Xtremespeed2102

Well yesterday I was driving and the motor completely died. Very strange, heres the details for my 2004 5AT, 55k miles.

I was driving for about 5 minutes in a 30-25 mph zone. Then I turned onto a 45 mph zone. While accelerating the car jerked slightly and the motor shut off. All the lights on the dash went out except for my head light indicator, clock. Basically all the features when the car is in Accessory. There was no sputter, clunk or any funny noise. My passenger didn't even notice the motor died until I was muttering a few choice words.

Anyway, I was able to coast into a parking lot. Put the car into neutral, and started it back up. Drove the car back home and it has sat in the garage since. The only thing that comes to mind is a loose wire or fuse. Possibly the ignition wires. I checked the fuses last night and everything was tight. There was nothing "out of place" in the engine bay. There was no dummy lights, nor did the car throw any codes when plugged into the reader.

Im stumped.... any ideas? I haven't taken anything apart yet, because honestly I dont know where to start.

nbtx

Check the plus and minus battery terminals and the battery ground - look for loose or corroded connections. Next possible is the battery itself; head to your local car parts store or WallyWorld and have it checked - it may have a bad inter-cell connection.

Xtremespeed2102

I guess, but wouldnt I have lost all power? My head lights and radio was still on.

nbtx

The engine control module needs a minimum voltage - say 10 volts - to control the fuel injectors, ignition and fuel pump. If the system voltage drops below that, the engine will quit but you might still have dim headlights and other accessories that can live at lower voltage. The battery and its connections are the obvious first places to look. If that all checks out, I need more information to go on - intermittent failures are a b*tch to troubleshoot - especially over the internet...

Xtremespeed2102

Well if it helps, I had my X50 up and it didnt complain about low voltage. I wasnt looking at the voltage output so I dont know what it was at though.

SoCaliTrojan

The battery is only used to start the car. Once the car is running, the engine turns the alternator, which then provides power to the car as well as power to charge the battery. If the alternator can't produce enough power for the vehicle, then power from the battery will be used. If the car is running, you should be able to disconnect the battery. You'll notice that the car continues to run.

As for the cause of your issue, it could be any number of things. A fuse or relay could be one cause. It could also be the ignition (either the electronic half of it or the physical half).

Xtremespeed2102

So what should I be looking for? Or should I be brushing this off?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Base on the description, it seems as if the ignition was switched off while the engine was running. It could be a bad ignition switch.

Xtremespeed2102

Would I be able to get to the ignition switch following the directions one would use to get to the immobilizer for the hondata mail in?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

^^
Yes