Forced flash PCM?

[Sandman92]

Found this:
http://jeepdex.com/adaptive_memory_reset.htm

Is it a bad idea to do this "just because"? My remote start hasn't been working since I bought the Jeep (used) and the dealer wants to charge high dollars to fix it. I figure I might as well try anything that can be "safely reset" so to speak.

So would force flashing my PCM be a bad idea? Could it POSSIBLY have any slight connection to my remote start not working? Is it worth a try? (as you can tell, I don't fully understand PCM other than it stores info)

Thanks!
-Matt

[robby]

The process harms nothing and I have advised it in the past, however, while the cable is still grounded I recommend turning the key on.....the instructions are a bit vague in that respect.....the headlights on and off???? go ahead, I can't think of a thing it would hurt or help.

As far as your remote start....I doubt it and you haven't mentioned if this is a factory or aftermarket system.
If aftermarket, the proceedure couldn't possibly do a thing IMO.

But, a relearn is not a bad thing, especially on a second hand vehicle.....it will hold the previous drivers learned settings which may be costing you mileage or performance.

Rob

[BrendenV]

I think I'm going to reset mine to try to fix my remote start. Mine use to work several hundred feet away now after the key fob battery died after I replaced it it only starts within 6 ft o the car. I'm going to do a reset and hope it fixes it.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[mrnavy2]

Keep us updated

Steve

[Sandman92]

Robby, would you mind explaining the process from start to finish? It doesn't give any messages or anything, so I'm left to assume that it flashed, but at the same time i wouldn't know if it didn't work either

[robby]

There would be no messages to look at.

The proceedure is as follows:
1. Disconnect negative cable at battery.
2. Disconnect positive cable at battery.
3. Insert and turn key to the 'run' position....that would be the second detent or the detent before starter engagement.
4. Either hold the battery cable terminals against one another or take the positive cable and hold it against any metal part of the chassis, in so doing, grounding the complete circuit.....just a second or so is fine...I just say count to five while grounded.

What you have done is erase all 'learn' type memories in the vehicle, not unlike forcing a pc back to its base settings.
The vehicle computer will now 'relearn' your driving style without having to 'unlearn' the previous operators driving style.
If you were to replace the computer, the initial operation is off of its base programming.
This proceedure takes your current computer back to its base settings as though started for the first time off the assembly line.

5. Turn key back to the 'off' position and remove it from the switch.
6. Reconnect the positive battery cable.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
8. Start engine and let it idle.....reset the clock....you may or may not have to reset your radio stations.....but let it run long enouph for the temp gauge to reach its normal operating temperature.
During this period, you may find the idle sags for a moment and then recovers.
This means the temperature is high enouph for the system to go into 'closed loop' operation.
Once up to temp, go drive it for a while......drive it in the manner you normally drive....if you are aggressive at the lights, drive aggressivly.....just don't baby it unless that is your normal driving style.
Don't be surprised to find the trans shifting harshly at times.....it is going through a relearn process as well.
Over the next few days or around 100 miles, it will have re-established its various operating parameters.....it is now geared around your driving style, your brand of fuel, etcetera.

Rob

[Sandman92]

Wow! Your post was EXTREMELY helpful. I'm going to try it out in a minute. The owners before me (and for five years) were an elder couple. I can imagine that their driving style is a bit different than mine, so I'm hoping this helps even in the slightest manner!
Thanks again Robby!

[robby]

You're welcome and good luck!

Rob

[Sandman92]

Well at first I was getting about 15.8 mpg but over the past few days or so I've dropped to about 14.[insert low number here]. I think I've just been gunning it everywhere (a lot going on lately, doctor is even concerned with a recent spike in my blood pressure ha)