I have an 98 civic, from last Tuesday, it cuts all the power randomly when i'm driving. no power at all, locks, lights, ignition....
few seconds later, the power comes back again, and start the car without any issue.

I have tried:
Ignition switch was replaced, but still has the problem.
looked the main relay, seems good.
cleaned the battery terminals, I found there is corrosion in the wires too, I did the best to clean that, but still some left. Car still has the problem.

The clock time back to 1:00 after the power comes back every time.
Found out the fuse box under hood is hot, the connection between the wires and fuse box is really hot! is that normal? also it has a burn smell!
Right now the car only can start about 20 seconds and then cuts the power. And the power comes back few seconds later..
Really drives me crazy.
Any one know the problem?
Thanks! Thanks!

 

Going on limp here, but i suspect your grounding/hot cables from the batt to chassis.

Also possible fuse issue, those main fuses under the hood.

 

Sounds like the underhood fuse box is burnt up and needs to be replaced.

 

it should not be heating up..deffinately.there is a bad connection somewhere in there.id pop the fuse panel apart and make sure its not arcing out...could start a fire in your harness....electric burns off ampreage by heating up,almost stalling in the wiring untell the shielding liquifies..and bad contacts or fire results..and it sounds like youve made it that far already.even if you find the short..make sure that your finding the reason its shorting..ie..grounding issues,loose connections,,,corroded connections....i hate to sound redundant,but the burning is the result of whats wrong.hope that helps

 

Problem solved! Something in the under hood fuse box was burnt, mechanic fixed that and car is ready to go. Thanks guys!