Rep Power: 0

I just bought a used 2002 Civic LX last week. Had it looked at by a mechanic before I purchased and everything checked out OK. The next couple days after purchase I had intermittent problems starting vehicle (once every dozen or so times I would attempt to start I would have to turn key several times before car started, I could hear it cranking).

Well several days ago I went to the local corner store and had 2 key copies made. I took them home and tested them and they both worked to start the car. I didnt think this was a big deal because my previous car was a 2001 Hyundai and I used non chip key copies for years without any problems (actually it never occured to me that either car had a chip in the key).

Well yesterday I was not able to get my car started at all and had it towed to a garage. After much trouble shooting they said I had a faulty ECU. They told me that using non-chip key copies could have led to this?

My questions are:
If my Civic car key had a chip in it why did my non-chip key copies work (atleast for a time)?

Given that I was having intermittent starting problems before making key copies is it a good chance that this is just a coincidence and I would have had a faulty ECU regardless of the key copies?

About how much money should it cost to have a garage replace the ECU (parts and labor total estimate)?

Thanks for your replies.

 
Rep Power: 367

go to honda to have a diagnose.
No others can make keys for hondas.

 
Rep Power: 812

the copy should not have started the car, unless you had it made at a place that specializes in those types of coded keys. and i doubt any ecu damage was done. the key code is tied with the ecu, but is a separate system called "immobilizer" security module. you can get a used ecu from ebay for $100 if its really the problem and take 10 mins to swap it out behind the glove box. or you could pay $1k for a new one and have the dealer put it in for 3 hrs of labor.

 
Rep Power: 235

@gearbox: You don't think the immobilizer module is bad?

 
Rep Power: 367

^ i was wondering the same

 
Rep Power: 0

The weird thing is the copies did not have a chip (bought it at a newstand for $4) and they worked fine for a day or so. I've called around to several shops in my area and it is all pretty standard, $400 for a used ECO plus $200 to load the codes plus another $200 for all the labor. This is costing me upwards of a grand for a car I just bought last week I suspect the ECU was acting finicky when I bought it which would explain why it sometimes would not start before I made key copies and then worked fine with the non-chip keys. FML!

 
Rep Power: 367

as said before, take to honda to have them diagnosed. As Lazlong reminded, it could be immobilizer unit troubles if the original key was presenting problems and the new non-chip key did work for a while

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah it very well could be the immobilizer unit gone bad. those things arent very reliable. but its hard to say just guessing.

 
Rep Power: 0

When i bought my 03 civic a few months ago i droped it off to get it lined up so the tires and wheels i put on wouldnt get chewed up because it was pulling hard one way. picked up and the key wouldnt turn. the lock cyclinder inside let go and i had to pay 300 for the igntion work 75 for the tow to the shop and the rest was for two keys. my orignal was worn out and messed up the lock cycinder. the dealer wanted 75 for one key and other 50 or 75 to program it

 
Rep Power: 235

That's about right. It just erks me that they can charge $75 for typing in a VIN and waiting for the machine to do the work.