Mechanics HATE This Reset Trick – It Fixes 90% of Car Problems for FREE

About this video

• Video Title: Mechanics HATE This Reset Trick – It Fixes 90% of Car Problems for FREE
• Channel: Shift Culture
• Speakers: None listed
• Duration: 00:07:15

Overview

This video reveals a "reset trick" that can fix a significant percentage of car problems without requiring tools, parts, or professional service. It explains that many car issues stem from bad data or glitches in the vehicle's computer systems, rather than mechanical failures. The video details several methods for resetting these systems, including the battery disconnect, fuse pulls, pedal dance, and using an OBD2 scanner, aiming to empower drivers to troubleshoot and resolve common car problems themselves.

Key takeaways

• The "Reset Trick" is a Free Solution: Many car problems, such as check engine lights, rough idling, or shifting issues, can be resolved by resetting the car's computer systems, which is a free procedure.
• Cars are Rolling Computers: Modern vehicles rely on modules and sensors that can glitch or go out of sync, leading to performance issues due to bad data rather than broken parts.
• Battery Disconnect Method: A common reset method involves disconnecting the negative battery terminal, pressing the brake pedal for 30 seconds to drain power, and waiting 10-15 minutes before reconnecting. This reboots the car's computer, clearing old data and resetting adaptive learning.
• Fuse Box Reset: For more targeted resets, specific fuses for modules like the ECU, PCM, or TCM can be pulled for about 10 minutes to reset individual systems.
• Pedal Dance for Relearn: A "pedal dance" sequence (key on, engine off, pump gas pedal, wait, hold pedal, start engine) can relearn throttle and transmission settings, often smoothing out acceleration and shifting. This method is effective on many Nissan, Toyota, GM, and BMW models.
• OBD2 Scanner for Code Clearing: Basic OBD2 scanners can read and clear error codes for common issues like loose gas caps or temporary misfires, and can display live data to confirm reset effectiveness.
• Hard Reset Combo: For stubborn problems, a combination of battery disconnect, fuse pulls for PCM/TCM, a 30-minute wait, reconnection, and an idle relearn procedure can resolve issues like limp mode.
• Specific System Resets: The video also outlines resets for TPMS, HVAC blend doors, steering angle sensors, transmission memory, and infotainment systems.
• Importance of Idle Relearn: After most major resets, performing an idle relearn (letting the car idle for 5 minutes) is crucial to prevent stalling, hesitation, or RPM issues.
• Tracking Resets: Keeping a log of resets performed, including dates, methods, and symptoms, can help in pattern recognition and faster problem-solving.