Saturday, November 9, 2013
How to Reset the On Board Computer for a 2003 Ford Fiesta
The 2003 Ford Fiestas computer keeps track of all electrical and mechanical functions of the vehicle. It will alert you to any service that needs to be done or any system malfunctions. It does this via warning and service lights that illuminate on the vehicles instrument panel. Once repairs or service have been completed, you will need to reset the computer in order to shut of these lights and to keep the computer functioning properly.
Instructions
- 1
Pull the hood release to open the hood. Prop it up with a rod and locate the battery under the hood.
2Find the negative battery terminal. You will see a clamp with a nut on it. Loosen the nut with an adjustable wrench and slid the clamp off of the battery terminal.
3Wrap a towel around the negative battery clamp and keep it away from the battery altogether. The towel will help to protect you and the battery.
4Let the vehicle sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the computer to reset and erase all trouble codes.
5Discard the towel and put the negative battery clamp back onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the nut with the wrench. Tuck the rod away and lower the hood of the car.
6Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have turned off.
Monday, October 7, 2013
How to Replace the ABS Computer in a Ford Windstar
The Ford Windstar was a minivan that Ford manufactured from from 1994 to 2003. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was a standard feature for all versions of the Windstar. An ABS requires a computer, or control module, to control the braking force that the wheels receive when they begin to lose traction. The ABS control module for a Ford Windstar is in the engine compartment under the battery.
Instructions
- 1
Disconnect the cables from the negative and positive battery terminals with a socket wrench, and remove the battery from the vehicle. Disconnect the mounting bolts for the battery tray and remove the tray from the vehicle.
2Place a drain pan under the radiator and open the drain plug with a socket wrench. Allow the coolant to drain into the container and seal the container for later use. Replace the drain plug and detach the upper hose from the radiator. Disconnect the shroud for the radiator fan.
3Detach the wiring harness for the ABS control module, then remove the retaining screws from the ABS control module with a socket wrench. Pull the module forward so that its coils clear the valve solenoids in the engine compartment, and remove the module from the vehicle.
4Position the new ABS control module so that its coils align with the solenoid valves in the engine compartment. Push the coils of the ABS control module against the solenoid valves. Fasten the retaining screws for the ABS control module, and tighten them to between 35 and 44 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.
5Attach the wiring harness for the ABS control module, and connect the shroud for the radiator fan with a socket wrench. Connect the upper hose for the radiator.
6Fill the radiator with coolant. Replace the battery tray and fasten its mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Mount the battery in the battery tray and attach the cables for the battery.
How to Reset the Computer in a 2003 Ford F 150
You can reset the computer on your 03 Ford F-150 right from your home garage or driveway, saving yourself time and money. The F-150 is equipped with an on-board diagnostics computer that receives trouble codes from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. This computer monitors all functions of the vehicle and will alert you to any malfunctions via warning lights on the instrument panel. It will also keep track of and alert you to the servicing needs of your Ford. Once you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired, you should reset the computer to shut off the warning and service lights.
Instructions
- 1
Pop open the hood of the vehicle and prop it up with the rod. Locate the battery in the engine compartment.
2Find the negative battery terminal and the clamp with a nut attached to it. Loosen the nut with a wrench and remove the clamp from the negative battery terminal. Make sure it doesnt touch anything, especially the positive battery terminal.
3Wait 20 minutes to allow the electricity to drain out of the OBD computer and to allow it to reset itself.
4Reconnect the negative battery clamp and tighten the nut with the wrench. Lower the hood.
5Use the key to start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.
Monday, September 16, 2013
How to Reset the Computer on My 1995 Pontiac Grand Am V 6
A "Check Engine" light flashing on the dash can warn you of impending problems with your Grand Am, but it can also be annoying if you fixed those problems without resetting the warning light. If you dont have access to an on-board diagnostics scanner, the quickest and most popular way to reset a "Check Engine" light is to disconnect the battery. Removing the computers power source for an extended period of time will cause it to lose most of its stored information, including the parameters that triggered the "Check Engine" light.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood and locate the battery. In the Grand Am, the battery will be on the drivers side of the vehicle.
2Disconnect the black negative terminal cable with a ratchet and socket. When setting the cable aside, make sure the metal end of the cable is not touching any metal surface. Disconnect the red positive terminal cable with a ratchet and socket and set it aside.
3Drain the residual energy in the vehicles wiring and circuitry by pressing on the horn or brake pedals until there is no power left. Wait at least 15 minutes for the vehicles engine computer to "forget" its settings.
4Reconnect the positive and negative terminal cables to the battery. Tighten the connections with a ratchet and socket and close the hood. The engine computer may require a "learning period" in which the computer readjusts the transmission shift points and throttle input according to the owners driving style.