2001 Honda Civic Engine Died

My daughter was driving to school on the freeway when the engine just
died. Luckily someone helped her get to the side of the road, but she
was very scared. The check engine light came on and the car wouldn't
start. After about 15 to 20 minutes the car did start and she was able
to drive home. Does anyone have any ideas what is wrong? The car has
about 62K miles on the car.

Joy

 

Oil level?

 

Hopefully the Check Engine light is still on. You can take it to
Autozone or other parts stores that will read the code for free. Copy
it down and post it here.

How was the engine temperature? Outside temperature? Fuel tank level?

 

My daughter said the engine wasn't overheating, the outside temp was
probably in the 90's (she was on Highway 5 near the 14 off ramp in L.
A.), the tank was full and the gas cap tight. When she got home, we
checked the oil level and it was full; only about 600 miles since the
last oil change. I'll take the car to the dealer tomorrow, Monday.

Joy

 

This is usually either a failing ignition switch or the igniter (ICM).

Did all the dashboard idiot lights come on when the car died? If NO, then
it's the switch. If YES, then it's most likely the igniter.

However... your model is subject to a number of TSBs and recalls having to
do with some other things which can cause a similar sort of dying, such as
corrosion in a certain part of the fuel pump (recall # 01V183000).

Before anybody wastes a ton of time figuring this one out, have your local
Honda dealer look for TSBs and recalls covering your VIN number. No point
in re-inventing the wheel.

 

The dealer says the coil is corroded. I guess we'll see if this fixes
the problem.

Joy

 

It might. The coil and the igniter are in the same place, and cause similar
symptoms. I'm a bit skeptical it's the coil, though. It would be nice if
you could give an update once you know for sure what's wrong.

 

The four coils and plugs were changed and we drove to Davis, CA, (about
410 miles) to deliver my daughter's car. We never encountered any
problems with the engine so hopefully the problem is resolved.

Joy

 

Thanks.