Two problems related to ignition coils failure have been reported for the 1997 Honda Accord. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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!!!!!.
Heared a loud banging noise under the shift lever while driving 40+ mph accelerating onto the interstate. After several days, car stalled while turning corner. Experienced sluggish and intermittent loss of power (with frequent stalling driving betweeen 10 to 65 mph on residential area or on a highway). Honda service technician removed and replaced the ignition coil & main relay, and advised me to disconnect a non-Honda car theft alarm system for further troubleshooting of the ignition system. Problem got worst after disconnecting car theft alarm system. Car lost power, (sometimes power comes back on when foot was lift off the gas pedal), more than 15 times within 8 miles of driving at 4:30am and had difficulty restarting. Experienced hard start later that day at 3:30pm. Today, christmas day, I disconnected the battery, cleaned the terminals, checked the wires under the dashboard for cut or loose connections, reconnect the battrey, test drived, and car stalled with some weird noise (like a noise made by an electrical component lossing power) by front/lower of the front passenger floor. This problem had already cost me a little over $500. 00 and I just don't have that kind of money to spend just to guess what will correct the problem.