TECH QUESTION (TQ): HowTo Change ECU

I've Googled and scanned this newsgroup. Excuse me
for asking this simple question, but how does one safely
replace an ECU? Here us what I presume:

1. Disconnect car battery
2. Remove old ECU
3. Install "new" ECU
4. Reconnect car battery
5. Start car

I am guessing that this is simple, like above, and that is
why I can't find instructions on how o do it. I just wanted
to check to make sure.

My son just bought a 1998 Civic in nice condition. The ECU
will not produce any codes and the check engine light is
always on. My searching on this indicates the ECU is probably
bad. So, I want to try replacing it and I do not want to
do it incorrectly and cause problems instead of solve them.
Thanks,
Don

 

That's the correct procedure.

It is imperative that your new ECU have the correct part number for your
VIN. If you are even remotely uncertain, call your dealer with your VIN and
the part number off the new ECU. He'll tell you if they match.

 

If you want to disconnect the car battery be my guest. There's virtually no
damage that I can see. There's more damage if you fumble with the battery
terminal causing all those spikes.

Plus, where did you get step #1 from?

The correct way to replace the ECU (that is dead) is to unplug the
ECU and probe the harness for a massive short.


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