gcr

I am trying to put back together my '01 S2000. I have a 2.4L from InlinePro and they recommended I replace my existing '01 AP1 ECU with a 2004-2005 AP2 ECU.



I am finding these on Ebay for about $100.00. I am also seeing ECUs that come with:

- ECU

- Immobilizer unit

- ECU ignition unit

- Keys



I am down to 1 key in my current situation so it makes sense in theory to buy a kit that comes with 2 new remote key fobs so that I can replace my keys while I am replacing my ECU.

That would save me a lot of money over going to a Honda Dealership and asking to buy 2 brand new S2000 key fobs.



My question is how easy are these to program? Does anyone have experience doing this or could you point me in the right direction?



Thanks kindly,

spider2k

Why would you need to program it? It comes with keys already programmed to the ecu.

B serious

Get all the facts together first. How much does the dealer charge, and can they do it for you?

Here's what I did when I swapped my MY00 to a MY02 ECU.

I would just keep your original keys that work with your door locks and trunk and glove box.

get an AP2 ECU.

Make an appointment and drive to the dealer.
Swap to the new ECU in the parking lot.

Have the dealer program your current key to the new ECU.
Have the dealer cut/program a spare key at the same time.

Keep in mind! When scanned, your VIN will come up as the AP2 VIN that's stored in the ECU. I've never had an issue at emissions testing. But you might.

You can probably get around this by swapping your old ECU back in, and using an old key that's still linked to it. Make this key before you start the above process.

There are different ways to skin this cat. Locksmiths, taping a key to the column, etc.

B serious

No...but swapping the ignition key cylinder over to the AP2 key isn't easy. And his door/trunk/glove box key will be different than the ignition key.

spider2k

So the options are labor(arguably free if you know how ) to replace all the cylinders, or pay to have the old keys coded to the new ecu.

starchland

Personally I would want an Ap1 ecu since they run richer, however watch the redline. Get whichever ECU you prefer and program existing keys to the ecu immobilizer. 100$ Autel dongle can do this.

B serious

Yep Autel and Fox make these type of scanners

spider2k

I mean, wouldn't you want something like a haltech in a 2.4?

My wife's 01 with an f22 has been running on the original ECU(f20) for somewhere around 7 years and I promise you she drives it like she stole it . Zero issues.

B serious

Yes...but she has to be mindful not to rev it to 9K. The added layer of safety is worth it.

Its easy asf to just reprogram keys. Not worth the risk.

B serious

Yes. Swapping key cylinders is a ton of work. And he has to make sure he gets the cylinders for the whole car from the part out. And in the future, he will need to get keys cut for a different car, if the need arises.

Reprogramming his existing keys, on the other hand, takes like 30 seconds...