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Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2.fluke 9/24/84; site fluke.UUCP
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From: pwl@fluke.UUCP (Paul Lutt)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Accord stalling
Message-ID: <2057@vax4.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 6-Jan-85 16:23:57 EST
Article-I.D.: vax4.2057
Posted: Sun Jan  6 16:23:57 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 7-Jan-85 03:34:50 EST
References: <293@sftri.UUCP> <1320@eosp1.UUCP>
Reply-To: pwl@fluke.UUCP (Paul Lutt)
Distribution: net
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 24

I would just like to second the motion on the possibility of the fuel
pump cut-off relay acting up.  I had a very similar problem with my
'78 Honda Civic which was fixed by replacement of the cut-off relay.
These relays are solid-state, i.e. transistor switching rather than
mechanical contacts.  There are a pair of power transistors in parallel
driving the fuel pump.  The failure seems to be due to one of the transistors
cutting out, leaving the remaining transistor to do all the work.

The symptoms are much like those described.  First there is a loss of power,
followed by total stalling of the vehicle.  Waiting a few minutes before
trying to re-start the car seems to temporarily get around the problem.

I have had other problems with the electronics in the Civic.  The dash board
dimmer switch is also solid-state, using the same type of power transistor
to control the panel lights.  I've had to replace this same transistor in
my dimmer in order to fix the thing.  It appears to be a case of a Hi-tech,
low reliability system.  Still cheaper than replacing an engine control
computer in a GM product (> $600).  Hope this is of some help.
-- 
   Paul Lutt           (206) 356-5059
   John Fluke Mfg. Co.
   P.O. Box C9090
   Everett, WA  98206  
   {allegra,decvax!microsof,ssc-vax,ucbvax!lbl-csam,uw-beaver}!fluke!pwl