Unexplained stalling!

Willy · Newbie Joined: May 25, 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Los Angeles

My 95 Integra GS-R has ~90M on it. 2 months ago I replaced the timing belt (preventive maintainance) and the radiator (had a tiny leak). In the last few weeks, the check-engine light began coming on at random times. I really could detect no patern to it.
Last week, while downshifting (I think!) on the freeway, at about 30 MPH, the car died. Putting it in neutral INCREASED the speed--dropping it back into 2nd did NOT revive the engine, it merely slowed me down, and I stalled. Couldnt get it started for 15 min., though it cranked very nicely. Got towed off the freeway, waited there another 20 min...and it started right up.
Neither the mechanic nor I have been able to duploicate the problem. Does ANYONE have ANY idea whats going on??

Thanks very much,
Willy

AcuraImport · Newbie Joined: Mar 11, 2003 Posts: 22

Damn, that 's wierd!

So the engine cut out while it was in motion, if so it must be an electrical problem. Did your mechanic run an engine diagnostics tool check the computer for error codes? If so what came up? If not u may want to take it to your mechanic or AutoZone they will do an engine diagnosis for u for free, usually they're pretty helpful. Once the check engine light comes on it shouldn't turn off until the comp codes have been cleared... so if u alread checked the comp for codes and came up w/ nuthing I don't know what to tell u, except hope that it was an act of God and there really isn't anything wrong w/ your car

I have a 97 gsr w/ 75k miles and I just replaced my timing belt too. Keep me posted if you find out what happened. Hopefully, I won't have to deal w/ that problem but if I do it would be nice to know what is going on

Willy · Newbie Joined: May 25, 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Los Angeles

Yeah, you know, they DID run the codes. All they could tell from them, they said, was that the problem was somewhere in the coil or the distributor... but they were left confused enough that they weren't ready to recommend replacing either one--b/c it's expensive, and no guarantee of solving the problem. I didn't argue.
But...DAMN am I scratching my head.
And the "check engine" light just comes on whenever it feels like. I think it stays on until I cut the engine. A couple of times I've done that at speed, then turned it back on--and the light's gone.
Aaaagggghhh!
I'm figuring my best bet here is to keep looking until I find someone who's had a similar experience. But: I'm open to any other suggestions you may have!
Cheers,
Willy

AcuraImport · Newbie Joined: Mar 11, 2003 Posts: 22

I know how u feel man. I used to have a probe that was nuthin' but trouble.
A little while back my VTEC stoped working and no one could tell me why. The codes given were acura specific so the tools my mech. had didn't recognize what was wrong. Luckily, i have a service manual for the 96 integra (written by Acura engineers) it is the best manual i have. It has all the DTC codes and troubleshooting proceedures. For example, when my MIL light (check engine) came on I got a code of 'P1259' which left everyone scratching their heads. I looked it up in my book and just followed some simple steps and i was back in business.
If you want I could look up your code see if it is any help. The manual is for a 96, and may be a little different but its worth a shot. All the codes start w/ a 'P' and is usually followed by a 4 digit number, like (P1259 - Malfunctioning VTEC).