Greetings,
At 110, 000 miles the car just stopped one day, and I towed it to the mechanic. By the time I found the great Honda trouble shooting FAQ (thanks texasgreasemonkey) on this site, the mechanic was already checking trouble codes. While preparing to check the codes the mechanic noticed an electrical burning smell. He removed the ECM, a P28, and took off the lids. The circuit board is burned, especially the underside, at capacitor C14, the large cylinder shaped capacitor closest to the connector. I am getting a replacement ECM at the salvage yard - but my concern is this:

Is this just an isolated fault or is there something else electrically wrong with the car that will cause my new ECU to burn when we plug it in. Is there a way to test in advance to make sure we don't kill the new ECU when we connect it up.

Thank you in advance for any useful advice I receive.

Paul

It's an isolated fault, due to age. There is no test in advance for that, but you won't have a problem. I was told by an ECM remanufacturer that the electrolytic capacitors in 1989-94 Civics are known for leaking. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable first, wear rubber sole shoes, and ground yourself before installing the new ECM. Static electricity can be an issue. Good luck and happy motoring.

Thanks txgreasemonkey, that makes me feel more confident that I won't just fry the new ECM. We should receive it early next week, I'll report back with results.
Paul

Thanks txgreasemonkey, that makes me feel more confident that I won't just fry the new ECM. We should receive it early next week, I'll report back with results.
Paul

Got it back this past weekend with the new to me junkyard ECM, and have driven it close to 200 miles. That particular ECM was not easy to find used. Car works great now. Thanks txgreasemonkey, for your helpful advice.
Paul

Good job--I knew it would work.