PCM replacement instructions please?

Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 31,900 MILES
Hi, is there a way to replace the PCM without using the Honda dealership?
Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 AT 8:41 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Here is the information you requested. To answer your question. No, a PCM will have to be refurbished or installed as new to fix any pcm related problems which you can get by searching google. Upon replacement a few different relearn procedures will need to be performed to complete the repair. I've attached picture steps below for pcm replacement and the relearn procedures for your Honda. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 AT 12:47 AM
Tiny
CHUNKY2120
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 HONDA ACCORD
  • 73,000 MILES
I have 2007 honda accord.I need to replace my ecm/pcm due to water damage. If I buy a used one from ebay with the same exact part number will the dealership be able to program it to my car/keys?If so how much is thar service?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yes you can however, the dealer or rebuilder needs the vehicle with the original PCM installed first. They need to run a procedure with the scan tool that pulls the info out of it so that it can install it in the replacement. It states this process in the info below at the beginning. Please run through this material and let us know if you have questions. Thanks
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVETHEMAN56
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2006 HONDA ACCORD
  • 272,000 MILES
Yes there was a new computer installed. In my car v6. PCM unit the computer failed burnt up. The mechanic said there was a short caused by the charcoal canister plug in the fuse blew out and the computer burnt up. Sounds weird they replaced computer with refurbished one. Car drives like brand new. They have to order the canister part still. This whole thing started in the emissions system not sure computer was working right. It said I needed a new catalytic converter and I replaced it when a computer. Starts sending crazy codes not sure of anything but I know it would not hurt to get it okay. That’s my story would like some information on replacing the PCM.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Here is the instructions on how to replace the PCM in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HUMMINGBIRD132
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
A week ago, the "check engine" light came on. Bringing the Accord to my mechanic, he - per the computer read out - replaced the (4) O2 sensors. Later in the day of the repair, the "Check Engine" light came back on. I brought it back to the same mechanic. He indicated that the computer's read out now indicated to replace the computer itself.
He conclude that I needed to bring it to the Honda dealer and that there may be a software bug in the computer and, if so, that there could be a recall. Based on the VIN, the Honda site showed no recall other than a 7 year warranty extention covering the transmission. Is it common to replace the computer? If it's a computer problem, is it possible that just a "reboot" is required?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HONDA TECH 1818
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
Specific driving conditions may cause the ECM/PCM to incorrectly interpret sensor inputs, there's a updated ECM and it will correct the problem. You will need to have the immobilizer code transfer to the new ECM by a rebuilder.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FBROWN0324
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Not looking for DLC, Gauge Cluster connector etc. Looking for PCM itself. Was told to look under right kick panel or passenger seat. Not behind kick panel.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I don't mean to butt-in. I looked at two databases and they showed the ecm/pcm is behind center of dash, forward of center console. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FBROWN0324
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Under dash. I did see something on internet about that possibility. I'll let you know, thanks again!
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHIBINAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 HONDA ACCORD
I need to replace the main computer, but do not know exactly where to look for it. I heard it is under the glove compartment, but I would not know it if I saw it. Thanks for any help.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Engine control module is located behind center of dash forward on the floor
check the picture.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Graphic2_124.jpg


ECM/PCM Replacement
ECM/PCM is part of immobilizer system. Replacement ECM/PCM must have immobilizer code rewritten, using Honda PGM Tester. To perform rewrite procedure requires the vehicle, all master keys, all valet keys and a Honda PGM Tester with an immobilizer program card. Any key not learned during rewrite will not start vehicle.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TORCUATO87
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
Just replace ecu on my 99 accord but car wont star what I need to do now? I need to program the new ecu? How?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi torcuato87,

ACCORD, CR-V, ODYSSEY, PASSPORT & PRELUDE

Known-Good ECM/PCM Substitution
On models equipped with engine immobilizer system, acquire key cut from non-immobilizer key blank. Remove ECM/PCM from test vehicle. Install known-good ECM/PCM from donor vehicle into test vehicle. Tape donor vehicle's ignition key head-to-head to test vehicles temporary key. ECM/PCM will recognize code from donor vehicle's key and allow test vehicle to be started.

ECM/PCM is part of immobilizer system. Replacement ECM/PCM must have immobilizer code rewritten, using Honda PGM Tester. To perform rewrite procedure requires the vehicle, all master keys, all valet keys and a Honda PGM Tester with an immobilizer program card. Any key not learned during rewrite will not start vehicle. Follow Honda PGM Tester instructions.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TONIDRICH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Where is the ecu located?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi tonidrich,

Behind center of dash, forward of floor console, below radio. Check out the diagrams below


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_DRLControlUnit01Accord_3.jpg



Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHCA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 83,000 MILES
My engine light came on and the dealer reports that I need a new computer (brain) for the vehicle. They would like $1,200 for the work. I can purchase the same brand new ECU, through an authorized Honda Parts dealer for $640. Is this an item I can change myself or does a mechanic have to replace it. My understanding is that the computer can be found under the passengers floor/carpet and changed out. Is there anything else that would need to be done becides just changing the part?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
COOTERZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Its behind the radio area. Get on the ground and pull back the carpet and you will see it. Start at the driver side and then go to the passenger side. Just buy a refurbished and swap it. I spoke to my local honda dealer and they knew of a guy.
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHCA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
That is correct but once you replace it the car will not start. You need to have it programmed to your car's security system. The keys will not work. Your honda guy does not know what he is talking about. I bought a brand new one for $600 online from Honda, changed it and the labor fee at the dealer was $50. Not worth doing it yourself!

Its behind the radio area. Get on the ground and pull back the carpet and you will see it. Start at the driver side and then go to the passenger side. Just buy a refurbished and swap it. I spoke to my local honda dealer and they knew of a guy.[/Quote:f9e19e682b]
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DEETRIMBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
What is the price range to get the car computer fixed on a Honda accord? And do you have to buy it new or can I get it from a pick a parts type of place?
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 AT 6:33 PM (Merged)

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