Battery Cable Reset

Nov. 27, 2017
This tip was provided by Honda for solving odd electrical problems. Many automotive systems today rely on software. Should that software develop errors, which can happen from something like a low battery or interrupting a learn procedure, it can cause all sorts of odd electrical problems that can be hard to troubleshoot. Try doing a battery cable reset.

This tip was provided by Honda for solving odd electrical problems. Many automotive systems today rely on software. Should that software develop errors, which can happen from something like a low battery or interrupting a learn procedure, it can cause all sorts of odd electrical problems that can be hard to troubleshoot. Try doing a battery cable reset.

A battery cable reset forces all capacitors to discharge faster, and clears and resets most control unit volatile memory. It’s like removing and reinstalling the battery in a cell phone that’s acting weird or locking up.

Before you start, make sure that the battery is fully charged. A low battery can cause problems with electronics. Then, get the anti-theft code and write down your customer’s audio presets.

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK and remove the key. This lessens the chance of voltage spikes.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive cable.

3. Short the battery cables together with a jumper wire.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait 10 minutes.

5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK and remove the key.

6. Remove the jumper wire and reconnect the battery cables…positive cable first, then the negative cable.

7. Check ISIS and perform the required reset/relearn procedures for the specific vehicle.

8. Enter the anti-theft code and restore the audio presets.

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