Paddle Shifter ECU Programming - 1.8L 8th Gen Civic

[constantinosgreek]

Hello there! I know there were a few people on here that added paddle shifters to their 1.8L Civics, but each post I saw says you need a CVT for this conversion.

I know that in Japan and in Russia, they have 1.8L models with the Automatic and paddle shifters instead of CVT's!

Does any one know if you can program the function into the ECU? Or do you need a replacement ECU from those regions to make it work?

[Hassan1991]

You need to check out some other stuff.
Like which transmission it came with and which specific engine model.
If they both are the same, then you can replace the ecu+wiring and some control modules to make it work.

[constantinosgreek]

Of course, I've been looking into it already. The only issue may be actually sourcing the ECU used.

The transmission is the same as the one I have, the 5 speed automatic. I inspected the connector going to the transmission and there are two slots with no wires. I opened up the transmission where the solenoids are and on the inside of the transmission there are two wires going to those same two slots. I'd imagine these are for the up down signal wires for manual shifting.

Looks like i have to run wires from the transmission connector to the ECU and from the ECU to the paddle shifters.

In addition to, I need to replace the gear selector as I don't have the right one, as well as the tachometer.

The only thing I'm wondering, if I source a used ECU with the code on it, would I be able to copy and paste the code into my ECU? Or is that not viable? I am capable of working with code, so the only issue would be limitations on my current ECU.

[Hassan1991]

I doubt transmission will have the solenoids inside. Casing might be same but not the internals.
Look if there's any additional control module for it.
Contact someone who has the obd2 tool and inventory of calibration files.
He can upload the required map to your current ecu. (if ecu doesn't require supporting internal hardware)

[constantinosgreek]

The internals of my transmission seem to be wired for up/down shifting already. The only thing missing is the wires from the connector outside of the transmission to the ECU. The up/down shifting is controlled by the ECU so there is no additional control module to worry about.

Finding the calibration files will be the tricky part. I'm wondering if I can just pull them from a used ECU. The other thing is does the ECU require supporting internal hardware for the paddles like you said. Well, if coding my ECU doesn't work I suppose I can just install the used ECU and just change the VIN to the VIN of my vehicle. So either way it works out.

Alright then, many thanks!

[incognito59]

How do you find the VIN number? I have an obd scanner but it won't work with the VIN number. Kindly advise, thanks.

[constantinosgreek]

You mean the VIN for your vehicle? It should be on the glass, but if it's not there like on most FD civics then it's either on a plaque in the engine bay or on a sticker on the dirvers door jam.

It should be on the firewall as well though, there is a little sliding door on the cowl in the engine bay.

[incognito59]

I checked the sliding door in engine bay, it is empty. Tried to input the number on the door pillar, did not work. Probably PKDM don't have a VIN atleast the old cars.
Thank you for the reply.

[Hassan1991]

You need a Honda-specific OBD2 tool to pull it out. Or you can try generic OBD2 pids.

[constantinosgreek]

It may not be a full 17 digit VIN like in North America. FD civics should have a Chassis Number otherwise known as the VIN. it's just short. The only FD civics that I know of that have a proper 17 digit VIN are the LHD ones sold in South Korea. Otherwise, the Chassis Number should look similar to this one "FD2-1401034" and should be on a metal plaque somewhere. Hope this helps.

[constantinosgreek]

Awesome, many thanks! I'll see how far I get with this project!

[murtrax]

I have paddle shifters installed on my car, been over a year ago and haven't had a single flaw.
I would highly recommend getting in contact with Honda Expert (0300-7633000), they provided all the parts and guided a local mechanic on the call through every single step on how to install the components on my car. I also got cruise control, multimedia buttons and a climate control panel installed alongside.

Things you'll need.

Paddle shifters
Different clock spring
Different speedometer (this one has a little display for showing which gear you are in)
ECU
and all the associated wiring that goes along with it.

You can order all of these parts from them, or visit their workshop as well. They do like at-least one of these installs per day on 8th gen civics. They know their stuff.