Computer Relearn Procedures: Introduction

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 1992 Pontiac Firebird, 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, 1992 Chevrolet Corvette, 1992 Chevrolet Caprice, and 1992 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Vehicles equipped with engine or transmission computers may require a relearn procedure after the vehicle battery is disconnected. Many vehicle computers memorize and store vehicle operation patterns for optimum driveability and performance. When the vehicle battery is disconnected, this memory is lost. The computer will use default data until new data from each key start is stored. As the computer memorizes vehicle operation for each new key start, driveability is restored. Vehicle computers may memorize vehicles operation patterns for 40 or more key starts.

Customers often complain of driveability problems during the relearn stage because the vehicle acts differently then before being serviced. Depending on the type and make of vehicle and how it is equipped, the following complaints (driveability problems) may exist:

Harsh Or Poor Shift Quality
Rough Or Unstable Idle
Hesitation Or Stumble
Rich Or Lean Running
Poor Fuel Mileage

These symptoms and complaints should disappear after a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To reduce the possibility of complaints, after any service which requires battery power to be disconnected, vehicle should be road tested. If a specific relearn procedure is not available, the following procedure may be used: