In the event you have to replace your ECU, here is what you do (wasn't a lot of help in the manual) - Anyway not hard but tough to remove screws holding unit
1) disconnect negative battery terminal
2) remove the side trim panels (one is just right of the gas pedal and the other is to the left of passenger feet area) . Loosen 2 plastic philips screws on each panel and then then the panel should pop off)
3) Disconnect the harness connector - passenger side remove bolt
4) heres the hard part - there are round headed bolts holding ECU in bracket in each corner. The bolts have philips heads but with the tight space you can't get an angle to use a screwdriver to remove. I used a pliers to grip the screw head and slowly but surely remove. 3 of the 4 are not too bad to remove. the right rear (passenger side) was a real pain. Use small pliers or if you can find a screwdriver with a universal joint - would be better. Once you get those screws out - slide the ECU out the passenger side. All in all 30-40 minute job - most of which was removing 4 screws.

I made sure the new ECU had the same part number code and after reinstalling reset the new ECU. So far so good. Powered up fine - expect it will take a few days to learn. The used ECU cost @100. Would have cost $1000 at the dealer. Dealer would not show me how to remove but was willing to install for $125. Do it yourself.

 

Good write up. I'd like to add that you can get a tool at Sears that will make this job A LOT easier. It's like an Allen Wrench (L) that has a Phillips head at one end and a Flathead at the other. It costs 99 cents.

~THT

 

does this apply to 98's as well? im plannin to take mine out pretty soon too

 

Yes, it applies to 98s as well.

~THT