How to Reset Your Engine Control Module for Optimal Efficiency

If your vehicle’s ECM, or engine control module, has been storing information about your driving style over time, then most probably you are looking for how to reset the engine control module. You can easily reset it to get an immediate boost in performance. Many people don’t realize that they can take advantage of this feature to keep their vehicles running as smoothly as possible over the long term, but it’s easier than you might think. With these instructions on how to reset an engine control module (ECM), you’ll be well on your way to enjoying better gas mileage and reduced emissions right away!

The role of an engine computer

The ECM collects information from the engine and other sensors and helps control how the engine performs. The ECM has two primary functions: it stores long term data within its term memory, and it constantly learns about how you drive your vehicle. These two functions help the computer adjust how other modules function so that your vehicle runs as efficiently as possible. To reset the computer, turn off your car and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will ensure that all data is cleared from memory before you start driving again.

How does my car's computer know how I like my car to drive?

The engine control module is an on-board computer responsible to regulate the performance of your vehicle, while also helping it achieve its maximum fuel economy. The ECM is able to store long term data within its term memory and will continuously work in order to learn about how you drive your car. This information will then be applied towards other modules such as the transmission, air conditioning and even the emissions system. In order for all of these systems to work together in harmony, it's important that you reset your engine control module from time-to-time with a scan tool.

How can I learn what my car's control module is doing behind the scenes?

Your vehicle’s ECM is one of the most important parts of your car. It stores long-term data within its term memory, and continuously works to learn about the way you drive your vehicle. This enables your vehicle to run as efficiently as possible. You can reset your engine control module for optimal efficiency by following these steps: turn off the engine, disconnect the battery terminal, wait 10 seconds, reconnect the terminal and restart the engine.

How can resetting an ECM help me out?

A reset engine control module can help improve fuel economy, driveability and maximize emissions. Before it performs a reset, your engine will already have detected any problems with your vehicle’s electronics or physical components and have likely already made adjustments to the way that other modules behave in order to compensate. However, it will take up to 200 miles of driving before these settings make a significant difference. Resetting the ECM clears all learned data so that the system is working on an even playing field once again. 

A reset engine control module could also be helpful if you are experiencing sudden power loss, rough idle or poor throttle response while accelerating.