Rep Power: 0

Hi,

I have a 98 Civic EX. Of late, I have noticed an intermittent issue with the power just shutting off by itself. It happened a few times when I had it in park(I habitually put it into park when idling) while waiting at a light. The first time it happened, I had the AC on. When it died, I tried restarting, and it wouldn't restart. Then I turned off the AC, and it started back up. However, there are other times when it has died with the AC off, so I can't be sure that the AC is a cause. It seems to be fairly unpredictable and random but seems to happen every 2-3 days.

Till yesterday, it had only happened when I was in park and waiting at a light. However, yesterday, it happened while driving (incidentally the AC was on). Albeit I was driving at a low speed (15-20mph), nevertheless, it was quite disconcerting to have it shut off like that.

I have taken it to a mechanic, who was unable to reproduce the problem. He suspected it was the the Idle Air control valve and cleaned it out. It hasn't fixed the problem. The mechanic was suggesting the IAC may need to be replaced if the cleaning doesn't fix the issue. I am not sure he really knows that to be the problem and don't want to be dinged $400 based on guesswork.

Please help.


Chandra

 
Rep Power: 234

Wow, $400 for an IACV! Super easy to replace the IACV yourself. It's on or near the throttle body. You can get one for about $50 here: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

That being said, if it's having trouble starting I would go down to Autozone and have them check both the battery and alternator.