Hi guys- I'd really appreciate any help you can provide since I need to drive this evening.

1994 Accord LX automatic, 111,000 miles. Drove three blocks at 30 mph (nothing unusual no sounds or smells). Stopped at two stop signs- no problems. Stopped at a red light for about 2 minutes. When the light turned green, I accelerated normally and then the car stalled. The cd player stayed on but the lights on the dash and the engine didn't. I lost power steering and luckily had enough momentum that I could steer the car into a nearby parking lot. I put the car in park and it restarted fine. I drove it around the parking lot a bit and it was fine also. I drove it the three blocks back to the apartment with no problem.

I didn't drive through any water, and it's the only time it's ever happened.

Can anyone help me understand what this might have been? I'm worried to drive it 70 miles tonight. Thanks

 

It could be the igniter in your distributor trying to go out. There was a recall on certain Honda models, but I don't remember which.

It will do what you described. It will stall for no reason, and then restart with no apparent problems. If the igniter stops working completely, you're walking. I think it's about $80 for a new one. Definitely get it checked out before taking any trips.

 

Sounds like the same symtoms when my distributor went.

 

is there anyway to tell for sure before I go buy a distributor ?

 

Could be a bunch of things, but it might be tough to tell unless it happens again.

Any check-engine-light codes stored?

Can you make it happen again by wiggling the key? That would mean you have a flaky ignition switch.

IF it happens again, check for spark. If your spark is good it can't be the distributor.