I recently had my Check Engine light turn on and I immediately brought in the car to a shop. They reported that the actual ECU (Engine Control Unit) was damaged and it would cost $800 just to replace the unit. The car runs fine from what I can tell as I drive it daily.

From talking to all of my friends, this is the first time they have heard of an ECU going out. I have seen a couple of internet sites that offer to repair the unit for $300. Also, is it possible to buy a used ECU online (Ebay $99) and have it reprogrammed for my car?

If anyone can offer me some advice on what I should do, that would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to fork over $800 knowing there is a much cheaper solution.

Thanks everyone.

 

take your car to an autozone so they can read the code, post the code here so we can help you out.

 

i would get a 2nd opinion.

 

The only time i've seen a computer get fried is when someone jump started a car improperly. But even then, it wouldn't run.

 

Sorry if I'm hijacking anyones post.
I was wondering if you still have ECU's for sale?
I have been ordering parts for my 2002 TL type S, doing a tranny swap from a 2003 CL S, I dont have the VIN from the 6 sp manual CLS thats on its way. Is the ECU the same for all 6 sp manual CL S's?
Anyway, thats a good price and I'll buy it from you immediatly, if you've got the right one.

 

Yes all the 03 CL 6speeds use the same ECU

 

Hello,

I have a 1999 Acura TL and would like to know where exactly is the ECU located? I've taken almost the entire dash apart (swapping the stereo) and am yet to find this.
According to my local dealership I need a new ECU to fix a recurring transmission problem at a cost of $994 + tax etc. I'm wondering if this is something I can do myself for much less.

Thanks.

-KC

 

Maybe I should have been more detailed about the problem I'm having... sorry about that I'm new. Basically, if the temperature is below about 60 degrees, the TCS and Engine lights get tripped and the car will not drive. Put it in drive, give it gas, the RPM gauge goes crazy but the car barely crawls if it moves at all (pray you're not on a hill). Thank again.

-KC

 

The ECU is located on the center tunnel in front of the center console. When the side panels are removed you can see the ecu bolted to the floor from the passenger side. (there is 1 10mm bolt on each side holding it.

If the dealer is correct that that is the problem i wold source a used one and use that. You will have to have the dealer reprogram the key to it to work.

 

Found it, tucked away behind the SRS controller, thanks. Now I can verify the part number before ordering a replacement. Let's hope the dealership doesn't screw up reprogramming the keys. Since they hate me for pointing out that they're incompetent, who knows what they'll do or how much they'll charge.

Ever since they changed my transmission I've been having this new problem. It's been back 6 or 7 times and each time they tell me they don't know what caused it and the car's driving fine now so come and get it... BUT we did notice so and so is due for service, that will be X hundred dollars if you want us to do it now while we still have the car... I tell them no 'cause what good is a car with all new parts that doesn't drive anywhere? They're not even trying to fix my car.

 

Find a different dealer. contact Acura Client services about your service with them.

 

I called them last Thursday, they said the next closest dealer is about 100 miles away. That explains a lot. But since I know the car will drive when it warms up outside, I may call them and make the drive just the same.

 

Honda dealers are able to do it as well

 

Got the replacement ECU tonight, got it installed no probs. Thanks a lot for the help. Now I need to have the keys reprogrammed. It turns over but won't start, and the key light on the dash keeps flashing. Hopefully they won't overcharge me for this. I've heard horror stories of customers sometimes paying hundreds of dollars for something I'm sure takes them less than 10 minutes.

 

My honda dealer charged me something like 45 bucks to reprogram the keys to the new ECU