If you want to perform a full reset, wait at least 15 minutes before reconnecting the battery to ensure all residual power has been drained. A full reset reverts your ECU to its factory settings and likely causes it to forget its learned ideal shift points and air-fuel mixing ratios.
Why you need to reset the computer: Your car's computer—the ECU—reads data from your vehicle while it's in operation, and a battery replacement disrupts this process. It needs a chance to clear error codes after a new battery is connected.
This adaptive memory is stored in your vehicle's volatile random access memory, also referred to as the VRAM. When you go to change your battery, and your car's computer software is disconnected from the power, there is a chance that you may reset your car's memory to the original default settings.
Here's something you probably don't know: after clearing the car's computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
Preparation for it will take eight hours but, all in all, a basic drive cycle test should take around 30 minutes to complete, with about 20 minutes of actual driving.
A bad battery won't usually harm your starter or alternator, however, since both of those components get their voltage directly from the battery, if the battery is underperforming, both the alternator's and starter's performance will be affected as well.
Disconnecting or replacing a battery on a computer-equipped vehicle may cause starting, driveability and a number of other problems, including loss of air conditioning, power accessory functions (door windows, seats, sunroof), false warning lights, even damage to certain electronic modules!
In case you're encountering electrical issues following a battery replacement, ensure the battery cables were reattached and tightened down appropriately. Super human strength isn't essential. However, the links ought to be cozy and not move around or fall off of the battery.
A. It depends on the car's age and type of ECU used. On some older cars, disconnecting the battery will reset the system but in most new cars it does nothing, except potentially reset the clock and radio station presets.
Installing a fresh battery without registering it could set the vehicle into limp mode, shut down electrical systems, or prevent it from starting until registration is complete. By registering the battery, the charging system re-adjusts to charge at an optimum level again.
The pricing for this can vary depending on the amount of work to fix it and the parts needed. Generally, this can be between $80 and $180.
If I change the battery in either the car or key fob do I have to reprogram the key fobs? No, The key fobs use non-volatile memory, meaning that they will never lose their programming if power to either the key fob itself or the module is lost.
According to carroar.com, resetting your car computer can help out the vehicle by: Allowing you to start your car engine. Getting rid of the check engine light. Fixing any unpredictable engine behavior.
Sometimes, disconnecting a battery may cause a rough or unstable idle; it also could cause stalling because the idle speed is abnormally low. In other cases, disconnecting a battery affects transmission functions, causing symptoms such as late and/or harsh shifts.
The first obvious disadvantage in using an under-sized battery is the possibility of ignition problems. If your engine demands more power than the battery can supply, your car could be immobilised before you've even started.
Manufacturers precisely match their alternators and batteries to the vehicle's power requirements. A mismatched battery/alternator combo could cause your alternator to overheat and shorten its life.
An effective method to determine whether it's your battery or alternator that's gone bad is to connect jumper cables from a running vehicle's battery to yours. After a few moments, try starting your vehicle. Once it's started, remove the jumper cables — if your engine stalls, your alternator has probably gone bad.
Driving 4-7 days in city and highway usually resets the monitors. Vehicle must meet basic operating criteria and complete its manufacturer drive cycle for a particular monitor. Check your owner's manual for drive cycle information.