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Super Coupe Club of America > SC Literature > Computer Relearn Procedures

Mitchell Repair Information Company

Article Beginning

1991-93 General Information
Ford Motor Company Computer Relearn Procedures

Thunderbirds (Cougars) All Models

Introduction

     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 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.

Vehicle Preparation

     Ensure all components are connected. Ensure transmission fluid level is correct. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. If vehicle has been repaired, perform KOEO and Continuous Memory Code Self-Test and ensure fault codes are not present.

Computer Relearn Procedures

Idle Relearn Procedure

     Place automatic transmission in Park or manual transmission in Neutral position. Ensure the emergency brake has been set and all accessories are turned off. Start engine and bring to normal operating temperature. Allow manual transmission vehicle to idle in Neutral for one minute. Allow automatic transmission to idle in Neutral for one minute and then to idle in Drive for one minute. Once initial relearn is complete, process will be completed during normal driving. Always complete the procedure before returning the vehicle to the customer.

Drive Cycle Test (AOD-E, AXOD & AXOD-E TRANSAXLES)

With transmission gear selector in Overdrive, moderately accelerate vehicle to 50 MPH for a minimum of 15 seconds. Transmission should be in 4th gear. While holding speed steady, lightly apply and release brake for about 5 seconds. Stop and park vehicle for a minimum of 20 seconds with transmission gear selector in Drive. Repeat procedure 5 times. Always complete the procedure before returning the vehicle to the customer.

Drive Cycle Test (E4OD)

     With transmission gear selector in Drive, press Overdrive Cancel Switch (LED should light). Moderately accelerate vehicle to 40 MPH for a minimum of 15 seconds (30 seconds above 4000-ft. elevation) Transmission should be in 3rd gear. While holding speed steady, press Overdrive Cancel Switch (LED should go off) and accelerate from 40 MPH to 50 MPH. Transmission should shift from 3rd gear to 4th gear. Hold speed steady for 15 seconds. While holding speed steady, lightly apply and release brakes enough to turn brake lights on. Maintain 50 MPH for about 5 seconds. Stop vehicle for a minimum of 20 seconds with transmission gear selector in Drive. Repeat procedure 5 times. Always complete the procedure before returning the vehicle to the customer.

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Document Last Modified: 07/29/04 03:33 AM
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