I've been looking online and I can't find anything about this. I have a 04, 4 cylinder, Honda Accord with 124,000 miles on it. My check engine light came on about 2 weeks ago, I took it to my mechanic who used to be a mechanic at a honda dealership. He ran a diagnostics and said my computer is bad and that my airbags aren't working based on my check engine light being on. He said to fix this problem I would have to replace my computer, parts and labor it's going to be $500.00. I drive special needs kids around so I need working airbags, no question, but want to make sure that getting a new computer is the right option for this problem.
I am seeing forems about replacing the sensors, but because my computer isn't working, that wouldn't work, right?
Any advice would be great, I just want to make sure my car is safe, but always don't want to waste my money if this isn't going to fix it completely.
Thank you!!!

 

W/O additional information (what codes were detected, was system reset and same codes returned), it's difficult to know. A lot depends on how much you trust this mechanic.

The price of $500 seems a bit steep to replace the ECM unless this is a new or rebuilt part. Used ECM's are in the range of $100 on ebay. I could not find a description of ECM replacement in the shop manual but it's under the radio in the console, so should not be difficult to access.

good luck

 

The computer would be brand new, it's $322.23 for the part and $160 for the labor and diagnostic, per my quote. It says B1S2 oxygen code. He reset it twice and both times it came back the same. I've been going to him for the past few years, he used to be a mechanic at a honda dealer, and then opened up his own shop. He's never done me wrong, and if anything helps me out. He said something about putting in a used one, but mentioned that if that one fails, or you don't know how long it would last for ect.. and I could possibly be spending the same amount in the end.

 

That is not the code, but rather the id of the sensor (Bank 1, Sensor2) from the code. Code would be P0137, P0138, P0139, or P0141. This indicates a fault in the O2 sensor aft of the catalytic converter. If the code is an o2 sensor heater fault (P0141), I would want to measure sensor resistance at the ECM/Harness connection before purchasing an ECM.

Also, unless he's absolutely sure (above tests or other test), a used computer will save you close to $200.

Also, if this turns out not to fix the problem (I think there's some possibility of this happening), you are out the ECM costs as Honda will not take the part back. Your removed ECM is difficult to sell, as you will not be able to verify it is good (very few used computers come w/ any warranty).

All of above has nothing to do w/ airbag code. I think another computer controls those but not sure.

good luck