DIY Ignition Control Module (ICM) Replacement. Lots of Pics!

[grifty]

before changing around the ICM i suggest you remove the old thermal paste from you B18c ICM and put some new thermal paste on and try it out. The common problem that happens with ICM's is that the thermal paste over years dries out which causes the ICM to overheat and cause problems.

[ACTI0NMAN-1]

Also be sure to have a long enough bit on your impact screwdriver as mine was a little too stubby to fit between the rotor and dust cover.

[Bludger]

where did you buy conductive grease?

[grifty]

you can get it from PC stores, its called thermal paste.

It basically transfers heat from the ICM to the heatsink.

[Bludger]

I still got a tube somewhere, 10 years old though, any good still?

[grifty]

should be as long as it hasnt dried out.

[specialst]

Use proper automotive thermal paste which comes with a new ICM. Computer thermal grease is definitely not the same thing in the long run. Just buy a new icm. Not worth rattling around especially with summer coming around the corner.

[nugget]

how did you guys take off the heat sink from the icm?

[nugget]

how did you guys take off the heat sink from the icm?

i have taken the screw out but the icm seems stuck to the heat sink..

[dc2r-man]

Just a question if any1 knows, my car still runs sweet(dc2r) even after 180k kms, now i dont know if the icm has been replaced in its life or not.... brand is hitachi and looks stock i removed the icm from the heatsink and it doesnt have any thermal paste on it so i will proceed to put some on, but my question is how often should the ICMs be changed?

[Bludger]

Just a question if any1 knows, my car still runs sweet(dc2r) even after 180k kms, now i dont know if the icm has been replaced in its life or not.... brand is hitachi and looks stock i removed the icm from the heatsink and it doesnt have any thermal paste on it so i will proceed to put some on, but my question is how often should the ICMs be changed?

when they fk up

[MitchDc2]

Thanks for the write up! Car died randomly one afternoon and ending up being this issue, wouldn't have guessed it without this.