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A few years ago I heard from someone who owned a '00 Liberty (which was nearly identical to my Outback, of course) that there was a connector under the dash that was usually unplugged, but if you plugged it in it reset the engine computer and put it into learning mode. And that over the next X number of kms it would learn your driving and adjust the engine map accordingly.


Is this bullshit? I think my outback could go for a bit of a tuneup, but other than remapping the computer I don't know if you can do it with a newish car like that.

I'm pretty sure the connector is for diagnostic/error codes.

The only way to properly reset the ECU is to got to a dealer and get them to do it.

The other 1/2 ar$ed way, is to disconnect the battery, pump the brake pedal 10 or so times (gets rid of any stored energy left), leave it for 1/2 hr or so.
Reconnect the battery and either flog the crap out of it or putt around (performance vs economy), it only takes 10km's or so to learn.

Best to do this after a service, including using upper cylinder cleaner (part # SA459).

Yes that is 100% true. I have done it myself on my MY03 RX wagon.

Its particularly a good idea if you have done mods, changed the quality of the fuel you use, moved to a different location (hills, etc) or are a new owner.

Check out this link for a couple of explanations. Not that hard or time consuming really.

Click HERE

There are a couple of similar methods here. I found I had to try it about 3 times, expecting to see the "flashing engine icon" on the dash straight away. Didnt notice it till a minute into driving...so not sure if it was my 2nd or 3rd attempt at re-setting, or if it just takes a while to kick in.

I used this method I think. Seemed slightly less complicated and worked for me. The above link has pictures further down the page, showing the plugs you need to connect. I had to cut a little bit of the tape around the wires to get them to connect.

How to reset the ECU
To erase trouble codes from the computer you have two ways. The first I have not verified, but I'm sure it works.
ECU clear memory procedure is as follows for auto and manual transmissions:
1. With engine at operating temperature, turn engine off. Place gear shift lever into park (auto transmission cars only).
· Locate the two ECU check connectors, for most cars they are located under the steering column and consist of a black plastic male and female connector, and a green male female connector. The exact location of the connectors varies with the different year models, but generally they are located under the steering column on the drivers side.
NOTE: sometimes they are still taped over with some small amount of plastic tape, so look hard, they will be there!
With the ignition OFF connect black to black and green to green.
· Turn on ignition, do not start the engine, (and for auto transmission, cycle the gearshift lever from park to neutral and back to park ), depress the accelerator pedal to full throttle and hold for a few seconds, and then release. Start engine and then drive for at least one minute, keeping road speed above 10 mph.
· ECU is now re-set.
· At this point the check engine light should start to flash the all clear signal (steady 1/2 second interval flashes). If the check engine light does not flash, or indicates some other sequence, there is a fault present in the system, and should be checked for necessary repairs.
· Once done, stop the car and turn off the engine.
· Disconnect the plugs.

is that only for 3rd gen lib/ob? Not 1st/2nd gen liberty?
Cheers
AP

Hmmm , good question.
I guess the best option is to pop the panel under your dash (only takes 3 screws & about 3 minutes on a GenIII).

If the wiring matches your car, it only takes another 5 minutes to do the reset. If the same wires are there, I cant see the harm in giving it a go. The proceedure I posted isnt dangerous as such, so why not try it.