1997 Honda Accord: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Jul 17, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 186,000 miles · CA

I have had my 1997 honda accord lx 4cyl for about 4 years. I have searched this problem just about everywhere, and while I've seen the problem reported in hundreds of honda owners, I have yet to see a solid solution. Problem: car shutting off while driving, strong fuel/gas smell when this happens, dash lights shutting off and going black, door locks jumping up and down my car is shutting off while driving - whether I'm on a residential street, or going 75 MPH on the highway. I have been blessed not to be hit by another car when this happens. It sometimes starts right back up, but after a few times, it takes about 20 minutes to be able to start. The engine will stir around, but it won't fire up and actually start. Twenty minutes later or so, it starts.. And then we may make it to our destination without stalling again. Oh, and I can't forget the strong scent of fuel in the air when this happens. It started as a sporadic thing that happened whenever I drove long distance (an hour or more) or whenever I was at 1/4 of a tank. More recently, I can hardly drive at all. I tried to leave today, and I didn't make it down the street without the car shutting off twice. The car is not overheating, there's plenty of gas in the tank... Yet when I drive, the dash lights go out, the RPM jumps all over the place and finally to 0. The car works fine when the engine is cold (first thing in the morning), but as soon as the engine warms to a normal level, this happens. I've been stranded on the highway more times then I care to admit... By myself, with my children, in 101 degree heat.. Etc. What we've done (unsuccessfully): * I already called the dealership, they ran my VIN and said that the recalls have all been taken care of and replaced on my car prior to me purchasing the vehicle. * replaced spark plugs and wires * major tune-up * replaced relay switch * replaced fuel filter.

Filed May 13, 2008 · Electrical · TX

I had to split up my complaint because of the size restriction on the description field. In addition to the ignition coil problem described below I have also had problems with the SRS system, ABS system, wireless entry system, air conditioner, and the auto door locks (all of which are described in another complaint). For a long time the tachometer behaved randomly. It would surge then fall to zero. For periods of time it behaved normally. There was no pattern to the behavior. Initially the engine performance was nominal. Over time the engine began surging and stalling, not necessarily in rhythm with the tachometer, nor exhibiting such behavior when the tach was acting up. Again there was no obvious pattern. Finally the check engine light came on referencing a transmission code that referred to the ignition coil. Interestingly once the code was cleared the check engine light when out and did not illuminate for some time. The next time it illuminated it eventually turned itself out. I finally took the car to the detailer. The dealer said that the ignition coil was not talking to the tach and the computer could not read the engine idle speed. Consequently it was recommended to replace the ignition coil as it evidently had an electrical failure. I am still researching this problem, but it appears that other owners have had experiences with their 1997 honda accords' engines surging and stalling and in some cases causing accidents. This is definitely not safe and definitely unacceptable. As I mentioned before, I am through with honda!!!!!

Filed Feb 6, 2004 · Visibility · 76,000 miles · NY

Electric windows operate very slowly (to not at all) especially in cold weather. Hazard light switch sticks to the "on" position in cold weather. Electric door locks do not work properly on the driver's side door. Emissions light comes on (and stays on) prematurely or for no reason).

Filed Jul 25, 2001 · Body · VA

Both front and rear automatic door lock actuators do not operate. This makes it difficult to lock doors or, once locked, to unlock doors. Could present problem in an emergency. My independent mechanic has noticed high frequency of similar failures and said such problem should not exist on car so new with such low mileage.

Filed Mar 7, 2001 · Body · MA

Automatic locks does not lock when depressing automatic lock on driver's side door. *ak the power door lock was inoperative due to control unit failure.

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Body · VA

The power door lock activator is defective, when all doors are locked they will start activating intermittently without engagement.