I don't know much about the computer on my truck ('97, 4.2 auto) Don't believe my old '83 F-150 had such a thing! I bought my truck used a couple of months ago.
From reading here, I have got the idea that a new truck's computer adjusts after being driven for awhile. I assume that it adjusts to the driving habits of the main driver. My question is this: Is there any advantage to resetting the computer when you buy a used truck so that it sets itself to YOUR driving habits, not the last owner?
Does this make any sense?


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1997 F150 XLT-STX, Reg. Cab,Oxford White, 4.2L, Auto, 3:55, Prestige Alarm System, MPC Wrap Bugshield, Spare tire Shield,
-It's a beautiful Thing!-
Also: 1996 Probe
1998 Mustang
1999 Taurus

 

Sure and you can clear out all those country music stations set on the radio at the same time! No seriously, why not. It won't hurt anything. Go for it.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!) MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening, Bosch Platinum + 4's, Hayden 30K+ Tranny Cooler,Class III Reece load distributing hitch system, full wiring including trailer battery charging system, Escort Sensor II Brake controller, Superchip

 

I believe its the 2000's that have the *learning your driving style* cpu.

 

Fast: I'm pretty sure the learning computers were in the 97's and up models.

Kenster: you've had the truck and been driving it for about 2 months now??? It should know you by now I wouldn't bother with the battery, unless you just want to do some quality bonding time up under the hood

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2000 F250 Crew Cab 4x2 6 speed Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, mud flaps
Trailer tow Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards
rear privacy glass, 265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip, Stepshields, Ventshields on windows, rubber bed mat
rugged liner bedliner on tailgate

 

Do you guys know if this is on EEC-IV controlled too? Specifically 1993 and 1989 trucks?

Kenster: I had a 83 too, it has a Duraspark 2 system. It sucked terribly. I don't believe she had a computer at all. Had 2-barrel carb.

 

Tina said:

quote/
Kenster: you've had the truck and been driving it for about 2 months now??? It should know you by now I wouldn't bother with the battery, unless you just want to do some quality bonding time up under the hood
_____________________________________________

I thought that once the computer "learned" the system, it kept the same settings. Does it continue to adjust?

 

I am aware that a lot of people reading these threads/posts don't know much about cars and or computers, etc... And I feel that you should ALWAYS ask a stupid question... I live by that rule!

HOWEVER, the question of resetting a computer to RE-LEARN YOUR DRIVING HABITS is one of the weirdest questions I've ever heard!

Sorry!

Just drive the damn thing!



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Rand

 

The computers on the 97 and up trucks have the "learning" computer that adjusts itself to your driving style. It also controls the tranny shifting. Resetting the computer will make you truck seem like "new".

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stock 98 XL, Reg. cab,4.6, Auto, Tow package, 255/70R16 on styled steel wheels,3.55LS, Black with chrome grille and bumpers! MODS: custom stereo by me, building speaker box was a !@#$%. K&N air filter w/ airbox mod, a complete keyless entry system.

 

Tina, did the 97-99's have the learning tranny?

 

Kenster: yes, the computer does continue to learn. Otherwise, how would it adapt to a new person's driving!!!

To get a lot more info on this, check out the computer chip section. Mike T can give you a lot of information on the how's and whys the computer does what it does.

[This message has been edited by Tina (edited 02-20-2000).]

 

Tina, thanks for the info. I will find that thread and read it.

And Rand says:
"I am aware that a lot of people reading these threads/posts don't know much about cars and or computers, etc... And I feel that you should ALWAYS ask a stupid question... I live by that rule!
HOWEVER, the question of resetting a computer to RE-LEARN YOUR DRIVING HABITS is one of the weirdest questions I've ever heard!
____________________________________________

Thanks Rand. That's the first time anyone on this board has made me feel like a fool for asking a question. I am not a mechanic and I am new to this truck. That's why I like to ask questions. I like to learn.
Mechanics is not my field. But if you have any questions about the theory of plate tectonics or the Orographic Effect, I am your man.



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1997 F150 XLT-STX, Reg. Cab,Oxford White, 4.2L, Auto, 3:55, Prestige Alarm System, MPC Wrap Bugshield, Spare tire Shield,
-It's a beautiful Thing!-
Also: 1996 Probe
1998 Mustang
1999 Taurus

 

Hey Kenster,

Rand is not one to be making anyone look like a fool. Trust me he has done foolish things here himself. Right Rand?

It was a good question. Like I said before: go ahead and do it if you want to. It doesn't cost anything and won't hurt anything. It may not do anything for you either but it won't hurt. Stranger things have been reported to be solved by doing this. Who knows...

[This message has been edited by cphilip (edited 02-21-2000).]

 

Good question...Don't let Rands' ultra knowledge of everything in the universe keep you from asking a question in the future. This is why there is a message board...For all to use and not have to worry about having some A-Hole talk crap about you. Some of us are just plain guys and gals who need some advice and not a public flogging from someone who knows it all...

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98 F-150 Lariat, Extended Cab,
5.4L, K&N Filter,
Auto, 4 Wheel ABS, Burgundy/Silver,
Gray Leather,
Bedliner,CD/6 Changer
Tow Pkg, Signal Mirrors,
Tinted Windows,
Goodyear Wranglers,
Wolf Bra & Hood Trim

 

I know the '97 had a procedure to follow when you reset the computer when you changed the battery, but I can't seem to find it in the '99 manual. I vaguely recall something about letting it idle after starting it up for the first time? Anybody know if there's any "official" Ford procedure for the '99 like there was for the '97?

BTW, I always wondered what happens when you have two people driving the same vehicle. Does the computer compromise and make it run crappy for both?

Kenster, no sweat. Any question is a good question if you're new to all of this.