Many automotive systems today, including those in Acura models, rely on software. Should that software develop errors, which can happen from something like a low battery or when a learn procedure is interrupted, it can cause all sorts of odd electrical problems that can be difficult to troubleshoot.
If you’ve got such a problem, try doing a battery cable reset; it just might do the trick. A battery cable reset forces all capacitors to discharge faster, and clears and resets the volatile memory on most control units. It’s like removing and reinstalling the battery in a cell phone that’s acting strange or locking up.
Before you start, make sure the battery is fully charged. A low battery can cause problems with electronics. Next, get the anti-theft code and write down your client’s audio presets. Then, follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and then remove the key. This lessens the chance of voltage spikes.
2. Disconnect the battery cables — negative cable first, then positive.
3. Short the battery cables together with a jumper wire.
4. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and wait 10 minutes.
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and remove the key.
6. Remove the jumper wire, and reconnect the battery cables — positive cable first, then negative.
7. Check a scan tool, and do the required reset/learn procedures for the vehicle on which you’re working.
8. Enter the anti-theft code, and restore your client’s settings.
Courtesy of Acura.
