I won't bore you all with the details, but long story short, dealer told me I need to put a new ECU in my ride (03 TL-S)...........for $1,231, I told them thanks but no thanks.... I know I can get an appropriate ECU for $200-$300, but I need to know if the ECU's need to be replicated (old to new) or if it is just a plug-n-play and the new ECU will re-learn by itself? I know on some of the newer cars (i.e. BMW), the ECU's hold a lot more data than they used to and need to be copied/replicated/programmed - can't just throw in a new ECU. Is this the case with an 03 TLS, or is replacing the ECU as simple as it appears?

Otherwise, if it does require some replicating, is there someone locally (Milwaukee area) that would do this as a side job? Can this be done off the car, or does it need to be on the car?

Thanks

 

You will have to have your key/immobilizer reprogrammed (only a acura/honda dealer can do that. There isnt a way for you to do it) It shouldnt cost more than 60 bucks (i had mine done at the honda dealer for like 45) other than that as long as its for a TL-S its plug and play

 

Thanks for the quick reply, fsttyms1.........I appreciate it.

So, out of curiosity, how in the world did the dealer come up with a price of nearly $1300? haha The price alone led me to think there would be a somewhat large degree of reprogramming involved.

 

^ probably just jacking up the labor costs... attempting to get some money out of you.

 

Because the ECU costs 900+ (depending on the dealer) bucks, then you have the labor to install it, then reprogram the immobilizer (probably charged 2-3 hrs installed)

 

You are probably right, I forgot about "dealer pricing"......

 

why did the dealer say u need a new ecu?

 

I was throwing a few codes that stumped me, including two tranny related codes (1739 & 1740 - 3rd and 4th clutch pressure switch circuits). Given that I had the tranny replaced about 1.5 years ago (20K miles), I marched back in to the dealer.......they said they ran the car through some paces and then resorted to testing at the source and running through some electrical problem solving exercises - apparently the source of the codes is the ECU, not the tranny.

 

Acura Brookfield is pretty good (i take it thats where you are bringing it)?

I would get them to put it in writing that if that isnt the problem you arent stuck paying for it.

 

if u want a used ecu i got a guy that doenst need his anymore.

 

fsttyms1 - Yes, I did take it to AOB........I have been very impressed with them in the past (I've taken several cars there at various times). They did put it in writing (on the work order), but I realize I am kind of "on my own" if I don't have them do the work. The CEL is off now (guessing they just reset it) - so I may just leave it alone for a bit and see what happens.....

Rajca - is your buddies ECU from a TL-S? How much is he looking for (send me a PM if you want). Out of curiosity, why does he not need it anymore?

 

its from a 99tl-p. hes doing the 6spd swap. no use for that when hes got the cl-s6 ecu

 

99tlp=4speed
2003tls =5speed

 

wait, if my transmission was changed, did I need to give them two sets of keys to make sure each one works? I did not try, but will my other key work which I never gave to the dealer during transmission swap? thanks

 

Thanks, but no thanks, Rajca - Spiro is right............would not work for me. Good luck with the swap/conversion!

 

The reprogram keys only when they swap ECU.

 

i got new ecu together with transmission, so both keys need to be reprogrammed?

 

ok, didnt u know u had the 5spd

 

you talking to me?

can anyone answer my question about reprogramming both keys, I will try second key if I find it

 

If it comes back on id get a used ECU and try that. Its far cheaper then the dealer new cost. Worst case your out 2-300 bucks.
Use this to locate one.
http://www.car-part.com/

 

Agreed..........thanks for your insights.

 

well i have that ecu but your right it wouldnt work on your ride, as for the swap its almost complete; installin a new clutch right now and droppin everythin in this weekend but best of luck with your problems man... i've had quiete a few of those problems lately =/

 

They dont need both keys to program it.

 

www.car-part.com buy the ecu there. and get the dealer to re program it