98 ECM in a 97 - Honda Prelude Forum

nuke79 · 03-08-2008, 11:38 AM

I'm needing a 1997 Base 5pd Enigne computer. I've found a few but only for a 98 base 5sp. I called a Honda dealership and talked with a few techs. They said that only a 97 computer will work. not a 98. They said there is a few different sensors between the 97 and 98. From my understanding I thought it would.

I posted this in the 5th gen section with no replies. I need a definite 100% answer on this because I will have to buy the ECM and then have the keys programmed and be a chunk of change if wasted.

Thanks!

Artifex · 03-08-2008, 01:38 PM

I think the Honda techs are correct. I know that the evap system changed during one year, and I think it was 98 (or 99). I know that the ECU is slightly different between the 2 years. I would believe what the technicians told you.

nuke79 · 03-08-2008, 02:19 PM

So if I put this in my car I'm going to throw a cell and fail emmisions correct? Please I need to be 100% on this.

Artifex · 03-08-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuke79

So if I put this in my car I'm going to throw a cell and fail emmisions correct? Please I need to be 100% on this.

I can't give you 100% certainty. I can tell you that whenever this changeover happened (98 or 99), it will give you a CEL.

I know this has been discussed, you should search on it.

nuke79 · 03-08-2008, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the input, I'm going to get a 97' ECM. I searched last night but wanted to triple check with everyone first. From what I read was supposed to be 97-99 and 2000-2001, but to be safe Ill get a 97. Can afford time and money right now to mess up. Have to get this car sold by Thursday.

marcucci · 03-08-2008, 07:41 PM

First, why do you need a new ECU? They rarely fail.

As artifex mentioned the 1997 California model was the same as the 1998 model. The 1997 Fed (non Kali) model was different. I'm not sure exactly how, I would have to get the book, but I would expect a 1998 ECU in a 1997 to throw codes as the EVAP system wouldn't work right and a 1997 ECU in a 1998 model to *probably* be OK but I would have to review the system in detail to be sure. I would jus try and find the right year model and be done with it.

nuke79 · 03-08-2008, 09:43 PM

As per my last posts that you helped me with almost a year ago...Im still having issues with my primary O2 sensor throwing a CEL. I paid a mechanic to look over the wiring to double check my work. Said the O2 sensor is fine, all wiring back to the ECM is fine, and is soldered into the right spot as well. He was saying that the actual pinout on the ECM is bad and to replace it.
I've done everything that I can think of. I was supposed to sell this car last week, and drove with the guy to get the emmisions done. I didn't see a CEL on the dash but when they hooked up the OBD2 scanner it came up bank 1 sensor 1.
Figured the guy I went to last year figured out some way to turn off the CEL while driving, but was still throwing the CEL

This topic has been beaten to death, and you all have helped me out A LOT. Anything else you can think of before I pay money to have the ECM sent overnight, and keys made at the
(St)ealership. Want this car sold so I can buy my bike!

Thanks again guys!

(I guess I was a dumbash and had the harness plugged up while soldering the wire. I can't remember. Only reason why i can think that it's down to this.)