1989 Honda Accord engine cutting off

Tiny
STUBBY1
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
When I first start the car, it runs well. I'll drive to an errand, then shut it off. When I start it up again, the tachometer is erratic, I could be driving on the freeway, say, 55-70 mph. Then the tach. Will read at "0". But I am still driving down the freeway. All of a sudden, the engine cuts out. After perhaps 15-20 minutes, it will start up again. I have changed a fuel pump( in the tank), new alternator. Can somebody help?
Friday, September 26th, 2008 AT 1:53 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Check the ignition module in the dist. They will usually fail hot, then when cool run for a while.
Most autoparts stores can check the ign. Module for free.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, September 27th, 2008 AT 6:47 AM
Tiny
STUBBY1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is this the the same remedy for the tachometer?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 28th, 2008 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
There is a small "can" on the dist. Called the tach filter. It may be bad.

Ignition modules are usually very expensive for japanese cars, look into a remanufactured dist. Vs the cost of the ignitor itself.
On some Toyoya's it is cheaper to buy the complete dist. W/module rather than the module itself.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 29th, 2008 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
STUBBY1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have changed the ingnition module in my 89 Honda accord, and it still cuts out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 AT 4:12 PM
Tiny
STUBBY1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have changed the ingnition module in my 89 Honda accord, and it still cuts out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Have the fuel pressure tested with a mechanical gauge.
Have the coil tested.
Another posibibility is the ign. Switch. If, when the car cuts off, the wipers or radio also do not work, then the ign switch is bad.

If the above is OK, then I would check all fuses and fusible links, inspect all wiring for any open insulation or burn marks.

But the fact that the tach. Is acting erratic leads me to believe it is ignition.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 5th, 2008 AT 7:53 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Code Read Retrieval/Clear Honda
VIDEO
Code Read Retrieval/Clear Honda
Instructional repair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An engine that stalls while driving and then starts back up again, either immediately or after a short time is different from an engine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE