I’ve seen a number of different methods described on this board for resetting the PCM. The first is to use a scan tool to do the reset (which is unavailable to most of us). The second involves disconnecting the negative battery cable. The third involves disconnecting the negative battery cable and turning on the headlights. I think this third derivation presumes some residual charge in the system; hence turning the lights on drains the charge.

I would like to add one of my own methods for a sure fire reset of the PCM. It is a derivation of number 3 (above) but takes a while longer and does not require you to disconnect the negative battery cable.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I came out this morning and opened the door to the truck, no ding-ding-ding from me leaving the keys in the ignition and gosh it’s awfully dark in the cab. I look down and see I left the lights on last night. Stone cold dead. Have to crawl over the third row seat to get to my emergency bag, string the cables across the garage to the Explorer, and jump the poor beast. Two or three cranks and she starts right up. And then the beautiful sign of a positive PCM reset: needles peg and then return to normal.

 

Been there....we all have that brain fart to face at least once or twice in our lives. I'll remember this one, but if it's OK with you, I think I'll just try #2 or #3. I hope you don't mind.

Thanks for the laugh!
Tim

 

But as the slogan says:

Making sure your PCM was reset completely- PRICELESS

 

Are you and my wife related?