Honda Accord UK (1998 - 2003) - 99 1.8 Possible ignition problem | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Thu 24 Jan 2008 15:49

99 1.8 Possible ignition problem - lucklesspedestrian

Hi there

I suppose it eventually had to happen, there's a problem with our 1999 Accord 1.8 (120 K miles)

Basically it's cutting out i.e. engine is going dead, (speedo goes to zero and wipers also stop although apparently the lights stay on)

It only ever happens when SWMBO is driving and the bit in brackets is what she tells me!

The engine is definitely going dead though, both at speed and when idling, no warning, starts again right after and drives as sweetly as ever.

Had it in to our local garage and the diagnostic showed nothing. What they did say was that they'd had a similar Honda in recently and it turned out to need a new Coil/distributor pack (£350 from Honda plus VAT plus labour...ouch! although to their credit the did say that it would only be around one hours labour to actually fit it.)

They also said that they had no way to actually be sure that this was the problem i.e. we could shell out £500 on a car only worth a grand in effect for nothing!

I suppose my question is a) given the symptoms as described is this indeed likely to be the coil/distributor? and b) is it worth trying to get a second hand unit from a specialist breakers?

any suggestions gratefully received, (the garage gave a strong hint that we should just sell it on to some unsuspecting punter asap!)

Cheers

Steve

Boringly need to ask you to put year and engine in the subject line - not that hard is it

Edited by Pugugly {P} on 24/01/2008 at 18:20

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 16:23

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - DP

Assuming that is the problem, why not ring around some breakers? The better ones nowadays give you cleaned up parts off the shelf, and usually with some form of guarantee. I suspect you'll pick up what you need for less than £50, particularly if it's not a common fault and hence the demand for the part will be low.

When cars get to this age and value, it's very hard to justify the cost of new parts from main dealers. It becomes about keeping them well maintained and safe for as little as possible.

There was an issue with igniter units (distributor components that are separately available) on Honda engines, which gave similar symptoms - running fine one minute and then dead the next - but I seem to recall these fail, and then stay failed. In other words the car won't restart.

Cheers
DP

Edited by DP on 24/01/2008 at 16:24

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 16:28

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - 659FBE

I would bridge the ignition switch contacts when you run the car. The switch may be intermittent and other items controlled by it seem to be failing at the same time.

659.

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 18:11

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - Screwloose

LP

Listen to the wise words of 659; there's no way that a failed dizzy cuts the wipers and the speedo. An ignition switch does - and they fail.

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 18:19

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - Falkirk Bairn

Accords, CRVs, Preludes Civics around your car's age had ignition problems causing stall

Quote from HJ's car-by-car

contact point in ignition can fail at speed causing a stall in cars built 1997 to 2000 (Auto Express 30-5-2002). 06/08/2002 R/2002/071 HONDA ACCORD, CIVIC COUPE, PRELUDE, SHUTTLE, CR-V ignition switch may fail. Electrical contacts in ignition switch wear prematurely leading to a stall. Remedy to fit new switch. 53,175 Hondas affected.

That sound s like the problem and the solution! & it won't be £500

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 18:48

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - elekie&a/c doctor

Get the ignition switch replaced.Part cost around £40.This model was subject to a recall for this exact problem.Yours may have not been done.hth

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Thu 24 Jan 2008 19:25

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - lucklesspedestrian

Thanks so much for the replies

If I could buy you a collective pint I would!

Cheers

Steve

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 16:28

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - lucklesspedestrian

An update

Took the Honda into the local Honda dealers today.

According to them there was no recall on the ignition contacts for my chassis number but there was a recall for a fault with the throttle body.

The mechanic (is it technician these days?) thought that the throttle problem could produce the same symptoms.

So it goes in to have the throttle body fixed or replaced courtesy Honda UK next week.

They did concede that it could still be the ignition switch which was at fault, I suppose I'll have to wait to see if the Honda cure works then shell out the £40 or so for my local independant to fix the ignition if it doesn't work.

Steve

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 16:52

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - Screwloose

Steve

If a failed throttle body can cause those effects, then I'll take up strong drink. Still, if it's free....

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Fri 25 Jan 2008 17:25

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - lucklesspedestrian

Steve

If a failed throttle body can cause those effects then I'll take up strong drink.

Still if it's free....

I must admit I was profoundly sceptical when the mechanic tried to convince me that could be the cause of the problem, still as you say, it's free and I'm probably going to book it elsewhere to get the ignition contacts done for the end of next week anyway.

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Wed 30 Jan 2008 16:54

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - lucklesspedestrian

Finally got the Honda dealership to admit that it was dodgy ignition switch contacts that was the problem.

So...my local garage diagnosed coil/distribotor pack

Honda dealers...throttle body problem

Backroomers (without even seeing the car!)....ignition switch (correctly)

Well done chaps!

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Fri 25 Jan 2013 13:56

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - gwenlillian1

Hi - just found this thread and wondering what to beleive from Honda re my car. The engine cut out when driving, the dash/indicator panel went off, no headlights, no harzards nothing. It is with Honda dealer and they say it needs a new alternator and battery. I did some research and found info on recalls and said what about the ignition switch as I have been having trouble with keeping the engine running when starting it, but they hve now written to me saying that it is the throttle body and that recall has already been done in the past - hmmm. dunno what to do now as they are quoting me £500+ for an alternator and £80 for a battery. I have an idea that this will fail again, the honda dealer says that the alternator isnt sending enough charge to the battery - output 9 v and needs 14. ???? any ideas - thanks

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Fri 25 Jan 2013 14:04

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - TeeCee

the honda dealer says that the alternator isnt sending enough charge to the battery - output 9 v and needs 14.

If that is true, then the dealer is correct and it needs a new alternator. 500 quid seems very steep for one though.

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Wed 1 May 2013 12:54

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - gwenlillian1

HI - I found that recall data also for the Honda Accord, mine is '99 and the ignition is playing up, showing same symptons but Honda say that this has never been subject of a recall and that any recall they have does not cover my car. I am getting ***ed off with their customer service people who keep giving me duff info, and I now asking them for the part number that the recall covered so that I can physically check my car to see if it is the same and then get it fixed by them - any advice would be very welcome thanks

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Fri 3 May 2013 10:39

Possible ignition problem v/expensive to fix? - gwenlillian1

Now my ignition switch has failed totally and Honda still say that these series of cars were never part of the recall although it seems likely to me that the same parts are involved. My mechanic has confirmed that is defo the ignition switch. Honda did a recall this year that was outstanding for engine hesitation where they changed the oxygen sensor, however, on speaking with Honda customer service this week they now say that my car has never been subject to any recalls. what? seems the computer says no.....

I don't believe them and the honda dealer has now given me a list of 5 things that were done over the life of the car, but not willing to look at the ignition switch despite the mountain of evidence on internet of this problem - spoke to VOSA who also list the ignition recall and they say they cannot intervene on any cars more than 10 years old. Wow. Yet here is Honda issuing a recall on cars from 2000 re the faulty air bags - I dont get it? I will continue my argument with Honda anyway as I think that they have failed their customers in not including the full range of faulty ignitions, and am now chasing for the part number replaced on the recalls that did qualify, anyone have that info would be very helpful - thanks

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