Ok so i have a theory that my ECU is fried i got a 1998 prelude base with manual tranny. I think loose battery cable caused a jolt in voltage which messed up my ecu and shut down my car. So my car is running in limp mode because the ECU fails its self-diagnostic.

anyways this is my ECU number 37820-P5M-L04

this is my replacement ECU 37820-P5M-A02
This replacement ECU was sold to me as a 1997 honda prelude with a manual tranny and the person who sold it to me told me it would work.

Ive searched all over the internet but I cannot find any ECU that exists with the A02 OEM#!!

WHen i put on this A02 ECU my car turns but doesnt start.

 

this could be a immobilizer issue. im not that knowledgable about the 5th gen elcetronics, but im willing to bet that the immobilizer in the new ecu realizes its in a different car and hence won't allow it to start.

 

^^ that is the problem. The replacement ECU will work, but you need to take it and the car to a Honda dealership and have them reprogram the ecu to communicate with the immobilizer system. They will require you to bring the car in. Weve done this several times with auto -> 5spd swaps & h22a4s in 96+ accords.

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help.

 

I know this thread is old but I'm having the same problem. Right now I have a p13 ecu and my replacement is u is 37820-p5m-a02. The car turns but it won't start. I've already called honda to see if they can reprogram the ecu but they said they only do 2000 and up ecu. Does anyone know y the car won't start?

 

The keys have a chip to match the ECU. You have to get them programmed together otherwise the car won't turn on.

 

Where can I get them programmed?

 

Apparently a different dealer.