Huh, bad ICU, go figure. Too bad no one suggested that, I hear they can often simply be resoldered. Can I have your old one?

 

I have an 01 Civic EX - same problem happened Today ironically, Dome light does not light while door is Open, Power locks don't respond to remote or door switch, A/C does not cool, and Brake light stays lit on dash.....

All forums/threads point to MCU under steering column,
Honda Part**** 38200-S5A-A31, about $150 bucks online from Honda parts now. Will let you know what happens when I replace it.

Honda Part**** 38200-S5A-A31, Fuse Assy.

 

Hi,

I have 2001 Honda Civic EX coupe. It is also facing same problem.

• "BRAKE" light on dashboard stays on.
• Central lock stopped working the same moment
• Cruise Control also not working.
• AC is also not cooling
• Wiper 1st setting not working
• Dome Light not working
• Car charger not working

When it happened first time yesterday, I hit the brake couple of times and the e-brake too. suddenly the brake light went off.For some time BRAKE light disappeared then Central lock started working. But now its constantly switched on.

I have checked the rear brake lights and they r working fine. Brake Fluid is up to max.

Looks to be some electrical circuit issue or bad fuse.

Have checked on couple of other online forums. They are suggesting MICU problem.

Don't know where to get it fixed. Honda dealer ship is asking $920 for this part, they call it ECM.

Does anyone know good electrical mechanic/shop in dallas.

 

Have you even read this thread? You need the MCU, it is integral with the fuse box under the dash, dealer list is about $250.

Easy to replace yourself:

Make sure you know the radio security code, if you still have the stock radio.
Turn the key off, take it out of the keyhole and DISCONNECT THE BATTERY


IS THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED?
Wait about 10 minutes for the capacitors in the air bag system to discharge, so there is little chance the air bags will go off unintended.


Get under the dash (remove the front trim), unscrew the bolts holding the fuse box / MCU on. Unplug all the wires and plug into the new one. All the plugs should be different so it only goes one way. Secure the new unit in place.
Reconnect the battery.
Car should work now. If necessary, enter the security code into the radio.

 

Thanks for your help.

Yes I understand its MCU. Honda dealer don't understand the MCU word. They always confuse it with ECU.

When I told them I would replace a fuse box under Driver side dash. They gave me cost of 210 + tax + 2hrs labour.

Is replacing MCU same as replacing Fuse box. Does it require removing driver seat as well and requires 2 hours of labour ?

 

Replacing the MCU is replacing the fuse box. They are two sections of the same part. You can't buy them separately. The need for driver's seat removal is based on how skinny and limber the mechanic is. There are only 4 bolts holding the seat to the floor and it would make access a lot easier. I can't see it taking two hours but most places use a book to set labor charges at a fixed price based on the job and it ends up being quoted in terms of "hours".

 

how do you post something up ?

 

Thanks for all your help guys.Finally, I got the MCU replaced in Honda Dealership. I had not done anything on my car before and neither had the tools.

Honda dealer ship charged me $365 for parts and labour including the diagnosis charge for bad MCU.

Now everything is working except few minor issues as below:
1) Cruise control button on left side did not glow after MCU replacement. On the next day early in morning, when I started the car. I saw the Green light on Cruise glowing. I was happy to see that, then I pushed it to switch off and pushed again. Now again the light went off and didn't glow.
Note: Cruise itself is working and dash light of Cruise control glows when cruise is engaged in driving mode.
2) The light on gears is not glowing. I am not talking about dash light. Dash light for gear display glowing fine. It's the light on the lever it self, which glows during night time. this may not be a MCU issue as it didn't went off with A/c , dorr locks and other MCU things. It went off after few days.
3) Car charger 12v - Dealer ship told, its broken and need to be replaced and they estimate of Parts - $48 + Labour - $90.

 

I had this same problem and I know the fix, its the MCU that has gone bad... NOW, the mcu is integrated in the cabin FUSE BOX. now many people have emailed me asking for my help, but some dont listen. BUY from the dealer with proper model, year, doors, and AT or MT. also DO NOT buy used, atleast thats what I recommend... because 90 percent of the time you will have to buy another one, because it will not be the proper one... so money wasted. I have an extra one email me if interested brand new in box. for an LX, civic, 01, MT.. elchulow@gmail.com