ECU Reset - how much difference does it make?

[Hat]

I've just reset the ECU using the instructions found on here for tapping into the cars' software. on a standard 2005 cooper with an aftermarket exhaust & k&n panel filter how much difference should i notice? also how hard/long do i need to drive it for it to learn the new settings?

[-vk-]

The ECU can not be reset through the speedo. You can only do that through the OBD port and with a special tool. Ask your local dealer if he is willing to do that for you.

[ButtonIt]

Or just disconnect the battery overnight

[MINI-Morgan]

MTH or disconnect the battery like Buttons said. But MTH is the best option by far. The disconnecting the battery can sometimes give a small improvement as the ECU will relearn its setup. Expect it not to want to go when you first pull away... thats normally. Just boot it and it will all be ok.

[Hat]

Quote: Originally Posted by mistral

The ECU can not be reset through the speedo. You can only do that through the OBD port and with a special tool. Ask your local dealer if he is willing to do that for you.

yes it can:
In order to reset the ecu follow the procedure below

1) With the key in the off position press and hold the speedo reset button, turn the key to position one and the screen will say test and a number.

2) Go through the list by pressing the reset button upto test 19 and then wait.

3) The display should then say"log i-off" then "log i-on" over and over again....when "log i- off" appears again press the reset button ....and now you are in the system software.

4) Scroll upto 21.0 Software reset. When reset appears press the button again and you will get a beep and you're speedo needle may vibrate a little (this is normal).

5) Turn ignition off then back on to position 2 for 10 secs then start your car and hey presto its done.

[Hat]

Quote: Originally Posted by BOYR4CER

MTH or disconnect the battery like Buttons said. But MTH is the best option by far. The disconnecting the battery can sometimes give a small improvement as the ECU will relearn its setup. Expect it not to want to go when you first pull away... thats normally. Just boot it and it will all be ok.

i'm talking about a reset, not a remap such as MTH - i've been down that route with my last car & won't be repeating the experience.

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

i'm talking about a reset, not a remap such as MTH - i've been down that route with my last car & won't be repeating the experience.

Errr, ok.... **Wonders what went wrong last time ** I stand by MTH as a user since it makes a big difference.

[GeoffMM]

What was your problem with mth??

[Hat]

personally i didn't have a problem but a mate did - he took his car to the redline & it went into emergency mode at high speed. luckily there was no more than a scare & the car was reset with a battery disconnect but it makes you realise you're messing with £15k of car with no more backup than an email address & no legal redress - plus technically no insurance unless you declare it in advance.

you pays your money, you takes your choice - it makes the car feel great but for me its not worth the risk financially if it goes wrong

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

personally i didn't have a problem but a mate did - he took his car to the redline & it went into emergency mode at high speed. luckily there was no more than a scare & the car was reset with a battery disconnect but it makes you realise you're messing with £15k of car with no more backup than an email address & no legal redress - plus technically no insurance unless you declare it in advance.

you pays your money, you takes your choice - it makes the car feel great but for me its not worth the risk financially if it goes wrong

Think that was recognised as throttle Position sensor wasnt it??

Its personal choice at the end of the day. I look at it like there's more risk getting out the shower

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat

I've just reset the ECU using the instructions found on here for tapping into the cars' software. on a standard 2005 cooper with an aftermarket exhaust & k&n panel filter how much difference should i notice? also how hard/long do i need to drive it for it to learn the new settings?

Hi Ya, I went to Superchips the other day in Northampton, and they have just finished their BLUEFIN chipping system for the new MINI.
It's a hand held device, bout the size of a mobile phone, you can chip the car through the diagnostic port. Handy thing is you can change it back at any time. I had my cooper S done and I noticed the difference straight away. ( go to mybluefin )

[Hat]

i'm not talking about chipping or remapping the ECU which is a permanent change to the factory software, such as MTH, Powechips etc, i'm talking about RESETTING the ECU - ie clearing its adaptive memory so that i can 're-educate' it with a harder driving style.

d'oh, i give up.........

[ButtonIt]

I noticed on mine that after a battery disconnect it would drive like a bag of spuds for a day or two, then it would sort itself out. I think it depends on how you drive it to begin with, if you hot foot around the performance will be great but fuel economy will be poop Give it a try, you got nothing to lose really

[Mike Edwards]

If it's anyting like the motronic system on VWs, the ECU learns fastest in the 1st 30 minutes or so of running after a reset, then moves to a gradual optimisation setting.

In the VW, you can make the most of these 1st few minutes through full throttle acceleration in higher gears from lowish rpm, plus gentle cruising at low speeds in medium gears to let it figure out when the throttle is closed and when it's just opening.

[Hat]

i reset it yesterday & booted it all the way home (25 miles). it feels a bit more responsive this morning so i'm going to continue to drive hard see how the fuel consumption goes.

one thing when i got home last night, after turning the car off the cooling fan came on really hard for about 5 minutes. mind you, i had been doing 110 10 minutes earlier *ahem*