ECU issues for my accord

[vs0p]

This may be a newb question, but im a newb so...

my mechanic told me my 2004 euro's ecu is on a fail safe mode and i need to replace the ecu. Was quoted 1900 for a new honda ecu.

Has this happend to anyone before?
Is that price accurate?
Should i go for aftermarket computer (i have no mods on the car btw)?

Any ideas?

[tron07]

How about trying to unplug the battery for 1 night to reset the ECU?

[80057]

did he tell you what caused the ecu to go on fail safe mode?, no point getting a new ecu just so it happens again

and yeh wouldnt hurt trying tron's idea just remember to use jumper leads with surge protector so you dont fry the ecu when you jump start it...

[aaronng]

This may be a newb question, but im a newb so...

my mechanic told me my 2004 euro's ecu is on a fail safe mode and i need to replace the ecu. Was quoted 1900 for a new honda ecu.

Has this happend to anyone before?
Is that price accurate?
Should i go for aftermarket computer (i have no mods on the car btw)?

Any ideas?

Has your mechanic tried to read the ECU fault code? If he hasn't, change mechanic.

[EuroDude]

Just remove the BACKUP fuse for 20 seconds, that'll reset the ECU.

Or simply disconnect the Positive battery terminal for 20 seconds.

[shadou]

get a second mechs diagnosis. Something similar happened with a jeep cheroke back when I used to work, he replaced the ECU costing $1400 only to have the same shit happen with the new ECU as well.

[tony1234]

I would do what Tron and EuroDude suggested.20 secs.should be enough.If that doesn't work go to Honda service.If you need a new ECU may as well get them to install it as the install cost is minimal and you know it'll work as it should.

[tron07]

On my previous car, a Mitsubishi, removing the battery for like 1 hour didnt reset the ECU. But after removing it for a night, when I put it back and start the engine, it was reving quite high for a while before it settle back to norm (ECU comfirm reseted)

[EuroDude]

^ Strange. Perhaps the ECU had its own little backup battery so it keeps the settings during a temporary battery replacement/removal.

[traumatized]

sorry for the noob question but how do you know if your ecu is on fail safe mode? does it show up on your dash or something?

[tron07]

I think ECU is more like a RAM thingy with power to retain it memory for a short time.

However I remember reading that on certain cars (BMW or Mercs) you cannot simply remove the battery, else the car will not start. You will need to hook another bettery to the +ve and -ve first before removing the battery.

[vs0p]

will try the 20second thing and let you know what happens, thanks