1998 Honda CRV Auto suddenly loses power

TOOLMUCHTIDE

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Symptoms: 1. While driving car, suddenly, it will seem as though the engine is starved for fuel. 2. Both speedometer & odometer will bottom out to zero. 3. ABS light comes on & possibly other lights on instrumentation panel. 4. The engine does not rev up like I've lost the drive shaft or anything. 5. The last time this happened I would attempt to crank it and put it in drive but it wouldn't move out of park. 6. When this is happening & car is still running you can press the accelerator all the way down & nothing -- like no gas at all is getting to engine, then it goes dead.

I am at a loss as to what this may be and I was hoping to get another year or so out of the vehicle since it's a one owner and otherwise in good condition. Help please

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi ToolMuchTide,

Thank you for the donation.

The symptoms described are similar to a failing ignition switch.

When the problem occurs, :
1. Did all the dash lights shows when engine stalled?
2. Was it easy to restart?
3. After restarting, were the AC and radio working?

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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 8:33 AM

TOOLMUCHTIDE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hey KHLow2008, thanks for your response!

1. I'm not 100% sure every light on the dash panel came on but I do know that serveral of them did, if not all - that's very likely/possible.

2. This has happened to me 3 or 4 times and the last time it occured it was almost impossible to restart. Problem is, I thought I had corrected the problem as one day going to work this happened and I found a loose battery connection, but since I'm here you know that didn't correct it :(

3. The radio was working, or at least I wasn't required to input the anti-theft code; I don't recall having any problem with the ac either.

KHLow2008, I surmise your diagnosis is correct as I've done some more research after posting here and found a 02 recall for an ignition switch. I probably should've done more research before posting here but don't regret it and am somewhat proud I've found this site as I'm a "doitmyself" type of guy, wouldn't go as far to say garage mechanic. Having said this I'm not saying I've nailed this down and I am still very interested in hearing what else you've got to say.
Thanks again.

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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 5:11 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Thank you for the compliments and enjoy your stay here.

Yes, the safety recall was for CRV from 1997 to 1999. You should check with the local Honda dealership for more details if you have not done the replacement yet.

You can do a simple test by slowly turning the ignition key to ON position and watching the dash indicator lights. They should remain lit and steady without any flickering. Continue turning the key to START and lights should remain steady. If any flickering or lights goes out, the ignition key internal contacts are not functioning well.

Problem might not be present when cold so if the vehicle stalls, that is the best time to test. While driving, you can also try to feel the ignition switch temperature, if it is very hot, it should be failing. However a little heat is normal.

If the ignition switch is tested and found to be good, when engine stalls, if all the dash lights are showing then you should follow the link to get an idea why the engine is not starting.

https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/first_things.htm

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Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 AT 9:11 AM