After struggling with one of my 1.4 TDI engines being sluggish, slightly smokey, needing a fair bit of throttle and lack of low-down grunt, I decided to have a go at Fabdavrav's posting of last year.

I fitted a new air filter (although the old one was only 6 months old) and went through the procedure below.

Although there was a big improvement it was not as responsive as it used to be, then I realised I still had a PD160 intake fitted, so I swapped back to the original PD intake and went through the whole of Fabdavrav's procedure once again.

Eureka! the car felt just like it did when new, very responsive, loads of grunt from the slightest of throttle and a better MPG.

I have also done my other car, with no problems with the windows etc.

I plan to swap back to the PD160 intake in due course.

Highly recommended.

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The main correct procedure is as follows!

Turn off all electrical items, stereo, heating to cold, fan speed to "0", etc.

Disconnect battery negative (earth) clamp for 40mins.

FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS DO NOT TOUCH ANY OF THE PEDALS!!!!

Reconnect battery.

Start engine and let idle for 30mins (during this time it will sound as if it will stall, and it will "hunt", this is normal!)

Switch of engine.

Job done!!!

This process wipes the learned values from the ECU and resets to factory defaults. Then it relearns the idle values, and "adjusts" the throttle valve, which it needs to do to operate properly!!! This is a usefull "trick" for most engines, but works very well on VAG cars....got it from the head mechanic at local dealership years ago!

Now you will have to reset the upper limits of the electric windows, and reset the central locking, reset the time on the clock, reset any HIFI settings, security codes etc.!! (My Windows & Central Locking seemed OK)

To reset the electric windows insert the key into the drivers door lock, and turn the key so that the windows fully wind up and the motors stop, then hold the key in this turned position for a further 4 secs. Job done

Edited by fabdavrav, 15 September 2011 - 14:23.

The cheapest DIY Tune Up available.

DB.

is this procedure car specific or is it applicable to all Skodas?

is this procedure car specific or is it applicable to all Skodas?

My understanding is that its not skoda or vag specific.... Others can shoot me down if I'm wrong!

My understanding is that its not skoda or vag specific.... Others can shoot me down if I'm wrong!

Imagine it will be similar across most PD engines. I say this on the assumption that they all use the same basic ECU / coding framework.

with mine being non pd, i imagine it would follow different methods

Just disconnecting the battery for a long period is enough for it to go back to default. Did this on my MK1 PD.

My 1991 polo GT does this searching learning process when the battery is off for a while. Thought it was normal on vag injection engines.

Worth doing on a 16v 1.4 petrol engine?

Worth doing even if nothing is wrong?

This is a trick of resetting the ECU is well known for Subarus etc. You fill it up with Super Unleaded, reset the ECU (disconnect batt for 30 mins) then go for a brisk drive. This allows the ECU to take advantage of the extra Octane.

I wonder if it will do the same if you fill up with Super Diesel. :wonder:

Worth doing on a 16v 1.4 petrol engine?

Yep!!!!

AS I stated in the original post in the Fabia Tech section it works for most engines...........I got confirmation from the Head Mechanic at an Indi Skoda dealership years ago.....also one of the mechanics at my local VW dealerships mentioned back in "98 when I drove a "P" plate Polo........put it this way it won't do any damage!...........just so long as you have any security codes for your stereos....If you have this feature on you hifi!

So will this wipe off a remap?

It shouldn't do. As the ecu only forgets the 'learnt' values.

So will this wipe off a remap?

As far as I know, the only way to remove a remap is to 'flash' the ECU with a different map (or update for standard software). It will not make any difference if you disconnect the battery.

Interesting - Might try this.

Tried this on my mkl fabia vrs made no differance what so ever