Just joined the age of computerized trucks. A ford friend of mine told me if I disconnect my pos. batt. cable for 20mins. then reconnect. Start motor and let idle for 10mins. then disconnect pos. cable again for 20mins. then reconnect and stomp on it around town for 20mins. or so. He said that this will trick my computer into reconfiguring shift points and fuel intake ect. Want to know if this is true? It sounds plausible to me but what do I know. Want to hear from you smart guys before I try it. Always had older fords love my new 99 4x4 plan on visiting your web site often. Thanks guys!

 

ummm no lol it wont

 

All you have to do it disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes and then reconnect. That should erase the memory.

 

So do you think it would work?

 

All it will do is make the computer relearn all the values that it currently has in its memory. If you are hoping to "re-tune" your engine and transmission, the answer is no disconnecting the battery will not work. Now if you have replaced intake components or a sensor disconnecting the battery will allow the computer to remap itself with the new components.

 

You'll just start back at default and be brought right back to where you are now.
Is there some purpose, a problem ? what are you trying to achieve?

 

Mostly I wanted to call him on his B.S. but I was intriged enough to investigate alittle more. He said by resetting the computer and driving it harder than normal the computer will reset itself at the new driving standard. If the computer is set back to default and you drive it hard wont the computer think thats normal driving and set to that standard? He said he did it in his truck and its quicker off the line and shift points are harder. It sounded possible to me but a year ago I was tuning my truck with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. So call him on his B.S.?

 

Mostly I wanted to call him on his B.S. but I was intriged enough to investigate alittle more. He said by resetting the computer and driving it harder than normal the computer will reset itself at the new driving standard. If the computer is set back to default and you drive it hard wont the computer think thats normal driving and set to that standard? He said he did it in his truck and its quicker off the line and shift points are harder. It sounded possible to me but a year ago I was tuning my truck with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. So call him on his B.S.?

 

I would put on a pair of hip waders and go back to him and ask for another story, he is definitely full of it.

 

LOL
Your truck can be programmed that way with a chip/programmer you plug in under the dash - I think your friend is referring to that maybe..

There like 200-400 bucks - "SuperChips" is a common one. Plug it in and it gives you multiple choice setting like Tow/Haul , Power, Economy - something like that. Changes shift points, governor, wheel size compensation so that your speedo accurate, also , some even work as a OBD 2 Scanner, depends what you buy.

This is what your friend should have told you.

I have a 98 and can't get a programmer with enough options to warrent one, unless I do a PI conversion. Your 99 already has PI heads so they have programmers on the market for yours.

 

If you disconnect the battery for 15 minutes or so, the computer will reset to factory specs and clear out the adaptive learning memory. The adaptive learn will adjust your engine/tranny to your style of driving. If after the reset you drive like an idiot for a few weeks, the truck will shift a little later and tweak the timing and mixture for max performance - losing a little mileage. If you go Granny style, the computer will optimize for max economy and smoothness. The difference between the two modes is very small but does exist. Eventually you fall into your preferred pattern and the computer sets itself for your driving style.

Fritz

 

If you drive 10 miles in reverse, do a burnout, then turn the ignition switch on and off 100 times you'll also get 35 mpg. I guarantee it!