So the story is, my homeboy's rsx got broken into and the ecu got jacked. He just bought a ecu which is for the 05 model, but his car is a 02 model. I thought it'd be the same cuz they both use the PND ecu. But when we plugged it in the car didn't start. My uncle said something about having to reprogram the car to the ecu. Is that true? Or does my friend have to get a 02-04 PND?

 

First of all, if you're using a USDM ECU then the immobilizer chip in the key must be recognized by the ECU in order to start the car. The ECU will need to be reprogrammed to recognize your existing keys, which must be done at a Honda/Acura dealership with the HDS machine. You will have to have the car towed there. It probably won't be cheap.

In addition, there are differences in some sensors (particularly VSS and O2 sensors) between '02-04 RSX models and '05-06 RSX models which will cause Check Engine lights and other issues when using the incorrect ECU.

You should be using an '02-04 PND ECU and you will need to have the immobilizer reprogrammed unless you're using K-Pro or a JDM ECU without an immobilizer.

 

^^ to add onto what he says..a dealership charges an hour's worth of labor to reprogram the ECU. if you have a chance of selling your current ecu to purchasing an 02-04 PND that would be more suitable. but i do believe you will run into problems with the ecu you have.

 

I was only charged half an hour worth of labor to reprogram - aka $40.

 

It depends on where you go, but 0.5 labor hour is not the norm for most dealers when using the HDS. I wouldn't go in expecting to pay any less than an hour (which can range anywhere from $75-110) on top of the cost of a tow. Anything cheaper is a bonus.

 

You will definitely need to get yourself a 02-04 ECU and get it programmed

sorry man

 

Thanks for the info fellas. Well we already returned the 05 ecu and the dude told us even if we get the correct ecu, it'll cost $500 to reprogram. I was like uhh nah its koo haha. I just wanted to come on here real quick to find out how much it would cost first before telling my friend to go pay $500 if he didn't need to.

 

i think youve been lied to. As far as i know the immobilizer cannot do what you were told.

 

depending on dealer its $70 to $120 to program immobilizer with the ecu

 

i can prog the key myself lol i just grab the hds from parts and do my magic. and AAA tow is cheapp if u have them i mean