This is the following Honda ecu computers: PM6, PW0, PR3 (OBD-0) and PR4 (OBD-0).

Installing a performance chip on 1988 -1991 Honda Civic / CRX is a single procedure that consists of removing the stock chip, soldering a socket in place and inserting the performance chip on the socket. This instructions are similar to the instructions for installing a performance chip on OBD-I Accord and Prelude elsewhere on this website.

Different from the OBD-I Civic and Integra ecus, which you must add some extra parts, the OBD-0 Civic and CRX ecus do have a stock chip that can be replaced, making it simpler in a way, but tougher at the same time in another, because you will need to unsolder the stock chip, which is held with soldering in both top and bottom sides of the circuit board.

Note: This job requires average skills on electronics soldering, but it doesn’t require skills on electronics. You may always bring the computer, the new chip to any TV or electronics shop so they can install the chip, then you just install back the computer in your car. Also, all connections should be verified before and after soldering the socket. Take care not to jump connections with soldering or brake circuit traces by over heating. Notice that there are connections above, bellow and inside the circuit (multi-layered) board that are sensitive to too much heat. Always clean the finished job with a mild solvent like 91% – 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Your car’s ecu is located at the passenger’s side kick panel or lower dash. After locating the computer in your vehicle, remove the bolts that attach the computer to its place and carefully disconnect the harnesses that are plugged to its back. The harnesses can be disconnected by pushing a clip, located on top of the plastic connectors and pulling it back carefully.

This installation is needed only once. After that, it will be a matter of pulling out one chip and inserting any other, every time you want to switch between “Stock” and “Power” modes. These instructions cover all 1988 to 1991 (OBD-0) Honda computers that are listed at the top of this page for Civic and CRX.

For installing the chip, just find the 28 pin chip marked as “M38256AP-xx” (see the picture bellow). It must be unsoldered and replaced with the 28-pin chip socket, and then the new performance chip must be inserted on it. Make sure that you align the chip so pin #1 goes to the same place of the old chip (lower left corner of the chip in the picture bellow). No other parts are needed on these models. After inserting the chip, just put the ecu back together and reinstall it in your car.

Note: The “xx” after the “M38256AP” is different in every computer. That is the code of the program written in the chip. The picture below is an example of the PM6-A09 (65). For PW0 it will be “71“, for the OBD-0 PR3, there are two versions, “58″ and “93″, so you must first open and check your ecu before buying a performance chip, to make sure it will fit. Every ecu has its own code.

One good technique of removing the chip, though still requires patience, is soldering all the pins of the stock chip together and fill it up with molten solder, then heating both sides at the same time and gently prying it with a flat screwdriver. This, of course, will require two good soldering irons of 35 watts. Please do NOT use soldering irons hotter than that or it may damage the ecu and the stock chip. The best non expensive and very good quality for this are the Weller brand. Radio Shack’s irons are NOT appropriate for this. Those are more for hobbyists than for heavy jobs like this. Before starting, always spread in all the area to be worked some electronics soldering flux paste to facilitate the job, as it cleans contacts and rejuvenate soldering when heated.

After you finally and GENTLY pull out the chip, you must clean it with desoldering braid so it can be used again whenever you want to go back to stock mode. Otherwise, if you damage the chip when removing it, you will need a copy of the stock chip if you want to go back to stock mode. You can either burn your own or order it from places like http://www.otherdeal.com Just drop a quick message at the contact form on that page requiring what you need. Also, on that page you can pay for the service of installing the socket for you, handing your ecu over the mail.

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