So I took my car to a few mechanics and found that i need a new ecu, I was wondering though how can I get a used ecu and pass smog with the whole immobilizer issue? Is it possible to reprogram the immobilizer on a different ECU to match the one on my key/ignition?

 

check under your back seat and see if the rather large electrical connector is corroded form water damage. If it is hard wire it and heat shrink wrap it to water proof it. If it is corroded and you replace the ecu with out fixing it it will fry the new ecu as well. Just a word of advice.

 

^thanks but do you know if i can get any random used (and working) ecu for a 2000 gsr and reprogam it so it matches up with the existing immobilizer in my ignition allowing me to pass an emission test?

 

Get a OBD2b>OBD1 harness and get a programable ECU. P28 or P72.

 

as far as I know, if you have the stock intake manifold I think you should stick with the gsr ecu (P72) which has the iab control. I am now having this problem as I am running B18C with stock P30 ecu.

 

with the vin from the used ecu you can take it to your local acura dealership and have them program it for you and going obd1 wont help him pass emissions it will just bypass his immobi

 

I'd like to say I know but I have no Idea. Good luck with it.

 

ecu's are very difficult to fry in these cars. in fact i have never seen one fail yet. most the time if it looks like an ecu failure its something else. also, the dealer can help with your issue. the ecus can be found on ebay. make sure the A number matches. you should be p72-a04 or a05, whatever it is, get the same number.

 

thanks everyone! so i found an ecu with the matching ignition switch, key, door locks and glove lock for a 2000 gsr. Can i just swap all this stuff in for the stock stuff and pass smog?

 

bump!! anybody know if the above will fix my problem??

 

Yes, you should be fine with swapping all of that stuff. Why wouldn't you just swap the ecu with another approprite obd-2b ecu and have the dealer re-program the immobilizer for you so it works with your keys? Changing all the locks/ignition on the car sounds above and beyond imo.

 

i read that you need the vin for the replacement ecu and i cant find one that someone has the vin for.

 

That is a good reason. I am not sure how the immobilizer works. Why not call and ask the dealership closest to you. See if they have any insight into the matter.
Ask if you have a second hand ecu if they can set the immobilizer for your car on it.

 

all you have to do is replace the ecu and go to any automotive locksmith and they will be able to reprogram your transponder unit in your key without a vin so there is no need to replace the locks

 

and in doing so would mean i could just plug in the ecu and pass smog?

 

It would make the ecu/key work together so you can start the car. Having the correct (obd-2b) ecu for your car will help you pass smog.

 

if this is truly the problem yes

 

Don't bother changing the ignition switch or the lock cylinders; that's a lot more work than is necessary.

All you need are the ECM and the key that goes with it. Simply go to an Acura dealership with your VIN, proof of ownership (e.g. title or registration card), a photo ID, and the key for the new ECM. Ask them to cut you 2 or 3 new T5 keys (or however many you want) using your VIN, and them program them using the key for the new ECM. It's that simple.

If any of your existing keys are marked with a "T5" on the shank, then you won't even need to have new keys cut - simply ask them to reprogram your existing T5 key with the key from the new ECM. If none of your existing keys have a T5 marking, then you'll need to have new programmable keys cut.

This service will cost you. Make sure you ask for the price of cutting and reprogramming keys before they start the job.

First things first though, why do you think you need a new ECM?

Not all immobilizer keys are programmable. Only keys marked with "T5" on the shank can be erased and rewritten. If the key doesn't have a T5 marking, then it is read-only.

The original keys that came with the vehicle are not T5 keys and thus are not programmable; if he has only the original keys for the vehicle and no duplicates, then he'll need to have new programmable duplicates cut.