1999 Honda Accord replace ignition interpretor/harness &

Tiny
PKLINE42
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,200 MILES
I took my Honda Accord in for repair because the check maintenance light was staying on. Sometimes it was difficult to start the car and in weather above 35 degrees the car was stalling out, but with no pattern. First they said the timing belt and other belts, direct fit converter, and power steering pump needed replaced. But when I drove the car, it was worse in starting up and stalling. Next they said the fuel regulator needed replaced. Again when I drove it the problem was worse. I didn't start on the first try and I drove it half a mile and it stalled. I was losing confidence in the work being done. Now I'm told that the ignition interpretor/harness need replaced and it needs a new distributor, but I've lost faith in the work they're doing. Should I try another garage or is it even worth spending more money on these new items? And roughly how much would the ignition and distributor cost?
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 12:03 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi pkline42,

Thank you for the donation.

Is the Check Engine Light still showing?
What was the Diagnostic Trouble Code?
When engine stalled, were the dashlights showing?

For your model there was a recall on the ignition switch, you can contact your local delear for more details.

Would appreciate if you could answer the above questions for me to understand the problem better.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
PKLINE42
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, the check engine light isn't showing (I may have misspoken, it was the malfunction indicator lamp that would stay on), but I'm wondering if the malfunction indicator was disconnected. If the distributor needed to be replaced, wouldn't it this lamp be on?
Unfortunately, I don't know the diagnostic trouble code. After the 3rd repair, I thought to ask for the codes, but was told they didn't have them.
Initially, when the car stalled in warm weather, the dashboard lights would all flicker quickly several times and then the car would stall. Now, however, the dashboard lights don't flicker when it stalls. The only light that comes on is the immobilizer system indicator which flashes several times and the car stalls.
I just took it for a drive around our neighborhood. The speed limit is 30. When I drove it at a constant speed of 26-30, the car stalled at 0.1 and again 0.2 of a mile. When I increased my speed to around 40, the car kept running for about 0.5 of a mile but stalled when I came to a stop sign. This was the only time when the dashboard lights flickered briefly. Each time I tried to start the car, it was difficult and took maybe 5-6 tries and I waited a couple of minutes between tries. They told me the car would start if I turned on the ignition and held the key for a second or two, but that didn't really work.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Check Engine Light = Malfunction Indicator Light. Sorry for the misunderstanding as there are too many variations used.

If it shows, you should be able to retrieve the code with a scanner. Try your local parts stores, most of them provides the service.

The symptoms described seems to indicate a faulty ignition switch. This is the Recall Bulletin.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_TSBIgnitionSwitchHonda_1.jpg



When turning the ignition switch to START position, does all the dashlights flickers or goes off?

Distributor fault would not show on the MIL if it is the ignition coil that is faulty.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
PKLINE42
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I initially took the car in, all of the lights on the dashboard would flicker and the car wouldn't start. Also the lights flickered and then the car would stall.
The malfunction indicator lamp was on, but this has been corrected, and now when I start the car, only the immobilizer system indicator light flickers several times and then doesn't start. Also the same is true when driving and the car stalls.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
When the ignition switch is not providing the correct signal to the system, the immo would be armed resulting in non startiing.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 2:50 PM

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