I have a 1996 3.2 tl, it has 200,900 miles and I've owned it since new and I have only done one non-maintenence repair to the car, so up until now its been amazingly dependable. In the last couple month I have noticed when I have the wheel cut about 30 degrees or greater degrees and am coasting at slow speeds probably 3-4 mph or less that the engine has stalled. At first I thought nothing of it because it had only happended while parking but in the past two weeks it got me into two dangerous situations, one I was making a U-turn with traffic coming at me and it stalled in the middle of the lane, and another I was making a sharp turn and althought the engine started itself back up when the power steering cut out I nearly ran into the opposing lane. If somebody has an idea on whats going on with the car I would appreciate the help.

Thanks, Pete

 

I'm not positive by any means, but it almost seems like its just a problem with the power steering unit. Something in there seems like its drawing too much power, maybe a short?

 

I agree your powersteering unit could have gone out or have a short in it which is draining your power. I would take it to your local mechanic or Acura Dealership your mechanic shouldn't charge you to look at the car.

 

When turning does your steering wheel vibrate??? If so check your fluids for a start.

 

Thanks, that sounds like a likely culprit since power steering would drain the most power at slow speeds, but if the problem is that the power steering drains too much power, I would expect that I would stall more at night when the headlights were on or I when I was consuming a large amount of electricity, but this problem usually occurs during the day with the radio off, and I haven't encountered any electrical symtoms.

 

I havent noticed any wheel vibration or problems with the power steering, it just cut out because the car stalled.

 

Then I would go to my previous sudgestion and take it to a shop. I doubt it is a problem you can address alone without the proper tools etc. I would still check all of your fluids before you go that way they can't cay the fluids are the cause and allow the problem to progress.

 

Yea, I will be sure to check that, I am really affraid its just a transmission problem which would almost be expected at 200,000 miles, because the transmisson shifts are clunky and loud, I was thinking maybe that the torque converter is not disengaging when it sould be or something to that effect, because this occures when the revs are low and the vehicle is coasting.

 

Sounds tricky I really am not sure just take it to a mechanic to be certain of the situation.

 

have you ever did a transmission flush? if not, do so and you will notice smooth shifts in btw gears. maybe that may help?

 

From the sounds of all this, its a power steering problem first and foremost. Seems that it is drawing too much power, the engine attempts to compensate but stalls. Now what you could do.. is this: Some dealerships Honda or Acura will do an inspection of the problem without charge. I have had this done before. Call up ahead of time and let them know that they have a good chance of getting YOUR business Its worth a try.

 

I agree with Ken also after the dealer tells u whats wrong call around to get esstiamtes on how much it will cost from other places. There are shops the only work on Acura/Honda and some are quite experienced.

 

Mine has done the same thing acouple of times but it has been about 1-2 years since the last time. ONly when you turn to an extreme @ low speeds. But yea i had the same thing happen on a u turn and i almost drifted into a curb while traffic was comming right at me. not fun.

 

MY 96 2.5 with 143,000 miles, that I've had since new, stalled two times in the same day. The engine would start until it cooled down. My local mechanic did not find out anything. He did replace the fuel filter. Had to do something. I found that my son has been putting 87 octane into it. I always fill it with high test. The AC was on, I leave it on all the time. I was driving in a straight line.

Had a cracked distributor cap @ 18k. It was replaced. Anyone with same issues?

 

Check this out...there was a recall on this... i was just reading the specs on our cars and found this little website... its pretty cool... maybe some of you have been here... click here...