I have been reading the posts regarding resetting the computer. My F-150 is a 2005 with a 4.6 motor. It dies sometimes when stopping and the engine light was on but mechanic reset the light. My question is: Is resetting the computer by disconnecting the battery the same as reprogramming? I was told that I may need to go to a dealer and have the computer re-programmed. Which is correct. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure reprogramming is actually updating the computer, not just resetting it

 

No. When you disconnect the battery, I think this is in the owners manual I know it is in mine (13), you are only erasing what the truck learns as your driving habits and are in flash memory. Actual reprogramming must be done with someone with an IDS system and only then, are some items changeable.

 

 

Hey all, I'm a transfer from years on the Explorer forum and I think this is the best way to reset your PCM, even for the F-150. I just bought a 2014 F-150 STX, so I'll be on the board every now and again as needed. Hope this video helps. I've used this technique for years when cleaning TB or after finishing other work on my Explorer 4.6L.

 

You can just unhook one side of the battery and wait 15 minutes to accomplish the same thing. It resets all/most of the computers in the truck, by design.

You should perform the idle re-learn immediately after doing this. It's in the manual, I don't have the steps in my head.