ScoobyNet.com - Subaru Enthusiast Forum

Ecu Reset & Diagnosis

Here is a brief description on resetting your ECU. Before attempting this - understand that I take NO responsibility for what you do to your car.

Firstly See if your car will benefit from a reset:

Pre MY99 - Reset required
MY99-00 - ECU adapts itself after a few miles (around 30)
MY01 - ECU works in real time constantly adjusting timing so resets
not required

How to re-set your ECU unit.

ECU clear memory procedure is as follows:

1. With engine at operating temperature, turn engine off and place gear shift lever into park (auto transmission cars). 2. 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. With the ignition OFF connect black to black and green to green. 3. Turn on ignition and cycle the gearshift lever from park to neutral and back to park (auto transmission), 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 11 Km/h. 4. ECU is now re-set. 5. 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 professionally checked for necessary repairs. <B><FONT face="MS Sans Serif" color=#0000ff size=2>You disconnect the plugs AFTER the drive. You only need to keep driving until the check engine light starts flashing (once every half second).