How Do You Reset a Car's Computer?
To reset a car's computer, disconnect the battery, clip the battery cables together, clean all of the battery terminals and connectors, reconnect the battery cables, and start the vehicle. This 45-minute procedure requires safety gloves, electrical tape, a bucket, baking soda, water, a sponge, a towel and the vehicle key.
- Disconnect the battery
Put on safety gloves, and open the vehicle's hood. Remove the positive and negative battery cables, connect them to each other, and secure them with electrical tape. Fasten the joined cables as far away from the battery as possible.
- Mix the cleaning solution
In a clean bucket, mix a thin solution of lukewarm water and baking soda.
- Clean the battery
Dip a sponge in the baking soda solution, wring it out, and wipe the battery with it. Clean all of the battery's terminals and other connectors. This takes about 10 minutes.
- Dry the battery
Dry the battery thoroughly with a soft, clean towel. The terminals must be absolutely dry before you reconnect the battery cables.
- Reconnect the battery
Remove the electrical tape from the battery cables, separate them, and reconnect them to the battery.
- Start the vehicle
Check the time. When at least 40 minutes have passed since you disconnected the battery, start the vehicle. If there are no illuminated warning lights on your dashboard console, the computer has been successfully reset. If warning lights remain lit, seek professional assistance.