Hello,
I think my mechanic is trying to take advantage of me and I wanted to ask you a question before I pay him. I had my car stolen and after replacing the visible parts it still wouldn't start. He told me they took the computer out of the car and it willcost 400 to replace.Is the computer the same as the ecu? And if so is 400 to much for the computer and labor?

Thanks,
-Damian

 

yes, the computer is the same thing as the ecu. If i were you, check the local junkyards for an ecu before buying anything. $400 is about right for a brand new one.

 

Yes it is the same thing. The computer/ECU is mounted inside the car on the right side panel near where the passenger's feet would be. If it is gone you will see the carpet pulled back there and a bunch of wires that go nowhere now. Car will not start without it. New one is about $600 I think. Price of used ones varies widely. The labor cost should be small as it just plugs in, unless the thieves cut the wires instead of just unplugging it. Then considerable labor would be involved to repair the wiring.

 

check ebay or junkyards for ECU. You can find one for $100 or less. If you have LX or DX your ECU code is P06, if you have EX it is P28. You need the computer for whatever transmission you have. The manual and automatic ECUs are different.

 

Dang! That was fast....question answered...Thanks.