DIY: ECU Removal

[2fast4u2]

This is an easy job. All you need is a 10 mm wrench. Takes about 5 minutes to remove the ECU. I took quite a few pics so they pretty much speak for them selves. Sooo, here we go:
To benefit from the performance gains:

http://www.hondata.com/reflash_06_civicsi.html

The K20Z3-06Si reflash lowers the VTEC point to 4500 rpm, advances the cam angle and raises the rev limit to 8600 rpm.

We have implemented a VTEC window from 4500rpm to 5800 rpm.

* Below 4500 rpm the K20Z3 is always on the low cam
* Above 5800 rpm the K20Z3 is always on the high cam
* Between 4500 rpm and 5800 rpm the K20Z3 is on the low cam at part throttle switching to the high cam at full throttle.

This one reflash will work well with a variety of aftermarket performance parts. It will work well with:

* An intake
* Cat-backs (as long as they are less restrictive than stock)
* A race header *
* A combination of intake and race header

(*Note that current race headers eliminate the catalytic converter and will generate a check engine light. This engine check light is for emissions and will not affect the car's performance. Race headers are for offroad use only)

You must have a minimum of an intake or header.

It is not designed to work with a stock 06/07 Civic Si and will lose power between 4500rpm and 5600 rpm if installed.

The 06 Civic employs a mass air flow sensor that automatically adjusts the air-fuel ratio for increases in air flow from intakes and race headers. Race headers will not cause this engine to run lean.

The VTEC switch point on this reflash is very smooth - much smoother than previous reflashes. With a stock air box and race header the switch point is virtually undetectable. For the reduction in VTEC "kick" and aural stimulation, we apologize, but this is the path to maximum power.

Power is gained in the midrange from 4700rpm to 6300 rpm. Power gains above 6500 rpm are negligible, although the higher rev limit will raise average power a little.

As this reflash will work with a combination of aftermarket parts we have two examples of the effect of the same reflash on two 06 Civics. (Both Civics dynoed at about 195 stock HP)

* 4500 rpm VTEC point
* Rev limiter raised to 8600 rpm.
* 15-25 Hp gain midrange
* 15-29 ft lb torque gain midrange

This is the ECU located right next to the battery






First we'll need to remove the battery. To do this, remove the bracket by loosening this screw












Loosen the battery connectors, then remove.












Once you've pulled the battery out, remove these 3 screws on the ECU.


















Once you have removed the screws, there are tabs holding the plastic cover on as indicated by the arrows. Push them through with your fingers. Pull plastic cover off.






Voilla! ECU.






Located directly behind the ECU are 3 connectors. We need to disconnect these to remove the ECU. The tabs (as indicated by the arrows), is what releases the connector. Using your finger or thumb, push down on the tab. While you are pushing down on it, flip it up.












Once all 3 connectors are disconnected, pull out ECU.












TA DA!

[06CivEXJon]

Awesome DIY 2fast!

[webby]

great pics - thanks for the DIY

[skittleslegend]

She'll DIY, but she won't post a picture of her sexy self.....I'm sad...

[403civic]

She'll DIY, but she won't post a picture of her sexy self.....I'm sad...

Um
how do you know its a girL?

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by 403civic

Um
how do you know its a girL?

It's a moderator thing....

[foolio_67]

Thanks for that!

[2fast4u2]

You're welcome everyone. I had fun doing this DIY.

Oh, and if I might add, the total turn-around time from removing the ECU, sending it to hondata, having them reflash it, send it back to me, and installing it again, was 44 hours. :)

[Silver8th]

I learn somthing new everyday. Nice write up 2fast.

[Cookstar]

Great DIY, 2fast! I'm going to use it soon so I can send my ECU to Hondata.

[BATANG CITY JAIL]

bump...

[GlxyGry06Si]

Originally Posted by 2fast4u2

You're welcome everyone. I had fun doing this DIY.

Oh, and if I might add, the total turn-around time from removing the ECU, sending it to hondata, having them reflash it, send it back to me, and installing it again, was 44 hours. :)

u have got to be shitting me. 44 hours. i called by nearest hondata dealer and they made it sound like it would take 4 or 5 days

[BATANG CITY JAIL]

Originally Posted by GlxyGry06Si

u have got to be shitting me. 44 hours. i called by nearest hondata dealer and they made it sound like it would take 4 or 5 days

it depends... if you send it over night, youll get it early, like if you send it today early morining, youll brobably get it on the third day...

[2fast4u2]

Originally Posted by GlxyGry06Si

u have got to be shitting me. 44 hours. i called by nearest hondata dealer and they made it sound like it would take 4 or 5 days

Nope. 44 hours.

[GlxyGry06Si]

where do you live.

[jtreank20]

how much performance did u get from the reflash and how much did it cost?? do u know if it voids ur powertrain warranty or anything like that? i heard that u can take it to the dealer and they will do the reflash for u....is that true??

[2fast4u2]

Originally Posted by jtreank20

how much performance did u get from the reflash and how much did it cost?? do u know if it voids ur powertrain warranty or anything like that? i heard that u can take it to the dealer and they will do the reflash for u....is that true??

Here is the reflash upgrade: A very noticeable change


To have the reflash done you have to send the ECU out to Hondata in California, but you don't pay them, you pay a Hondata dealer, or middleman if you will.

I paid $595 for the reflash, this included Hondata returning the ECU via FED X/overnight shipment. I paid around $25 additional to overnight it to Hondata.

A dealer cannot deny warranty simply because you have changed a part - see the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Basically, a dealer has to honor the warranty unless they can prove the part you changed caused the fault. e.g. altering your wheels & tires should not effect a warranty claim on the a/c. This sounds straightforward but often things fall into a gray area. For example, supercharging the engine and then trying to warranty a transmission failure. Did the transmission fail because of the extra engine power? Much depends on the relationship with your dealer.

Hope this helped.

[k20guy]

I'm hooking up an avrc and I'm not sure where the speed and RPM wire is on the ECU. Does anyone have a pinout diagram for the ecu (2007 civic si)

[Mysterium]

Bump for some good info.

[2fast4u2]

Originally Posted by k20guy

I'm hooking up an avrc and I'm not sure where the speed and RPM wire is on the ECU. Does anyone have a pinout diagram for the ecu (2007 civic si)

I'll have to look.