Miles Bennett
Resetting the computer in your Volkswagen Golf is a relatively simple process. There are a few different ways to go about it, but one of the most common methods involves disconnecting the battery and then reconnecting it. This can be done by locating the negative terminal of the battery and using a wrench to loosen the nut. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the cable off the terminal and set it aside, making sure that the cable does not touch any metal surfaces. Then, reconnect the battery by first connecting the positive terminal and then the negative terminal. It is important to note that you should never disconnect the positive terminal first, as this can cause a spark and damage the ECU. Once the battery is connected, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage. If the voltage is correct, you can move on to the next step, which is resetting the ECU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reset procedure | Disconnect the negative battery cable, connect it to the positive cable for a minute, then reconnect the negative terminal. Remove both positive and negative battery terminals, wait 15 seconds, touch the two removed battery leads together, hold for 10 seconds, then separate. Disconnect the battery, then reconnect it. Disconnect the wiring harness, then reconnect it. |
| Requirements | A wrench or socket set, a screwdriver, a multimeter, a new battery |
| Time | 1 minute |
| Cost | $60 to get it done by VW |
| Other notes | The driver's side door must be open during the reset. The reset procedure will not allow you to read the codes, but it will reset the computer to the same position as if VW had done it. |
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What You'll Learn
Resetting the ECU of a Golf Mk4
Firstly, locate the ECU, which is usually found in the engine bay. It is important to note that the ECU location may vary depending on the car model. Once you have located the ECU, you can proceed to disconnect the battery to ensure that no power is running through the system. It is important to take extra care when handling the ECU as it is a delicate component.
The next step is to remove the ECU from its mounting bracket. After the ECU has been removed, you can then disconnect the wiring harness from the ECU. It is important to make note of the wiring harness connections before unplugging them so that you can reconnect them correctly later.
Now that the wiring harness is disconnected, you can reinstall the ECU. To do this, simply locate the ECU and connect the wiring harness back to the ECU, making sure to use the correct wiring diagram for your car model. Once the wiring harness is reconnected, you can reconnect the battery and reset the ECU.
There are other methods to reset the ECU that do not involve removing the ECU. One method is to switch on the ignition without starting the engine and then floor the accelerator for 30 seconds. Another method is to disconnect the battery and touch the positive and negative terminals together for a minute or so. This will drain the capacitors in the car.
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Resetting the onboard computer of a VW Golf TDI 2000
Next, disconnect the negative battery cable and connect it to the positive cable or terminal for about a minute. You can use a wrench or socket set, or a screwdriver to do this. Then, reconnect the negative terminal. This process drains all the capacitors in your car.
It is important to note that your check engine light may continue to flash even after completing this procedure. Additionally, this process may not address the underlying issue causing the problem. If the issue persists, it is recommended to consult a specialised mechanic who is familiar with VW vehicles.
Another method to reset the onboard computer involves the following steps:
- Remove both the positive and negative battery terminals from the battery.
- Wait 15 seconds, then touch the two removed battery leads together and hold for 10 seconds before separating them. This imitates the capacitor discharge involved with the Vagcom reset.
- Reattach the terminals to the battery.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position without starting the car. Leave it in this position for 30 seconds to allow the newly reset computer to relearn the parts of your vehicle.
It is important to note that this method may not work for all issues, and it does not allow you to read fault codes. For more complex problems, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or Volkswagen dealer.
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Resetting the check engine light
One method is to reset the ECU (Engine Control Unit). To do this, locate the ECU, which is usually in the engine bay, and disconnect the battery. Ensure you disconnect the negative terminal first to avoid damaging the ECU. Once the battery is disconnected, the ECU can be removed and the wiring harness disconnected from it. After a few minutes, reconnect the wiring harness and reinstall the ECU. Finally, reconnect the battery, ensuring the positive terminal is connected first.
Another method is to reset the computer by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery terminals. First, turn off the car and locate the battery. Disconnect both the positive and negative terminals, then wait 15 seconds. Next, touch and hold the two removed battery leads together for about 10 seconds, then separate them. Reconnect the terminals to the battery, ensuring the positive terminal is connected first. With the driver's door open, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position without starting the car. Leave the key in this position for 30 seconds to allow the computer to reset and relearn the vehicle's systems.
It is important to note that while these procedures can reset the check engine light, they may not address the underlying issue that caused the light to turn on in the first place. Additionally, some Volkswagen models may require a VAG-COM or a trip to the dealership to fully reset the computer and clear any error codes.
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Resetting the computer without a VAG COM
- Remove both the positive and negative battery terminals from the battery.
- Wait 15 seconds, then touch the two removed battery leads together and hold for 10 seconds.
- Replace and reattach the terminals to the battery.
- Stick the key in the ignition and turn to the "ignition on" position (do not start the car) and leave it in this position for 30 seconds to allow the newly reset computer to re-learn the parts of your vehicle.
Another method is to simply unhook the battery and touch the positive and negative terminals together (not on the battery). You can also try turning the key on without starting the car, and letting it sit for around 60 seconds.
One user suggested a more complex method, which involves a series of steps in the car's system settings, which can be found through the following link: http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-c....html.
It is worth noting that some of these methods may not be as effective as using a VAG COM, and that resetting the computer without one may not allow you to read any error codes. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when handling a car battery, and to ensure that any wiring is disconnected before attempting to reset the computer.
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Disconnecting the battery
First, locate the battery in your Volkswagen Golf. The battery is usually located in the engine bay, near the ECU. Once you have found the battery, the next step is to disconnect it. To do this, you will need to identify the negative terminal of the battery. The negative terminal will be clearly marked, often with a '-' symbol or a black cover. It is important that you disconnect the negative terminal first. Disconnecting the positive terminal first can cause a spark, potentially damaging the ECU.
Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal. Once the nut is loose, carefully pull the cable off the terminal. Ensure that the cable does not touch any metal surfaces. Set the cable aside in a safe place. With the negative terminal disconnected, you can now disconnect the positive terminal. Again, use a wrench to loosen the nut, then remove the cable. With both cables disconnected, the battery is now fully disconnected.
At this point, you can proceed with the next steps of the ECU reset process. This may involve touching the battery leads together and reconnecting them, or proceeding directly to the key-in-ignition step. Once you have completed the reset process, you will need to reconnect the battery. To do this, simply follow the steps in reverse, ensuring that you connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Resetting the computer in your Volkswagen Golf depends on the model of your car. For a Golf TDI 2000, you need to:
- Turn off the car and open the hood.
- Locate the car battery and wipe the battery's cables and terminals with a soft cloth to remove any corrosion and dirt.
- Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean.
- Disconnect both the positive and negative cables from the battery terminals using a wrench or socket set.
- Wait 15 seconds, then touch the two battery leads together and hold for 10 seconds.
- Reconnect the terminals to the battery.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position without starting the car.
- Leave the key in the "On" position for 30 seconds.
To reconnect the battery, you need to locate the battery and reconnect the positive and negative terminals. Make sure to use the correct size wrench to loosen the terminals. Always connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.
Yes, there is an alternative method that involves turning the key in the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine. Then, leave the key in this position for around 60 seconds without touching the throttle.
