Remove and Replace Computer

[denguy]

I want to put a new computer in my 91 Festiva. I am not as limber or skinny as I used to be. Anyone have any tips on making this one as easy as possible?

[bravekozak]

Hire one of these mechanics to do the job and all you have to do is supervise.


I recommend a personal trainer to whip you back into shape.
How about Nathalia Melo in Fort Lauderdale? You better hope she doesn't put you in a headlock.

Oh yeah, you have to first remove the three yellow connectors. The computer plate is only held on by two small M6 bolts. It slides down once you remove them. Good luck.

[denguy]

Thanks for the tip. I called her, she's coming down for the weekend.

[burnt_toast]

I just had to pull the computer on my '91. My only advice is to brush up on your cuss words before hand... you'll need them. I never even got mine all the way out come to think , as I just needed to plug another one in for testing.
-toast

[bravekozak]

burnt, why did you try to remove the other one? Just pull the plugs and plug them into the other one to test. It shouldn't be a problem to hang there for the test.

[burnt_toast]

The connectors would not release. There was no way; I even got channel locks on it so I could push in the lock tab and pull at the same time, but obviously I wasn't gonna just yank it out of there. Pulling the ECA down was the only way I could get my fat thumb on that bastard connector latch while still being able to grip the connector body and pull it out. Even after swapping back and forth between computers it hasn't gotten any easier.
-toast

[Bert]

I would only replace an ECU as a last resort. From dismantling a parts Festy a few years ago I can readily appreciate that swapping one, without removing the dash, is a thorough PITA (pain in the arse) because you really can't see what you're doing and there ain't much room under there. Best thing would be to practice on a JY car.

[tooldude]

Mr.B sure knows how to get a car fixed. I just knew supervising had to be better.

[denguy]

I can't even see the thing. Is it in the center of the firewall, in the middle of the car? This 91 has factory AC stuff up under the dash.

[burnt_toast]

Mine is the left side above where the clutch pedal is. Mine is the 2-plug type. There is a massive bundle of wires zip-tied to the mounting bracket that partially blocked my view, but I would lay hands (fingers) on the connectors right away.
-toast