stRodda

iTrader: (1)

well most folks say disconnect the ecu after adding performance parts. a few people say, dont worry about it, the ecu will relearn on its own. if i do just drive and let the ecu adjust itself... how long does it take for it to completely take into affect?

i had a cai/exhaust, and i just installed xs headers 2days ago. but ive never reset the ecu.

BraveDemon

Give it two weeks.

I say after about 2-3 fill ups it should be ok. Try to give it some spirited driving after it's warmed up.

Yeah I reset my ECU when I installed my CAI and headers. But god... resetting the radio code was such a bitch I refused to do it again. Put in pulley and exhaust afterwards and didn't reset the ecu this time... in about week or so it was fine.

stRodda

iTrader: (1)

whats so hard about entering the radio codes? i have the card with all the codes.

BraveDemon

If you have the card with all the codes go for it. I was told a code by the dealer, and it didn't work. I had to take apart the entire dash to get the serial number, called the dealer and they gave me the wrong code again. I was so fed up, I drove it down to the dealer and let them fix the problem.

If you have the code then go for it and reset the ECU. I personally don't see the point as it messes up all of my settings in the car and the ECU will eventually get the new settings anyway.

BTW: Sweet Ass Anthracite. Love that color.

MikePA

There's nothing for the ECU to 'learn'. It takes readings from sensors and adjusts as appropriate. It does this all the time, e.g., if a sensor reports the intake charge is lean, the ECU will add fuel. If a sensor reports detonation (pinging), the ECU changes the timing. Each item the ECU can change has limits, e.g., there is an maximum and minimum number of degrees the ECU can adjust the timing.

fsttyms1

the relearning is mostly in the head. the computer cant learn the new equipement to make it faster. the computer isnt that sofisticated. When you put something like a header or pulley on the gains will be right away(meaning the computer doesnt learn they are on the car). the only thing the ecu will do by relearning is clear out and retarding its done and start it at the stock settings
You can reset the ECU also by pulling the clock backup fuse

MikePA

Odds are, the stock settings are on the conservative side, e.g., a mixture on the rich side, slightly retarded timing, no setting that could 'harm' the engine. As you drive, the sensors feed information to the ECU that improves performance. I imagine this information is kept in volatile memory, the kind that gets erased when the ECU loses power. Hence reports that performance improves x number of days after installing {fill in the name of the product} and resetting the ECU.