ECU (Engine Control Unit) takes charge of sustaining a strong and consistent combustion engine performance.
Hence, any unexpected problem with the motor compartments calls for a thorough ECU reset.
But still, how to reset ECUs and what would wipe off their board memory remains a mystery for many novices. So does disconnecting battery reset ECU? Will it bring about any harm to the car?
Our guides will delve further into the question, Can disconnecting battery reset ECU? Keep scrolling to pick up the answer you need!
Why Are ECU Resets Necessary?
ECUs resets help you diagnose control unit malfunctions, address severe engine misfires, and fix your faulty check engine lights.
Let’s say your optimum RPMs suffer through technical issues; ECU resets can serve as an antidote to revive its original state.
Broken engine lights or other expected dashboard warnings can also be tackled this way.
Once the ECU resets itself, any computer memory related to the issues will be wiped off entirely, sending your car back to normal.
By no means should it be considered a permanent resolution. But at the very least, you can still run the cars safely for a while before having time to visit a mechanic.
Does Disconnecting Battery Reset ECU?
Will disconnecting battery reset ECU? It’s difficult to confirm a definitive Yes or No. Not all cars are the same, which means ECUs will respond variedly based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Also, if the problem lies within the ECU fuse box itself, then the battery disconnect will not be as straightforward.
Overall, basic and simple steps are available to achieve a true reset without issues. One approach is to disconnect your batteries for a period of time (5 – 10 minutes).
Another is to disjoin them and start the engine almost immediately – which will do for most older vehicles.
But again, remember that we cannot guarantee whether either method is ALWAYS effective; thousands of car designs render one-size-fits-all solutions impossible.
There are cases where both approaches do not work at all.
Under severe circumstances, it would be best to simply bring the car to professional mechanics and ask them for further inspection.
On another note, resets might fail if the electronic control unit itself undergoes problems – or your car suffers from any other errors you are unaware of. Again, contact a mechanic service to make sure.
How Long Will It Take For The Cars’ ECU to Relearn?
Average calculations fall into 500 miles or thereabouts.
Still, here are some tips to speed up this process: driving the car in varied conditions, turning to professional services for ECUs, and leaving the car fully idle for ten minutes.
An exact estimation is not feasible since numerous factors play a part; cases in point include the ECU type, changes your engine bay has received, and driving habits.
But overall, relearning often takes about 500-550 miles.
After all, the unit must collect 100% sensor data (O2 sensors and cam sensors) within the steering column, ignition switch, and fuel injectors. And trust us, that is not an immediate process!
But who says you cannot speed things up a bit? There are still certain tricks up our sleeves. Driving the vehicle in different conditions (city, highway, etc.) will make it learn much faster.
A professional tuning service for ECUs might also help, as these mechanics own a broad range of special software and tools quite rare in most retail stores.
Such devices generate faster electrical power loss and foster instant ECU reset.
In another vein, one suggested solution by experts is to leave the vehicle idle for about ten minutes.
Such approaches give sufficient time for your control unit to optimize the car’s performance and absorb new information. Real engine issues will also be kept at bay.
Negative Battery Terminal versus Positive Battery Terminal: Which One Should I Disconnect First?
Do I disconnect the positive or negative to reset ECU? We suggest you disconnect negative battery terminal to reset computer.
Reverse orders will produce a harmful spark that leaves behind permanent damage.
First, pick up a high-quality combination wrench and loosen the negative cable clamp. Slide it off your battery post, before doing the same with your positive cable.
(for more detailed guidelines, please refer to the next section)
When Do Your ECUs Need Resetting? Some Common Symptoms
Anything unusual with the engine warrants ECUs resetting. Some common symptoms include engine rough running, stalling, and hesitating (Worse, certain situations even witness all three!).
Postponements will only worsen the issue beyond saving; thus, you must reset ECU by disconnecting battery as quickly as possible.
Disconnecting Battery to Reset ECU: Step-By-Step Instruction
Wear gloves/goggles and switch off the ignition before you start. Spot the negative battery terminal (with a minus symbol) and disconnect its connector.
Do the same with its positive terminal. Once all terminals are detached, proceed with whatever repairs your car needs.
Step 1. Take some safety cautions before you start, as batteries include corrosive elements that produce flammable gas. Do not forget to switch off the car’s ignition and wear safety gear (gloves/goggles) to cover your hands and eyes.
Step 2. Identify the battery’s negative terminal, which is often covered in black with one minus sign next to a connector post. Positive terminals, on the other hand, have red caps with plus signs.
Step 3. Assess the appropriate size socket to slacken the terminal’s nut. Again, tackle the negative terminals first before moving on to their positive counterparts.
Hold the socket near – not against – the nuts. Once you have ascertained the right size, put the socket on your wrenches. In some cases, you might need to use wrench extenders to reach for the nut.
Step 4. Insert the wrench and turn it counterclockwise. After two to three turns, the nut will slide off. Then pull out the battery’s negative connector and gently put it far from your working area. That way, these cables will not be able to touch the battery.
But what if the wrench fails to remove the connector? Maybe a special tool for cable removal will do better, which you can purchase at local stores.
Step 5. Repeat these steps to the battery’s positive terminal. Never let the positive connectors touch any metal, as their residual currents might interrupt (or worse, damage) the vehicle’s circuits.
Step 6. Go on with your repair. Now that all battery cables are disconnected, it’s possible to safely apply necessary repairs to the car’s electrical components.
How to Perform ECUs Resets Without Disconnecting Batteries
Remove the fuses from their box and wait 10-15 mins before inserting them back.
Once done, test how the car operates on the street: smooth acceleration pedal and non-blinking engine lights mean all is well!
So what if resetting ECU by disconnecting battery terminals sound unappealing to you?
Then one alternative is to disjoin their fuse cover instead, which also causes power loss – and subsequently, an ECU reset.
One huge downside, though, is that you need to identify which fuse takes charge of the ECUs. And here is bad news: it’s quite tough to find! Still want to give it a try? Then follow our guidelines:
Step 1. Open The Hood to Remove The Fuses
Once the vehicle hood opens, its fuse box will get revealed, located behind the car’s engine. Identify all fuses labeled “Backup” and “EMU/ECM” and extract them all.
Step 2. Wait For Some Time Before Reinstalling Them
There’s no need to uninstall these fuses too long. About ten to fifteen minutes will be sufficient.
Do not leave their covers behind, as your fuses will be prone to damage without proper protection.
Step 3. Test How The Car Runs
Granted you followed our instructions with great care, your computer resets have achieved massive success!
Drive the car a few miles to inspect how it operates, keeping a close eye on its road behaviors and engine lights (which should be turned off by now).
Blinking engine lights, on the other hand, indicate a severe fuel issue and require more specialized support!
FAQs
1. Do Disconnected Batteries Help Clear Error Codes?
Yes, obviously. Any notable fault code will be erased, switching your control unit to its entry-level state.
2. How Long Does It Take Me to Reset BMW ECUs?
Most BMW cars call for about 15 minutes. Sometimes the process might need more time than that – but it never exceeds 30 minutes.
Still, not all manual transmission issues in BMWs call for ECU resets. The causes behind these dilemmas are sometimes simpler than we think, so resetting ECUs is the last resort if all other solutions fail you!
Also, note that there are differences between BMW check engine lights and BMW service engine soon lights – and the latter does not necessarily require ECUs resets, either.
3. How Long Do Car ECUs Last?
Unless there are unresolved issues, ECUs are supposed to last as long as your vehicle does. The precise number fluctuates across different car models.
Conclusion
Does disconnecting battery reset ECU? Our article has discussed this issue and more.
Different approaches – both with and without battery connections – are introduced, so feel free to choose one that suits you best.
Most importantly, always wear safety gear to avoid mishaps!For more questions on how to reset car ECU with battery, feel free to contact Bryan’s Garage.