I installed the K&N air filter and my gas mileage went from 13mpg to 12mpg. I know the winter weather and gas play a role in poor gas mileage. Does the computer need to be reset to calibrate itself to the new K&N addition, or for that matter any major bolt on additions? I have read the postings and some in encourage resetting and other discourage it. Does the computer program detect the change automatically?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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2000 SuperCab Blue 4x4 4.6L,ORP, 3.55 LS, Class III, Tinted Windows, K&N,

 

It's my understanding that the computer goes through a constant learning process and will adjust for any changes in air flow. That being said, I don't think you'll hurt anything by resetting the computer, it may accomplish the learning at a quicker rate.

[This message has been edited by Ford man (edited 03-05-2000).]

 

esq003,

If you only installed the K&N filter you do not need to do anything special. The computer will adjust itself in time. I don't know how many miles are on your truck right now..but the computer also requires several hundred miles to calibrate the transmission for your driving habits.

Like Ford man said..you will not hurt anything by resetting the computer, but it is not needed at all for the K&N filter.

Now, for example, if you install a superchip...you *DO* need to reset the computer.

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

How does one go about "resetting" the chip?

 

mtnbyker,

If you mean the superchip..you can't. You have to clear the 'memory' of the main computer. By doing so..it *will* allow the computer to learn faster...since it is starting from scratch.

1) Disconnect the battery (others have posted for half an hour or more and turn the headlights on (?) )

2) Reconect and your computer is all set.

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

Thanks for the helpful information. I only have 3500 miles so far. I took it easy for the first 500 miles, and I am enjoying driving it now.

Thanks again!

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2000 SuperCab Blue 4x4 4.6L,ORP, 3.55 LS, Class III, Tinted Windows, K&N,

 

Dustoff: thanks! I did disconnect neg terminal on battery but only for a minute or so? Is that long enough? I dont see why leaving off 30 sec or 30 min makes any difference power off is power off

 

There are capacitors in your electrical system for the computer. If they're left to sit without power, it takes around thirty minutes to completely disharge them. If you disconnect the battery and turn on your headlights, discharge is instantaneous.

 

Fordman,

Not positive but most EECs have a blocking diode in the computer module to keep the computer backup power caps from discharging due to a short or load on the main power bus.
The headlight trick may work, I haven't tried it on the F150. But my SHO did not work that way.

 

It's been a common trick on here when resetting for a Superchip. Is your SHO an OBD II or is it an EEC IV?