Computer Relearn Procedures: Notes

Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may require a relearn procedure after vehicle battery is disconnected. Many vehicle computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum driveability and performance. When vehicle battery is disconnected, this memory is lost. The computer will use default data until new data from each key start is stored. As computer memorizes vehicle operation for each new key start, driveability is restored. Vehicle computers may memorize vehicles operation patterns for 40 of more key starts.

Customers often complain of driveability problems during relearn stage because vehicle acts differently then before being serviced. Depending on type and make of vehicle and how it is equipped, the following complaints (driveability problems) may exist:

• Harsh Or Poor Shift Quality
• Rough Or Unstable Idle
• Hesitation Or Stumble
• Rich Or Lean Running
• Poor Fuel Mileage

These symptoms and complaints should disappear after a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To reduce the possibility of complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be road tested.