[jfk1232]

My 1990 1.8L nonturbo automatic Laser is not acting right and I think it may be the ECU. I would like to try to install a new one but am not sure how to do it. Is it easy to do? Is it the same thing as installing a new sensor? Do you simply unplug the old one and plug a new one in?

Could someone list the steps of what to do. The more detail the better.

 

[apexi287]

its extremely easy..just unbolt it from behind the center dash 12mm bolts..unplug the wiring harness from it..then plug the wiring harness into your new ECU and bolt it back up..simple as that..done

 

[apexi287]

o bet make sure you get a 1990 ECU since thats the year car you have if you get a 91-94 youll have to change some things so to save hassle get a 90..

 

[Turbocharged]

You may get a hard time for this, http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152815.

Yes, it is as easy as unbolting, unplugging and putting in the new one.

 

[jfk1232]

o bet make sure you get a 1990 ECU since thats the year car you have if you get a 91-94 youll have to change some things so to save hassle get a 90..

Do I need to disconnect the battery?

How do I remove the center part of the dash to get to the ECU? I've never opened the dash.

 

[dedlewamp]

Do I need to disconnect the battery?

No you don't NEED to. But it's generally a good idea to disconnect the battery if you are doing any work on your car.

How do I remove the center part of the dash to get to the ECU? I've never opened the dash.

Search around, it's not that hard to do. Stop posting in the thread and just give it a try. You just need a screwdriver and a 10mm. All you do is remove the side carpeting, and unbolt the ECU. Some people make the simpliest things into something difficult.

Also, what makes you even think it's the ECU?

 

[EclipseGsTREET]

Yea I'd definitely check it out...don't just go replacing your ECU if you are just having electrical problems. It could be a million different things. Your ECU doesn't normally just go out, unless something is causing it to.

 

[Jusmx141]

ECU's go bad all the time, the most common reason is the capacitors leak and burn a hole right through the circuit board. It's very possible you could have a bad ECU, nothing really has to "cause" it to go bad.

If you ask any mechanic they will tell you to definetly disconnect the battery before changing ECU's on any vehicle to prevent any type of component failure, however I've changed a few on DSM's and forgotten to disconnect the battery and they have worked fine.