Where adaptor harnesses fit
There are a few ways to put a Haltech on a car. The fastest is a Pro plug-in ECU built for one specific model, which swaps straight in for the factory unit. Those only exist for some cars, though. If yours isn't covered, a Plug 'n' Play adaptor harness is usually the next best thing.
The adaptor lets you use one of Haltech's universal ECUs, such as the Platinum Sport 1000/2000 or Elite 1500/2500, on the car's original loom. You get a fast, reversible install without rewiring the engine bay, which is exactly why builders and tuners like them. Compare every option in our 6 ways to wire in your ECU article.
What's in an Elite-style kit
| Part | What it connects |
|---|---|
| Adaptor box | Has the factory ECU socket on one face and three universal connections on the other |
| Adaptor harness | Three plugs at one end for the box, two Haltech ECU connectors at the other |
| Haltech ECU | Plugs onto the two ECU connectors (supplied in the ECU + harness kits) |
How it goes together
- Push the harness's three connectors into the back of the adaptor box.
- Plug the two Haltech connectors on the other end into the ECU.
- Unplug the factory ECU and connect the car's own harness to the adaptor box, just as it plugged into the original computer.
- Connect to the ECU with your laptop and load the base map for your car from Haltech's base map library.
That base map should be enough to start the car and gives you a solid starting point for tuning. It isn't a finished tune. Before driving hard, confirm trigger setup, sensor calibrations and injector data, and set up your engine protection. Our free base maps and engine limiting articles cover both.
Examples
Popular kits include the Elite 2500 Skyline GT-R kit and the Elite 2500 WRX MY06-10 kit. Haltech also makes adapter harness kits for its Nexus ECUs, such as the Nexus S3 Honda S2000 kit; check that kit's own guide, as the hardware may differ. Wiring and pinout guides for many of them are on our Plug 'n' Play adaptor harness guides page.
FAQ
Can I go back to the factory ECU?
Yes. Nothing on the car is cut, so unplugging the adaptor and refitting the original ECU returns it to stock.
Can I add sensors or outputs the car didn't have?
Often, yes, using spare ECU inputs and outputs. Ask us what's free on your kit.
