Install an ECU module easy ?

Hi,

My dealer told me I have a malfunctioning ECU for my Civic EX 97.

They'd like to have $872 Cdn + labor to swap it for a new one. Ya,
right !

I must say though that my fuel consumption has gone up quite a bit. I
usually get anywhere from 425 to 500 kms per tank, and now it's down
to 350-375.

So, it would make sense to swap it for a used one.

I found a couple of parts dealers around selling them, used, for about
$150 Cdn.

Questions :

1- is it easy to install ? I know where it is since I was there when
the dealer inspected my car, but are we talking about unplugging a
unit, unscrewing it from the car, and then screw the new one in, and
plug it back in ?
2- Will the used unit work as is ? Does it need a reset or something
?

Thanks for any input.

 

You're probably running in open loop.

Shouldn't take half an hour. Just make sure you get one from the exact
same model.

Removing the power from an ECU resets it.

 

Indian Summer wrote

Whatever caused the malfunction could still be in the wire harness. And
installing a new one could blow the same circuit.

Possibly running on safe mode. An open circuitry inside the ECU or outside
could do this.

Worth a try.

 

I wonder if this is what is wrong on my 95 Integra? I have a few
problems currently with my car and have come to my wits end on this
one.....I am currently getting 20-23 mpg highway which I should be
getting close to 30....No check engine light has come one but not
certain if this could be the cause of a bad O2 sensor....My temp gauge
goes down when I accelerate....I have replaced the thermostat and the
thermostat reading that goes to the dash with no luch....and when the
car shifts the transmission slips (only on the sifts though). I might
end up paying the local dealer at least to look at the slipping tranny
to see if all is related as the Acura dealer here in PA wants $40 to
look at each individual problem.

Nick

 

That's an interesting remark. The mechanic told be that my problem
was either a broken sensor, a faulty wire, or a broken ECU when I came
in with my Check Engine warning.

After troubleshooting, he came to the conclusion that it was the ECU,
meaning that he tested the wire connected to the sensor that was
flagged in the ECU.

If wire-A is connected to sensor-A, and wire-B is connected to
sensor-B, can a faulty wire-B have the effect of raising the A flag in
the ECU, and make that A flag non-resettable (which is my symptom,
that lead the mechanic to diagnose a faulty ECU) ?

 

"Indian Summer©"

No/Yes. Yes it can but it's not supposed to. When the technician spots this
conflicting behavior and he follows manual's instruction to swap with a new
ECU and continue diagnosing. If this is what you're asking.

For instance, a temporary short in the wiring network or sensors could send a
jolt of current into the ECU at the right spot and drive the ECU mad (crazy).
Normally it should not raise flag A.

If I were you, ask them what wire A-B are. Understand it, then install the
new ECU.