Over the last 3 months my 1998 Accord has stalled for a few seconds, then restarted itself while I was driving; happened about 4-5 times. Also stalled a couple times and I had to restart it. Always started back up. Seemed occasionally I smelled a slight burning type smell but it only lasted 10 seconds or so. Spoke with my main mechanic and another mechanic. Suggested to them that it might be my ignition switch, which was changed during the recall; that was 101,000 miles ago. They both said it could be many things, hard to determine until the car actually stopped running completely, etc. So I've just ignored dealing with it I guess, as the problems seemed fleeting and brief.

So today I got in my car started it and there was a loud grinding, crunching type sound, all the warning lights on the dash started flashing rapidly, and then I heard a sound that seemed to resemble a sizzling type sound, like when you put meat on a hot grill. I turned the car off, waited 30 secondsand then restarted it, and it seemed fine. Drove home, about 2 miles, and called the local Honda service dept. Have an appointment there tomorrow morning.

My questions: does this sound like the ignition switch could likely be the problem, how do they determine if it is the ignition switch, and is it safe to drive the car to the dealer, which is about 20 miles away. I drove it tonight to where I'm spending the night, which was 12 miles, and it drove fine. I'm just scared it could catch on fire while I'm driving to have it fixed.

Thanks so much for any insight.

 

Your problem previously sounded like it may be the ignition switch; but, not this loud grinding, crunching, sizzling sound and warning lights flashing rapidly. To play it safe, towing it there may be a good preventative measure.

 

If there is a blinking Check Engine Light, then a car normally shouldn't be driven. A solid Check Engine Light normally can be driven; but, should be checked as soon as possible.

Doesn't sound like you have either right now. I would still recommend getting the car towed; but, it actually may be okay unless there was a blinking Check Engine Light (CEL). -- Take what I am writing with a grain of salt, it's only an opinion.

 

It sounds like the ignition switch developed some shorts. You may have blown some fuses. Check underhood and underdash fuse boxes.

I suspect the sizzling sound is wiring overloaded w/ current. This is not good. I would not drive. There is a possibility of wiring fire.

good luck

 

I did end up driving it to the dealer without incident. After spending most of the morning there they finally did get approval to replace the ignition switch again, under the recall for the '98 Accord. They aren't saying it's that but at least it's a good place to start in attempting to figure out what's been going on with the car. They didn't have the part in stock, so are doing it on Monday. I opted to rent a car rather than drive it throughout the weekend. Hope the ignition switch solves my problem!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

Just an update on my car. I did drive it to Honda on Friday. After much discussion and hanging tough they agreed to replace the ignition switch again on the car under the recall (it was done in 2002 at 55,000 miles). Rented a car for the weekend. They replaced the part yesterday. I asked for the part but they had to keep it to send somewhere since it was done under a recall. I did see the part though. When I asked if the switch was a problem the technician said yes. I asked if it could have resulted in a fire, he said likely not, but possible. Hope this is the cause of my problems and this fixed it. The Honda dealer in Benninton, VT was great to work with overall. Thanks for your input on this issue.

On another note, they of course did a 'free' inspection of the car. Said that the catalytic converter was bad (which I sorta knew) and some connection points were worn severely. Recommended the entire exhaust from front to back be replaced for $1700. Also noted the brake lines were rusted and worn, needed replaced for $1600. Brushings on sway bar replaced for $100. All total around $3500. in work. So the question is, get the work done or look at buying a different vehicle in the next year. It will also need a new timing belt in a year, which will be ~$600 or so. As mentioned the car has 151,000 miles now. I drive about 18,000 miles a year. What do you think about putting the money into this Accord or buying a new/newer car within the year? Thanks!

 

Don't know if you DIY, but exhaust work can be completed DiY for much less (1 afternoon's work & aftermarket parts). Same for sway bar bushings (1-2 hrs job).

I would get quotes from good repair shops specializing in Honda/Acura work for brake lines and timing belt work. Rusted brake lines can "pop" at any time leaving you w/o brakes.

Whether it's worth the investment depends on the general condition of the body, paint, transmission, engine. If these are good, then it's likely worth the investment, ... if you like the car.

good luck