A local RDX has been smashed up and is parting out. I offered to buy the ECU for $200, then I would reflash it. I'm assuming there are no issues with this?

 

You will have an issue with the immobilizer needing to be reprogrammed to your keys in order for the ECU to work. You'd have to take it to an Acura dealer to get this done each time you switch the ECU.

 

Wouldn't that be the case with the Hondata ECU as well (If I bought a new ECU through Hondata?). I would expect that once the ECU is flashed, the immobilizer would work with both of them.

 

The ECU would work but your immobilizer would not. I assume that it's the same as if you bought the reflashed ecu form hondata. When I went to order another ECU I was told that my immobilizer would not work making it easier for someone to jack my ride.

 

If the immobilizer doesn't work, doesn't that mean the car won't start?

It would be nice for them to post this info on their website.

 

Hondata programs their ECU to work without having the dealer to reprogram.

"The Hondata RDX ECU has a preprogrammed VIN. Its immobilizer has been set up to work with any vehicle without dealer programming."

 

yea the immobilizer is disabled on reflash & on new ecu's.

honestly tho, who in the hell would know that u had a hondata sitting under your hood, its not like someone jacking ur car would select it ...if ur cars getting jacked, its getting jacked, one way or another

 

Good info guys (thanks), but those last two posts seem conflicting. Is it programmed to work or disabled?

I'm not really worried about the immobilizer being disabled, but obviously, I'd prefer if it weren't and there the spare ECU was just plug and play.

 

The hondata ECU is programmed to be used without having to be programed to your key, so ANY key will work with the ECU. Just think of it like an unlocked phone; it can now be used with any RDX key.

 

Cool - so long as it will work.

Thanks.

 

So let me get this straight. If i go purchase a brand new ECU from the dealer, i can send it to Hondata to have it tuned and when i install it in the vehicle all the remote key functions will work but the imobilizer will not?
And i don't have to get the dealer to program anything in the new ECU?

Please clarify guys

Thanks

 

yep...keys work, immobilizer doesnt.

 

Cool;
What exactly does the immobilizer do anyways?
If the immobilizer is not active and the door is forced open, will the alarm sound?
Does the immobilizer prevent the engine from starting or what?

Thanks

 

Yes that's correct. From the manual " The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly coded key (or other device) is used, the engine will not start."

Hope this helps

 

Hondata's site says this:

 

Boy.... Thats as clear as mud :-)

 

No kidding. It sounds like if you send a new or used ECU in for a reflash, it won't work without programming your immobilizer at the dealer. Why wouldn't this be disabled on this case (like when you order a new ECU from Hondata?)

You would think they could program a used one just like they do when they supply the ECU to you.

 

If you purchase an ECU from another RDX and stick it in your RDX, you will not be able to start your vehicle until you take it to the dealer and have the ECU and your keys programmed to work with each other.

If you purchase a new ECU from Hondata, Hondata disables the immobilizer so that any key will start your vehicle, as long as it is cut correctly to match the cylinder. Also means someone could jam a screwdriver in your ignition and start your car as long as they can get it to turn. Of course most car thieves would assume that the immobilizer is still functional in your vehicle. Unless you have Hondata stickers all over your windows....

Is that clear?

 

Very clear. Thanks.