Hi all,

I have a 98' Honda Accord that is having AC problems - the compressor isn't getting a signal from the ECM (Honda mechanics diagnosis). Took it to the Honda dealership and they said I would need a new ECM. Since the car is 18 years old I'm not paying $650 for a Honda part, and there seem to be a million different ones online and at junk yards for a 98' Honda.

I called and they said that the ECM part number I need is: 37820-P8C-305. I guess that is the geniune Honda part.

I have looked online for used parts, but I haven't been able to find that exact code. At my local junk yard there are plenty of 98 Honda accord with ECM part numbers such as 37820-PAA-L61 (seems to be a common one), which seems to be for my car but with different emissions standard or DX vs LX vs EX?

I have been doing searches today to figure out what exactly would work in my car, but I haven't found any clear answers as to whether a certain version of a 98' accord ECM will work in my car.

Anyways, I just want to know if I have to match this exact part number or if getting a 37820-P8C-*** would work?? As I'm not sure what the different parts of the part number mean, if someone could just give me some guidelines as to what OEM parts would be compatible that would be great.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

The 37820-P8C-305 that they offered you would probably be a re-manufactured Honda certified Part.

Any Honda ECU that has 37820-PAA-*** or 37820-P8C-*** that is for the same transmission as your current vehicle will work!

What the last three digits are depends on your engine emissions and transmission?

As far as part numbers go;

https://www.hondata.com/tech-ecu-identification

 

Thanks for the great response!

I found some 37820-PAA-*** ECMs that seemed to be for 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder engines. Does that matter?

Also, if I happen to get a cali vs federal emissions ECM would it be OK or would it not work? I read some posts where the O2 sensor was 4 wire for federal and 5 wire for cali?

I think I found a local junk yard with an ECM that will work, though.

Thanks!

 

RockAuto does have reman ecu's in the $300 range, in the electrical section of the specific car

make sure to google "rockauto coupon code" before buying and add it in to get 5% off

 

Yes V6 and I4 makes a big difference in what ECU you purchase.

The PAA is for a 4 cylinder and
The P8C is for the V6.

You didn't state what engine you were running so I was assuming you knew the difference. Where you mentioned looking at 4 cylinder (DX,LX) Accords at the junk yards. Sorry! It has to be a V6 ECU if you have a V6.

 

Perfect.

I kinda figured it would have to be engine specific. And when I saw all the PAAs at the junkyards was for I4 I just decided to make sure I get a P8C.

Thanks for confirming!