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Honda: How to Reset Your ECU

Did your check engine light come on for no reason, or did you just install some aftermarket parts and the light happened to turn on? Either way, resetting your ECU is an easy place to start looking for a solution.

By Brett Foote - March 5, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000), and Accord (1990-2002).

There are several reasons why you may need to reset your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU). If your fuel economy suddenly declines, resetting the ECU can at least provide a temporary fix. After you install aftermarket parts, resetting the ECU will help your car's computer "learn" and accommodate the new parts. Sometimes a faulty check engine light may appear, so resetting the ECU can make it go away. If any of these problems are affecting your Civic or Accord, it is very simple to reset the ECU. Keep reading and this how to will guide you through the process.

Materials Needed

  • Fuse puller or needle nose pliers
  • Code reader (if you want to pull codes)

Step 1 – Locate and open the fuse box

Open the hood and look for the fuse box, which is located near the passenger's side. The cover contains a diagram of the fuses, which tells you what each fuse is used for and the amperage. Remove the cover on the fuse box by pulling the tabs outward and lifting up. Set the cover aside.

Figure 1. Locate and remove the cover on the fuse box.

Step 2 – Remove the applicable fuses

Some say to disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal to reset the ECU, but this is unnecessary. Plus, it resets everything in the car (including your stereo settings). Instead, with a fuse puller or needle nose pliers, pull the following two fuses from the fuse box:

  • 7.5A fuse labeled "Back-Up"
  • 15A fuse labeled "ECU."

Once you pull these two fuses, wait about 10 minutes before re-installing them.

Figure 2. Remove the Back-Up and ECU fuses.

Step 3 – Re-install fuses and test

Re-install the ECU and backup fuses. Then, re-install the fuse box cover. Start the car to check if the check engine light illuminates. If it doesn't, take the car for a short test drive to make sure the code was faulty, and does not come back on. If the light does come back on, you have a problem that will require further investigation.

Figure 3. Re-install the fuses and start the car.

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