Hey I've had some starting problems and i've heard that i should have my computer reset by the dealership. I've reset my ecu SEVERAL times by using the screwdriver method, and still had the same problems. So my question is, Whats the difference between the way nissan does it and the screw driver method. I know they use a computer i mean does it actually do anything different? Does it somehow reset it more? is that even possible?

 

You should really find out what's the root cause of the problem. Resetting the ECU never "FIX" a problem.

 

Yeah, fix it. Your computers trying to tell you something's worng. When you reset it, you're just telling the computer to fuhgetaboutit, and it does so obediently. Since the problem is not solved, it comes back.

Instead of resetting, find out the code. Turn the screw all the way clockwise, then turn it back counter-clockwise slowly, while watching the check engine light. At some point, the check engine light will start blinking in morse code. A few long blinks followed by shorts ones. Example: 7 long blinks followed by 5 shorts ones means a code of 0705. Take down those numbers, then reset the computer.

Oh, and sometimes the computer might store 2 codes. Get them all.

DW

 

To answer your question... the dealership can't "reset" your ECU any more effectively than the screwdriver method. They might be able to do it without breaking the seal on the reset screw electronically but I think that would be the only advantage.

The important thing, as stated in previous posts, is that you find out what code the ECU is throwing.

 

I believe another way to reset your ECU is to disconnect your battery for an hour or so... I'm not sure 100% if this works, but i do it every time i mod my car so that the ECU adjusts to the new flow of air into the engine or whatever. It just compensates by adjusting the air/fuel mixture. And i think the reset on the ECU is just to reset the codes and see if it comes back again.

 

Like everyone else is saying, pull the code first before resetting the ECU.

And the only difference between resetting it yourself and going to the dealer to resetting it is $75.

 

Since i was in a rush i didn't explain well enough, thanx for trying but your info was useless <Grin>. No offense really. I already know how to pull the codes thats what i meant when i refered to the screw driver method. Problem is my comp isn't throwing ANY codes. Its fine, my sensors are fine. My problem is with starting the car. I defined it in another thread so i didn't want to do it again. I'm no n00b . I do know how to pull codes i've done it PLENTY of times, and i know how to reset the comp. The reason i was wondering is because someone else said that they had the same problem as me, took it to nissan, and nissan told them (the dealership i mean) that they need reset there computer every 60k miles. He also said that after they reset it, the car started fine, fixing the problem. If that is the case (which doesn't seem right to me either thus me asking) i'd need to take mine in to have the same thing done. But if there is no difference between dealer reset and screw driver reset (The original question i asked) then i don't need to take it to one. Thanx for trying though.

Oh and about the smiles... i just felt like putting some new ones in here

 

Reset screwdriver style? That sends a lot of voltage to your computer and fries it. Use a resistor in the future

 

[QUOTE=Shena;9253007]Reset screwdriver style? That sends a lot of voltage to your computer and fries it. Use a resistor in the future[/QUO

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

Notice the posts have dates

You responded to one that's over 20 years old.

 

[QUOTE=JvG;9253021]+1. And I think he's confused on what the "screwdriver" method really means.