I have a 94 Civic LX with about 145,000 miles on it. I bought it about 10 months ago (supposedly it was in good shape...little did I know it was a ticking time bomb), and since then I have had to pay 1500 bucks to get a new timing belt, engine head, head gasket,spark plugs among other things. A few months later it had trouble starting, and I had to get the distributor replaced (along with new spark plugs once again). Only four weeks after THAT got fixed, I seem to have a new problem. Since the first day I got the car back from getting the distributor replaced its been shutting off sometimes after I start the car up. But it only does this when I shut it off, and turn it back on moments later (like I'm getting gas or running into the store). Yesterday it was bad...it took quite a few tries to get it going, and when it started it was fine. But what it does is start up, but IMMEDIATELY shuts down. Its hard to diagnose this problem myself as it happens occasionally, and there have been times where I've tried to replicate it but it won't do it. What could it be? I know I have to get the fuel filter changed....possibility at all?

 

When the engine shuts off, are the dash warning lights ON or OFF? If they are OFF, then check the battery ground wire connection and the ignition switch.

 

Sorry. I forgot to mention that. They are all on.

 

Does the CEL remain ON?

 

Im not sure the light ever comes on, it may be on when the car shuts off, but it doesnt turn on as its shutting down. I may be wrong. I know the emergency lights (like the battery light) and other stuff turn on. If it happens again I'll let you know if the CEL light is on with the others.