Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Control Module: Service and Repair
2008 Acura TSX L4-2.4LSECTION Service and Repair
ECM/PCM Replacement
Special Tools Required
- Honda diagnostic system (HDS) tablet tester
- Honda interface module (HIM) and in workstation with HDS and CM update software
- HDS pocket tester
- GNA-600 and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software
NOTE:
- Make sure the HDS is loaded with the latest software version.
- If you are replacing the ECM/PCM after substituting a known-good ECM/PCM, reinstall the original ECM/PCM, then do this procedure.
- During the procedure, if any READ DATA, WRITE DATA, or other data checks fail, note the failure, then continue.
'06-08 models
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the ECM/PCM and other vehicle systems. If it doesn't, Go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting Testing and Inspection. If you are returning from DLC circuit troubleshooting, skip steps 4 through 7,17 through 19, and 22. through 23, and do the following procedures after replacing the ECM/PCM.
- Replace the engine oil and the engine oil filter.
- Clean the throttle body.
4. Select the PGM-FI system with the HDS.
5. Select the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
6. Select the ETCS TEST, then select the TP POSITION CHECK, and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE: If the TP POSITION CHECK indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
7. Select the REPLACE ECM/PCM MENU, then READ DATA and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE:
- Doing this step copies (READS) the engine oil life data from the original ECM/PCM so you can later download (WRITES) it into the new ECM/PCM.
- If READ DATA indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
8. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
10. Remove the center lower covers (A).
11. Remove the duct (B).
12. Disconnect ECM/PCM connectors (C).
13. Remove the bolts (D), then remove the ECM/PCM (E).
14. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.
15. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
16. Manually input the VIN to the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
NOTE: DTC P0630 "VIN Not Programmed or Mismatch" may be stored because the VIN has not been programmed into the ECM/PCM; ignore it, and continue this procedure.
17. If the READ DATA (engine oil life) failed in step 7, go to step 20. Otherwise, go to step 18.
18. Select the PGM-FI system with the HDS.
19. Select the REPLACE ECM/PCM MENU, then WRITE DATA and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE: If the WRITE DATA indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
20. Select IMMOBI system with the HDS.
21. Enter the immobilizer code with the ECM/PCM replacement procedure in the HDS; it allows you to start the engine.
22. If the TP POSITION CHECK failed in step 6 clean the throttle body, then go to step 23.
23. If the READ DATA failed in step 7 or the WRITE DATA failed in step 19, replace the engine oil and engine oil filter, then go to step 24.
24. Select PGM-FI system and reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
25. Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software.
26. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.
27. Do the CKP pattern learn procedure.
Special Tools Required
- Honda diagnostic system (HDS) tablet tester
- Honda interface module (HIM) and in workstation with HDS and CM update software
- HDS pocket tester
- GNA-600 and an iN workstation with HDS and CM update software
NOTE:
- Make sure the HDS is loaded with the latest software version.
- If you are replacing the ECM/PCM after substituting a known-good ECM/PCM, reinstall the original ECM/PCM, then do this procedure.
- During the procedure, if any READ DATA, WRITE DATA, or other data checks fail, note the failure, then continue.
'06-08 models
1. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the ECM/PCM and other vehicle systems. If it doesn't, Go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting Testing and Inspection. If you are returning from DLC circuit troubleshooting, skip steps 4 through 7,17 through 19, and 22. through 23, and do the following procedures after replacing the ECM/PCM.
- Replace the engine oil and the engine oil filter.
- Clean the throttle body.
4. Select the PGM-FI system with the HDS.
5. Select the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
6. Select the ETCS TEST, then select the TP POSITION CHECK, and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE: If the TP POSITION CHECK indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
7. Select the REPLACE ECM/PCM MENU, then READ DATA and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE:
- Doing this step copies (READS) the engine oil life data from the original ECM/PCM so you can later download (WRITES) it into the new ECM/PCM.
- If READ DATA indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
8. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
10. Remove the center lower covers (A).
11. Remove the duct (B).
12. Disconnect ECM/PCM connectors (C).
13. Remove the bolts (D), then remove the ECM/PCM (E).
14. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.
15. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
16. Manually input the VIN to the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
NOTE: DTC P0630 "VIN Not Programmed or Mismatch" may be stored because the VIN has not been programmed into the ECM/PCM; ignore it, and continue this procedure.
17. If the READ DATA (engine oil life) failed in step 7, go to step 20. Otherwise, go to step 18.
18. Select the PGM-FI system with the HDS.
19. Select the REPLACE ECM/PCM MENU, then WRITE DATA and follow the screen prompts.
NOTE: If the WRITE DATA indicates FAILED, continue with this procedure.
20. Select IMMOBI system with the HDS.
21. Enter the immobilizer code with the ECM/PCM replacement procedure in the HDS; it allows you to start the engine.
22. If the TP POSITION CHECK failed in step 6 clean the throttle body, then go to step 23.
23. If the READ DATA failed in step 7 or the WRITE DATA failed in step 19, replace the engine oil and engine oil filter, then go to step 24.
24. Select PGM-FI system and reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS.
25. Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software.
26. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.
27. Do the CKP pattern learn procedure.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.