Resetting Computer

#1 11-13-2001, 11:37 AM

Hello all I just bought a 92 Ls-L and I want to reset the computer so that it can learn my driving habits rather than using the previous owners settings. My question is how can I verify that the computer has reset itself? As I understood it the procedure is simply to unplug the battery ground for 12-24 hours but I was wondering if there is a way to verify that it worked.

Thanks

0260N4

Aredubjay · #2 11-13-2001, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 0260N4
Hello all I just bought a 92 Ls-L and I want to reset the computer so that it can learn my driving habits rather than using the previous owners settings. My question is how can I verify that the computer has reset itself? As I understood it the procedure is simply to unplug the battery ground for 12-24 hours but I was wondering if there is a way to verify that it worked.

Thanks

0260N4

You can, first, go through the procedure for reading "check engine" codes. If it shows you any codes, then, you know that you have a reference. Then, unhook the battery overnight. Hook the battery back up and run the procedure again. If there are no codes (where there once was), then, you know it has been cleared.

svxcess · #3 11-13-2001, 11:55 AM

John Shotsky posted this back on the Yahoo site awhile back.

"You could start by resetting the ECU. You do that by disconnecting the negative battery cable for a couple of hours so it gradually loses its residual power in the unit.

(If you know what you are doing, you can speed this up....AFTER the negative cable if off the battery, you can touch the positive battery terminal with the negative wire. This will cause the system to drain down faster. NEVER SHORT OUT THE BATTERY DOING THIS.)

Beav · #4 11-13-2001, 02:37 PM

y'all crack me up...heheheh

Beav · #5 11-13-2001, 06:16 PM

I'm sorry, I should apologize for that, but I have good reason...

The computer is going to learn and adapt continuously as you drive it. It doesn't reach a point, like Kelly Bundy, where it can't remember anymore inputs. And it's doesn't say "Forget it, I've had enough and I refuse to pay attention from now on." The only thing you'll accomplish by disconnecting the fuse, the battery, or whatever is that you'll erase its memory (along with your radio stations and that *h7nt08n7tt* alarm) and it will start out from its default parameters.

Now I will agree that sometimes computers will gain a glitch and that the best thing to do is to erase the memory and force it back to its base parameters. But to just to do it for giggles and grins is silly. Kinda like Neil Armstrong getting to the moon and saying "If I jiggy this fuel nozzle thingy we'll be back in time for Monday Night Football....."

I've always found it peculiar that people will mess around with things when they have absolutely no idea what they're doing and then cry about the price that cheating mechanic will charge them to fix it back up. Or scream about what a P.O.S. their car is. Or that they don't realize that the part they disconnect today will cost them plenty somewhere down the road.

*parachutes down from tall soapbox*

Sorry again, I'll try to keep off the soapbox in the future...

Beav

1994SubaruSVX · #6 11-14-2001, 01:52 PM

so unplugging the battery to reset the ecu is not a good idea.....i guess what you are saying does make sense. you do definitely remind me of that old pole cat.....i mean eddycat....

Aredubjay · #7 11-14-2001, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1994SubaruSVX
so unplugging the battery to reset the ecu is not a good idea.....i guess what you are saying does make sense. you do definitely remind me of that old pole cat.....i mean eddycat....

Yep, he's beginning to frighten me.

1994SubaruSVX · #8 11-14-2001, 04:07 PM

but in a good way.

what he said was very logical. i have been reading a lot of the beav's post and for the most part he is much more pratical than eddycat.

Beav · #9 11-14-2001, 07:21 PM

Oh garsh......*kicks dirt*

Y'all are going to force me into wearing a rubber hat (to accomodate my swollen head) heheheheh

I like seeing people enjoying their cars and turning them into something unique. It's just that these days you can really get into a pickle when messing with electronics and other controls. Everything is becoming inter-related and you never know for sure that when you change one thing that it won't seriously affect ten others.

Think about someone tapping into a bright yellow wire under the dash for power (or ground) to his new stereo. Yeah it sounds great until he turns it off and spikes the SRS which causes the air bag to detonate, sending that half-empty can of Bud resting on the wheel into his head at 200 mph.

Enough of that for now, I'm starting to feel like I'm always being negative.

Beav

1994SubaruSVX · #10 11-15-2001, 07:07 AM

we all just have to be careful. these cars are very complicated and sensitive machines. plus if you do screw something up the repair bill will bite you in the a$$.