ECU replacement

[Thomas Dodd]

Hey All,

I have a 1998 Honda Civic Ex. It has the 1.6L engine with an auto transmission. It has been experiencing a no-start condition for quite a while. I have diagnosed the issue as a bad ECU. The distributor, igniter, main relay, fuel pump and ignition switch are all good. Two questions. Would a salvage yard ECU, or any used ECU work in the Civic I have? Also, are there any important steps to take before, during or after the new ECU is installed? I haven’t replaced one before, but I feel fairly comfortable swapping it out myself. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Topic

[Mike]

A replacement is just disconnect the battery, remove the ECU , install the replacement and reconnect the battery.
It may take a few drive cycles for the replacement to learn things but there is no programming necessary.
You can use a salvage yard ECU. I’d buy from one which guarantees that it is a good working unit.
Just make sure you get an ECU for an automatic transmission.

[Thomas Dodd]

Perfect! Thank you so much for the reply. I will opt for a junkyard ECU and inquire about a guarantee. Thanks!

[Mike]

You’re welcome.
Hope you’re back on the road soon.

[Author]

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