I've had a couple of instances over the past month where my 1998 Honda Accord LX 4cylinder automatic shut down completely (while sitting at a redlight for instance). I would crank it back up and drive away like nothing happened. I'm driving today and it actually shut down twice while I'm doing 75 on the freeway. It did immediately regain itsself both times without me having to pull over (much like a speed chip would do). Then a few miles up the road I begin to smell that something is burning. Then I actually see smoke rising slowly from my steering column. Engine temp is fine. I immediately pulled over, turn the car off, let it cool down, then finished the rest of my trip a few miles up the road no problem. What is causing this? Other facts that may be factors; my car also makes a rattle when accelerating as if there may be a problem with the exhaust system. I have a slow oil leak. I just changed the oil. I just hit 150,000 miles.
2007-07-03 17:14:35 · 4 answers · asked by krimsontide1 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The exhaust rattle and the oil leak are incidental to the engine shutting off.
The smoke from the steering column is relevant, and indicates a failure in the ignition switch and/or wiring related to the switch.
Be very careful here because you also have an airbag that could deploy if you do not properly disarm it before attempting repairs.
2007-07-03 17:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take the car to a Honda dealer. Sounds like you have a few problems, and while it may cost more these odd situations can not be handled by the local shop. They usually fix then wrong thing and you end up paying more.
Check the belts and power steering fluid. That might be the problem with the smoke.
As for shutting off, could be the carberator, electical, vapor lock, vaccum hoses, etc.
2007-07-03 17:23:16 · answer #2 · answered by Gatsby216 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be that your engine temp is actually not fine. Your thermostat could be out, then it would not register on the gages, and it will get too hot and stall. Worth a shot.. happened to an old car of mine. Changed the thermostat and all was good. If the thermostat is not working, there is nothing telling the fan, 'hey I'm too hot, cool me down', so the fan won't kick on... Good luck! Oh.. BTW.. thermostats are generally pretty cheap and not too hard to change. For your sake I hope that is the problem..
2007-07-03 17:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by Tina W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like the timing belt is going. Get a Hayes or other brand repair manual and check out the pictures to know how to inspect and change it. Most library systems have them.
2007-07-03 17:18:03 · answer #4 · answered by Officer 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋