I'm looking to buy a '99 HX from a Honda dealership out of state (i.e. I haven't checked it out in person). The guy tells me it "needs a new computer but runs perfect." I had him check with a mechanic for more info and he says the mechanic told him the CEL was on and the code he pulled was "Main ECU Fail" and he verified that it is what we refer to as the "ECU" and is located behind passenger kick panel. I have since requested the actual code number but haven't got it yet.

I searched the OBDII code list and did not see anything for this code.

Has anyone seen this before..."Main ECU Fail" but the car runs "perfect"???

TIA...any help is greatly appreciated!

 

P0560 ECM Back-up Circuit Low Voltage
P0603 ECM/PCM Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
P0606 ECM/PCM Processor Malfunction
P0685 ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit Malfunction

 

First off, I would never by a civic HX with any problem, as their parts are a bit hard to find and often much more expensive than other Civic's (not worth the gas savings in the long run). However, if you did choose to purchase this car, GoECM.com that sells refurbished ECU's with a lifetime warranty (I just had to buy one for my 00 HX) for $300, which is like $600+ cheaper than new.