Reset ECU Yes or No?

[Aquabear]

Hey guys,
Again thanks for all the info here, in the wise words of Bill N Ted you're all EXCELLENT:guitar2:.
As I posted, did a bunch of work on my 4Runner- AFE CAI, new NGK iridium plugs and now new Amsoil fluid in Front and Rear diff and in the Transfer Case.
Per many write ups I did remove the neg battery cable when doing the plugs n CAI to reset the ecu (correct terminology?) BUT I did not unplug it when doing the Front/Rear Diff and Transfer case to reset the ecu. I also added Inject cleaner in the gas tank.
I know my trucks reading on mileage went down to 15/16 mpg HORRIBLE; but today I saw a high of 16.9 but still thats low in comparison to what she was prior to all the changes at minimum 17mpg.
Others posted the computers not accurate- ok but to drop???
Should I unplug the neg cable to reset the ecu OR just let time go by and it will settle itself?
Thanks for your help.

 

[VaWoodpecker]

Hey guys,
Again thanks for all the info here, in the wise words of Bill N Ted you're all EXCELLENT:guitar2:.
As I posted, did a bunch of work on my 4Runner- AFE CAI, new NGK iridium plugs and now new Amsoil fluid in Front and Rear diff and in the Transfer Case.
Per many write ups I did remove the neg battery cable when doing the plugs n CAI to reset the ecu (correct terminology?) BUT I did not unplug it when doing the Front/Rear Diff and Transfer case to reset the ecu. I also added Inject cleaner in the gas tank.
I know my trucks reading on mileage went down to 15/16 mpg HORRIBLE; but today I saw a high of 16.9 but still thats low in comparison to what she was prior to all the changes at minimum 17mpg.
Others posted the computers not accurate- ok but to drop???
Should I unplug the neg cable to reset the ecu OR just let time go by and it will settle itself?
Thanks for your help.

Try this - It worked for me. I got a drop to 15-16 after pulling a trailer for 300 Mi. I reset things after fluid change and tune and now get 20+ around town and ~23 on hwy with stock duncrap tires (got to get rid of these).

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/557334-post5.html

If you do it this way you won't have to reset the PWR windows and audio memory (as opposed to disconnecting the batt cable).

 

[Nuke]

No need to reset the ECU for the fluid changes and injector cleaner. My guess why VaWoodpecker saw a change was because he hadn't reset his on-board for ages and resetting the ECU did that and only that. No way his resetting the ECU had anything else to do with "improving" fuel milegae by 5-7 MPG.

 

[Aquabear]

Thanks, as said you guyzzz ROCK!!!

 

[bowhunter53]

I just did the VAWoodPecker and when I started the truck again it didnt even reset the onboard mileage calculator?

Did this do anything?

 

[VaWoodpecker]

No need to reset the ECU for the fluid changes and injector cleaner.

I did not reset due to fluid changes, that was an aside as to when I reset it. I reset it due to the mileage drop from towing. I changed out all of the fluids after the tow and then reset things. I had the full fluid swap (fdiff, xfer, rdiff, & 18 qt tranny flush) on my list of things to do to the 4r after I got her back in March for a fresh start, and I decided to do it then at 25K. I would have reset the ECU then anyway even without the fluid change. I do not think fluid change really would be cause to reset things. AN ECU reset is really probably just needed if you do a tune up or see a drop in mileage after changing driving patterns. For me it was the change in driving patterns hauling a trailer.

My guess why VaWoodpecker saw a change was because he hadn't reset his on-board for ages and resetting the ECU did that and only that. No way his resetting the ECU had anything else to do with "improving" fuel milegae by 5-7 MPG.

No, it had not been ages since I reset

It was not the first time I have done this with success.
Resetting the ECU did increase my mileage, it relates to driving patters and how the transmission and engine learn driving habits (hauling a trailer for hundreds of miles can establish a new pattern). If you start getting crappy mileage - try it.
I think you could also maybe get a few MPG increase on a long trip if you reset before you hit a long stretch of hwy.

 

[Aquabear]

Interesting logic, thanks vawoodpecker :thumb3:

 

[earthrealm]

Another way to reset the ecu...gives you a fresh start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnItqqydKg4