How to reset your ECU and perform the Throttle Pedal Release and Idle Air Volume Learning procedures on an 02-03 maxima


Before attempting any of the following procedures, it is advisable that you read through the instructions thoroughly and familiarize yourself with them. A stop watch or an analog clock with a second’s needle will be useful. ( i counted outloud becuz i didnt have a stopwatch lol)




ECU Resetting Procedures
Timing is extremely critical. If it is NOT DONE within the specify time, the ECU will not reset and the Check Engine Light (CEL) will continue to remain ON.
Operations Procedures
1. Confirm that accelerator pedal is fully released, turn ignition switch “ON” and wait 3 seconds.
2. Repeat the following steps (2a and 2b) procedures quickly five times within 5 seconds.
2a. Fully depress the accelerator pedal (HARD).
2b. Fully release the accelerator pedal.
3. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 10 seconds until the CEL starts blinking.
4. Fully release the accelerator pedal (while the CEL is still blinking)
5. Wait about 10 second.
6. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for more than 10 seconds.
7. Fully release the accelerator pedal (The CEL light will continue to blink).
8. Turn ignition switch to “OFF” position and now you can start the car. The CEL light should be gone.
If the CEL light continues to remain ON, repeat the above steps. Timing is EXTREMELY critical to resetting the ECU.
Accelerator Pedal Release Position Learning
Operation Procedure
1. Make sure that the accelerator pedal is fully released.
2. Turn ignition switch “ON” and wait at least 2 seconds.
3. Turn ignition switch “OFF” wait at least 10 seconds.
4. Turn ignition switch “ON” and wait at least 2 seconds.
5. Turn ignition switch “OFF” wait at least 10 seconds.
Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning
Operation Procedures
1. Make sure that accelerator pedal is fully released.
2. Turn ignition switch to “ON”.
3. Turn ignition switch to “OFF” wait at least 10 seconds.
Make sure that the throttle valve moves during above 10 seconds by confirming the operating sound.
Idle Air Volume Learning (Throttle Position Learning)
It is better to count the time accurately with a clock. 1. Perform “Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning”.
2. Perform “Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning”.
3. Start engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
4. Turn ignition switch “OFF” and wait at least 10 seconds.
5. Confirm that the accelerator pedal is fully released, then turn ignition switch “ON” and wait 3 seconds.
6. Repeat the following (steps 7a, 7b) procedures quickly five times within 5 seconds.
7a. Fully depress the accelerator pedal (HARD)
7b. Fully release the accelerator pedal.
8. Wait 7 seconds, fully depress the accelerator pedal and keep it for approx. 20 seconds until the Check Engine Light (CEL) stops blinking and turned ON.
9. Fully release the accelerator pedal within 3 seconds after the CEL is ON.
10. Start engine and let it idle.
11. Wait 20 seconds.
12. Rev up the engine two or three times and make sure the idle speed and ignition timing are within the specifications.

IMPORTANT

***** when you have the idle at the factory settings... shut off the car and dissconnect the negative battery terminal as soon as you shut the car off also turn on the headlights after to get any additional juice out.( i waited about 10-15 minutes)..keep it unplugged for a couple of minutes and then connect it all back together and this shuld save your factory idle....many 02-03 maxima have trouble keeping the idle learned in the computer...resulting in the same high idle as what you started with....when you start the car again....this took me about 4 trys to get it right...might take you more then once..so be patient and keep trying...goodluck

 

Took me a while to get ecu reset correctly. Timing is very important. Had to sit with a stop watch, if it's not working for you try this timings

At 3 seconds start pressing and releasing the gas Pedal
At 8 Seconds you should be starting your 7 second cooldown
At 15 Seconds you should be holding the pedal down waiting for it to blink

Like I said it took me a while but it did work.

 

^^ disconnecting the battery after setting the idle worked lik a charm ...it held the idle relearn after shutting off and turning on the car again...over and over....

 

sticky worthy? lol

 

post sticky

 

 

Just performed this and it didn't stick the first time. I only let the car run for around one minute.

On my second try, I let the car idle for 5 minutes with an occasional rev, then took it for a 5 minute drive before shutting it off. It stuck this time.

Jut thought you all would like to know.

 

I realize I'm digging up a 5 year old thread here, but I have a question regarding this process. I cleaned my MAF today and did the relearn procedure afterwards by following the instructions as outlined above. What I'm curious about is that during step 10 I saw the MIL flashing while I was revving the engine. Has anyone else seen this behavior? The service procedure doesn't mention anything about a flashing MIL while revving the engine. Just curious if it's normal behavior or if it means I'm not doing the procedure right.

 

flashing MIL is missfire indicator check for pending codes like 0300

 

Very true, but while I was revving the engine there was no misfiring going on. I've had the flashing MIL for misfires before and this is very different. Engine was revving fine throughout the process. I did just check to see if there were any codes thrown and none were.

 

use Car Gauge Pro next time has alot of options its a android app and it does all the relearns.

 

I have done the relearn procedures recommended above to no avail. What I have noticed is I don't have any codes. My CEL never blinks. Problem started when my rubber grommet for the brake and cruise control failed. I had to disconnect the battery over night. When I replaced the grommet I had to give fuel to get it to idle once it is warm. It idles fine once it is running, but I am suffering from intermittent starts via not needing to give it a little fuel. Could it be something else? It drives fine once running.

 

What grommet is this that you speak of?

 

The ones on the brake pedal. However I figured out my issue was my mechanic sabotaging me. As I was fixing things, he was disconnecting on purpose. My throttle body connection was off again. I had connected the connection 3 times and each time I would leave my mechanics shop the connection would be off again.

 

My 2003 Maxima is currently in the shop being diagnosed. It threw a code for the MAF which was replaced but afterwards it threw a p1800 for the vias solenoid. They have replaced the solenoid but its still having the same symptoms and throwing the p1800. Symptoms are CEL, poor fuel economy, and the idle dips real low sometimes plus has intermittent trouble starting. I've seen someone mention that a bad MAF can cause a false p1800 and I'm wondering if the new one just hasn't been through the relearning procedure in this thread. Any ideas would be welcome, they seem frustrated at the shop.