I inadvertently left the key in the ignition in the "on" position which drained the battery. I did have a battery tender plugged in but apparently it could not keep up with the drain. I let the battery charge until 100% full. I searched the forum and found the procedure for resetting the ECU upon startup. I put the ignition on (farthest forward turn before starting) for 10 sec. then started the car. I let it idle for 15 min and it seemed like the idle became faster. Within the first minute of driving, the engine stumbled and revved and nearly died. Am I stuck flat-bedding the car to the Dealer to re-program the throttle body, as the Dealer has informed me, or is there anything else I can try?
no, you are stuck driving the thing...get it out and drive it. It will be fine and reprogram itself. This is assuming nothing was wrong when you last drove it and parked that you did not mention.
No, nothing wrong anytime before this...but it sputtered along so slowly it would be difficult to take it on any road at the moment. Seemed ready to die at any moment.
To make that reset procedure work, you must disconnect the battery using the battery disconnect switch and leave it that way for 30 minutes or so. Turn off the A/C and radio, turn ignition switch to on for 30 seconds, turn it off for 30 seconds, back to on, wait for check OK, start and let idle for 10 minutes with no input whatsoever. Turn on A/C, radio (insert code if necessary), and drive for 15-20 minutes gently. Should be OK after that. Alternatively, turn off battery disconnect switch for 30 minutes, turn on, start normally and drive several times as the system relearns. May take several times on/off to get A/C and other accessories to work. There is also a complicated drive cycle test that does the same thing, but the 1st procedure works just as well.
Taz is right, there is an official process which includes hopping on one leg for five minutes. Here it is: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Don- Affirmative, and here is what each step is supposed to do. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
So this is what I need to do if I replace the battery? I fear that my battery is getting weaker. If I leave it off the charger for a week the car sort of stumbles to a start for about 5 seconds and then fires normally on all cylinders. If I have driven it recently or just taken it off the charger she starts as normal. Battery?
Done that. Darn embarrassing isn't it. Power off then do a power on start following the procedure, it should all be ok.
Grateful for the tips and courtesy on this forum! Where is the battery disconnect switch located? Pic?
It's in the front luggage compartment on the left had side above the flat area where the CD changer would go -- rotate counter clockwise to turn off. Terry will correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think there is a need for the elaborate procedure he mentioned unless you are going to have an emissions test soon. I have disconnected my battery quite a few times and the ignition on with no AC or radio then let idle for ten minutes was all that was required. Alan Image Unavailable, Please Login
Has anyone used a Clore Memory Saver Cord Memory Saver Cord - ESA30 | Call us at 1-800-328-2921 | Clore Automotive when changing their battery? I've used it in other cars, just plug it into a jump box (with lighter receptacle) then into the OBDII port and the ECU and other electronics remained powered while you disconnect the actual battery. It's a pretty cool little tool, especially for around $12.
is it normal that the check engine light is blinking after the reset? I had changed the battery and am working through the re-learning procedure but the check engine worries me
Several months ago when I had radio work performed, I mentioned to the shop about turning off the master battery switch beforehand, then letting the car idle for ten minutes afterwards. For liability purposes, they did not drive the car in the manner described in the Ferrari procedure because of Houston traffic. I would not be comfortable doing so either, unless it was early Sunday morning. I would still have to drive the car home during normal business hours, not following the instructions either, so whats the point? The cars two engine ECUs re-learned all the parameters just fine while idling for the ten minutes at the radio shop. No CELs, no hesitation, no nothing as if the master switch was never turned off. I am pondering re-flashing those ECUs and am wondering if not following that procedure to the letter simply takes the ECUs longer to re-learn those particular driving conditions, or if I am setting myself up for aggravation. So what if I dont drive at XXX speed for YYY minutes in ZZZ gear, right away? I will eventually drive at those conditions and the ECU will eventually capture the corresponding inputs. As long as the ECU is satisfied before the next annual inspection where they plug into the OBD-2 connection, right?
To recalibrate the throttle body. . turn ignition on (engine off) and wait for CHECK OK message. . step on throttle pedal all the way and hold for about three seconds. . release pedal and wait for three seconds. . repeat above two steps three more times.
