Rep Power: 0

I have a 98 Civic DX Coupe I've been "fixing" on and off for a few years. It was in great shape when I bought it in 2015, save for a few minor things I had to swap out initially. It ran perfectly, it was good on gas, just like I expected; but the biggest, and only issue I ran into, was that it would randomly die on the road.
When I say die, I mean DIE.

I'd be on the highway, when suddenly the dash lights up, then EVERYTHING would lose power. The radio, lights, signals, power steering; all while the engines winding down, despite my foot on the gas.
After a decent workout getting it to the shoulder, I'd park and remove the keys. From here, any attempt to start the car, nothing would happen. No lights, no beep, no gas pump, no start. You'd think the battery just disappeared. 15-30 mins later, it would start right up, and you'd never know it happened.
This happened roughly 5 times. Each time I would hit the forums, change out a few parts(The TPS, Alternator, Relay, Coil Pack), until I ultimately just abandoned it. I didn't have the tools, or the budget to dive in and hunt down a major electrical problem...technically I still dont lol.
Now, like many times before, I have a reinvigorated interest in getting it running again.
I've seen similar issues expressed online, but not quite like I experienced. Usually they lack the part about steering, and power going out altogether.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Does anyone know where I should start?
Should I just scrap this sumb**ch?

Also, I just joined to ask this question. If I'm in the wrong place, I'll pack up and take it where it needs to go.
Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 367

it is engine related, but the total loss of power points to general electrical issues, so electrical is fine, we can move it later if needed.

are ground cables OK? Fuse boxes without pounding water? All wiring in good condition?

 
Rep Power: 0

I haven't looked it over for some time now, but at the time there was nothing that stood out. Most of the repairs I had done was with the help of a "car guy" buddy of mine who had tuned out his own Civic. Nothing caught his eye, but I won't claim he was an expert.
There was some semblance of hope while we were replacing the AC compressor. We came across a pack of stray wires that the clip/tie had came off(which wires I could not say). My buddy brushed them against them block and killed the engine. We both looked at each other and went "Hallelujah" thinking we solved it.
But even after addressing that, it still died mid trip a few weeks later.

 
Rep Power: 367

electrical in old cars is the most painful things to find out, requires tracing them, removing and checking if there are stripped insulation, etc. Some found loose grounds, rust in grounds or the threads in the bolts holding the grounds, etc
and then you find that rodent nest in the engine bay and happy rodents chewing wires, who knows...

 
Rep Power: 222

Could be the ignition switch

 
Rep Power: 0

Currently experiencing the same issues myself. I can hear the fuel relay clicking over next to the glove box, I ended up changing the whole fuel system out, fuses included. Traced every bit of wire back to the source, and still haven't figured it out. I cleaned the whole engine bay at one point and it seemed like the issue stopped for about a week but it started up again. Its just stalls while im driving. All power to the cluster and everything. Till I get it pulled over. It won't start if I try to turn it over while the ignition is on, but if I turn it completely off it will start right up just to start stalling over and over again. I need an adult