It is not difficult to reset the ECM (Engine Control Module), and you don’t need to be an expert in automotive technology to do it.
Following a few simple steps may be enough to clear your vehicle’s computer memory. It simply takes a few minutes and basic knowledge of your car’s sensor to do it.
What Is ECM In Car?
Car computers, also known as ECMs, are electronic control units used to operate a series of actuators in an internal combustion engine to maintain optimum engine performance.
The car’s computer obtains a variety of different types of information from numerous sensors throughout the vehicle. Engine control units (ECUs), vehicle sensors, and other similar devices are examples of these devices.
What Does A Car Computer Do?
Your vehicle’s computer regulates and optimizes the function of the spark plugs, fuel injector, and other components. To do this, it communicates with and monitors the computer.
When your vehicle’s computer is not working properly, it will display warning signals on the dashboard. For example, if the check engine light comes on continuously, it indicates that there is a problem with your vehicle’s computer.
How To Reset A Car Computer
Manually resetting the vehicle’s computer is still a common and efficient method of resetting the computer.
Any problem with the car’s computer can be solved quickly and easily, as erasing or resetting the car’s codes can help you solve the problem in your vehicle.
There are two methods to reset the vehicle’s computer: one is to do it with the battery disconnected, and the other is to do it without removing the battery.
Step 1: Open the hood and disconnect the battery.
The first step is to open the hood. Next, remove the two battery terminals with the battery key and pull the battery out of the compartment. This ensures that no power flows while restarting the car computer, as well as allowing you to perform some maintenance work on the battery.
Step 2: Locate the car’s fuse box and remove the fuse.
Locate your vehicle’s fuse box and remove the cover. However, before removing the fuse, be sure to check the diagram. Remove the fuse that is labeled “ECM” and hold it out for 15 minutes before reinstalling it. This will help clear the computer’s memory.
Step 3: Reinstall the fuse and reconnect the battery terminal.
After a few moments, reinstall the fuse and reconnect the positive battery terminal. Make sure the positive battery terminal is reconnected.
Step 4: Start the vehicle and perform a test run.
If you have followed these instructions to the letter, you have successfully performed the vehicle’s computer reset. You can now start your vehicle and perform a test drive, which will help the car’s computer check all sensors and record the results once again. Also, make sure that the check engine light is not on.
Simply put, replacing the ECM fuse is all that is needed to reset a car’s battery. There is also an alternative method to reset a vehicle’s computer that does not require the battery to be removed.
How To Reset Car Computer Without Disconnecting Battery
You can reset a car’s computer without disconnecting the battery by following these simple steps. A pair of pliers is as important as a code reader to reset your car battery.
Step 1: Opening the hood and removing the fuses
When you open the hood of your vehicle, you will see that there is a fuse box. The fuse box is located just behind the engine of the car.
Remove the fuses that are labeled “Back-up” and another “EMU or ECM”.
Step 2: Wait and reinstall the fuses.
Do not leave the fuses out of the box too long or too short; about 10-15 minutes would be appropriate.
You should not forget to replace the fuse cover, as without it the fuses are very vulnerable. Without a fuse cover, they can break at any time and need to be replaced.
Step 3: A test drive
If you have followed the instructions to the letter, you have successfully reset your vehicle’s computer with the battery.
When driving the vehicle, you should pay attention to its behavior on the road and keep an eye on the engine light. After resetting the vehicle’s computer, the engine light should turn off.
How To Disconnect A Car Battery To Reset The Computer
There are many reasons why people may want to disconnect their car’s battery. One of the most common is that they want to reset the Engine Control Module (ECM).
This is an onboard computer that controls most of your functions. By the way, do you know how to disconnect a car battery?
- Look for the battery under the hood.
- Select the appropriate socket.
- Unplug the negative terminal of the battery. (Be careful when disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery).
- Unplug the positive battery terminal.
- Your vehicle’s battery is now unplugged and is ready to reboot a computer.
How Long To Leave Battery Disconnected To Reset Car Computer?
It is recommended to disconnect the battery for a minimum of fifteen minutes and no more than thirty minutes. To disconnect the battery, it is necessary to remove the negative power cable from the negative terminal of your car battery with the use of a socket wrench or wrench.
After disconnecting the battery, it is necessary to wait a predetermined amount of time before reconnecting the battery. This will ensure that the ECU is properly reset and the car’s computer is fully functional. Once the battery has been reconnected, the car should be started to prove that the reset was successful.
Final Thought – How To Reset A Car Computer
Resetting the car’s computer is simply clearing the car’s computer program codes. You don’t need to worry if you drive an electric car.
A faulty car computer can cause small problems in the performance of your car. That is why you should be more careful about the warning signs of your car’s computer.
