Vehicle: 1996 Honda Accord LX station wagon automatic 4 cylinder 2.2L

Background:
CEL came on & code P0453 retrieve @ Autozone & verified by mechanic

Mechanic examined and attempted to fix all issues associated with code P0453. Determine that the ECU/ PCM is the issue.

The current ECM/ECU/PCM is 37820-POH-L51

The recommended (via Honda's parts website) replacement is 37820-POH-317. I prefer to find a cost effective replacement part.

Based on my research it appears that other ECM/ECU/PCM part numbers are interchangeable and therefore can also be used. However, I am not certain.

I was told that the 1996 station wagon has an "unique ECM/ECU/PCM" and that putting other ECM/ECU/PCM will work but WILL throw a CEL.

I would like to know if any of the following are interchangeable and WILL NOT throw a CEL (if in fact the ECM/ECU/PCM and nothing else is the problem).
(1) 37820-POJ-A80 or 37820-POJ-A81
(2) 37820-POJ-L51 or 37820-POJ-L52

I searched car-part.com and #1 (A80) is provided however, the mechanic insists it will not work in my 1996 accord wagon lx. Oddly, when I searched for the replacement part for less expensive prices I came across a website that reports 37820-POJ-317 is a replacement for 37820-P0J-307, 37820-P0J-A80.

I am at a lost any help greatly appreciated.

 

That part number is for sale used on Ebay for $65.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/96-97-Honda-Accord-Ex-VTEC-ECU-2-2-AT-Engine-Computer-37820-P0H-L51-Auto-ECM-OEM-/262070332002?hash=item3d049bea62&vxp=mtr
According to HondaPartsNow that part number has been replaced by/is interchangeable with 37820-P0H-315

HondaPartsNow Link
Part Info
Part No. 37820-P0H-L51
Part Description Control Module, Engine
Replaced By 37820-P0H-315

Also, I found this service bulletin and on the third page it lists replacement PCM/ECU part numbers. I noticed that according to this chart it states that your current ECU is actually listed as for a 96 EX 4-door, not a 96 LX wagon.




Service Bulletin Link

Further research reveals that the code you are reading is caused by using a coupe/sedan ECU in a wagon because the wagon does not have this sensor. This link describes a fix for that.

AccordWagonClub Link

Or you could just order what is listed in the chart as the correct ECU or replacement ECU for your car.
37820-P0J-A80 - Original ECU
37820-P0J-317 - Replacement ECU

Here is a link for Ebay listings for the original ECU part number, prices from ~$60.
Ebay Link

Verdict. I think your ECU was replaced sometime in the past with the wrong part.

Is your engine swapped?

 

Hello coolswimmerjon,


Thank you for the response!


I have owned my car since 2001 and the engine has not been swapped since I have owned it. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle was in excellent condition with no accidents or major repairs. So, unless the previous owner swapped it and did not disclosed that, I do not have an explanation.


It is my understanding that the original engine will have the car's VIN#
embedded on it. So, to satisfy my curiosity I am going to have the mechanic check for me. I had the car inspected prior to my purchased in 2001 and I am certain if that was disclosed I would remember it (potential red flag) and noted it in my car log book (I keep all work receipts and diagnosis papers/receipts for everything done to my car).


In the 14 years of driving my car this is the first time the CEL has come on and remained on. Previous incidents of CEL coming on due to the car overheating, a leaking fluid, etc. after fixing the issue resulted in the CEL going away/ being rest with no further occurrence.

So, the fact that the current PCM in my vehicle is not the original and by all accounts will trigger a CEL to remain on at all times but only now has caused the CEL to remain is confusing.


In any event, thanks again for the information and research. I will purchase the A80 PCM and report back once the work is completed.