getting the right ecm for my car

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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=114203
Printed Date: May 03, 2024 at 4:50 PM

Topic: getting the right ecm for my car

Posted By: 93_civic
Subject: getting the right ecm for my car
Date Posted: June 03, 2009 at 5:11 PM

Hi, i have an automatic 93 honda civic EX 4dr, that just wont start! and i think its either the distributor or the ecm. im looking into getting a new ecm and was wondering if anyone can tell me what all has to be the same. like can i put a 5-speed ecm on an automatic car? i had the engine replaced not to long ago and they put in a 1.5 liter, but when im searching for parts for my car it ALWAYS says they originally have 1.6 liter engines in them. so since its got a smaller engine in it than it originally did, do you think its messing with the ecm? any input would be greatly appreciated!

-thanks

Replies:

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 04, 2009 at 9:02 AM

If it's your distributor, one one to find out is to take one plug wire and insert a spark plug into the plug wire. Now get someone to try cranking the vehicle over and place the spark plug end to a ground. If the distributor is still good, you will see an arc of electricity between the ground and the spark plug, this means that there's nothing worng with the distributor. If you do not get any spark, then changes are you have a bad control module inside the distributor ( very common problem with Honda distributors ).

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: June 04, 2009 at 12:12 PM

I would also check the low oil pressure switch - many of the older Hondas had them and if they go bad the car won't start.

I wouldn't think the .1 liter difference would prevent the car from running - it may not run in the most efficient manner, but it should still run.

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: 93_civic
Date Posted: June 04, 2009 at 6:54 PM

So Velocity, if i had a bad ecm though, would it prevent the distributor from sparking, or should it spark no matter what? and if it turns out its the control module inside the distributor, would i be able to buy a new one? or would i have to replace the whole distributor?

thanks!

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: June 04, 2009 at 7:27 PM

A bad ECM will not affect the distributor. The distributor will spark regardless of if the ECM is connected or not. You can purchase just the ICM ( ignition control module ) from any parts store or from Honda. Pays to check at the dealership as well because some parts are actually cheaper there.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA