Hey guys I'm new here so bare with me. I have a 2003 Acura CL Auto (Type-S or Base model is still in question). I'm not 100% sure what it is. Took it to Acura dealer to have the ECM checked. They said its bad. So now I bought a used ECM on Ebay. My question is does the ECM have to come from a Auto Type-S or Base for it to be compatible? I'm having the dealer reprogram it.

 

FWIW: First, I would want to determine which model you have: Base, or Type S. Your VIN, or vehicle identification number will tell you which model you have. Google: VIN decoder, for more information. Three prominent visual characteristics of the Type S, versus the Base model are: 1. Type S model instrument cluster has White Gauge Faces, Base model gauge faces are Black. 2. Under the hood, the Type S model has Red lines and printing on the plastic trim located on the front rocker arm cover, the Base model does not. This cover also contains a space for the engine oil cap, the cap you would remove to add oil to the engine. 3. The Type S model has perforated leather steering wheel and seat covers, the Base model does not. A search of an Acura OEM parts supplier, "ie" Delray Acura OEM parts, can advise you regarding which ECU part number is the correct one for your car. They currently list part # 37820-PGE-A62 for the Type S, and part # 37820-PJE-A65, for the base model. Acura Client Relations could also assist you with this issue. It is CRITICAL, that the correct ECU be used. I would be reluctant to trust EBAY to provide the correct ECU, unless the part number is correct for your car, and the ECU is guaranteed!

 

It was a false claim by a technician at the Acura dealer. He thought my CL was a base model since it had a base ECM installed. Thank you for the reference you've mentioned which ECM I needed. Now I know I've got the correct one order.

 

So you have a type-s with a base model ECU?

Out of curiosity, what led you to have it checked in the first place?

 

Yes. It's been verified I have a Type-S. I had the multiple things going on with the car. First I had the VSA and /_!_\ lights on. There was also a permanent 83-1 PCM/ECM faulty error. At first I replaced the VSA switch which I thought went bad but that did not work. Then I replaced the ABS computer module which also did not work. That's the reason I took it to the dealer. They diagnosed it and found that the ECM was able to take in info but not transmit info out.

 

PM sent.