.
I'm about to change the alternator out of frustration, but I'm having a hard time believing that is the culprit.

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+1

Sunday, September 20th, 2015 AT 8:56 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

The plug leads from coil to plug can go bad or it can be a bad coils as well. See pic and check area in arrows for cracks.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, September 20th, 2015 AT 9:24 AM

JOHNANDSANDY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Wouldn't I see signs of discoloration on one of the plugs if I had a bad coil?
Shouldn't I be experiencing performance issues if a coil was not firing?

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Sunday, September 20th, 2015 AT 9:42 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Per your question you said it was cutting out and no you wouldn't necessarily see anything on the plug with this. Try resetting security system if no manual look online. Do a wiggle test on crank sensor and check ground at middle of engine as well as junction where it connects to harness finally scan for codes. I am assuming gyou are able to put a load test on the battery not just volts. Most places do for free.