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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
        
(Message started by: bogart on Dec 5^th, 2008, 9:16am)

Title: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by bogart on Dec 5^th, 2008, 9:16am

Seems a lot of us have this problem of the computer and trip resetting on start up.I was about to buy a new battery,when I accidently found the cure--simply allow the warning lights to cycle off after switching ignition on!
hope this helps some of you guys.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Highlander on Dec 5^th, 2008, 10:53am

I just tried that on mine and it didnt reset, there must be some other issue, such as a battery problem that makes it do that.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by zero on Dec 14^th, 2008, 11:45pm

Oh boy! Please tell me it is that simple!!!

I bought my scorpio Ultma a couple of weeks ago, and i have had this problem a few times now. the point is it hasn't done this every time I have started the car, and now you mention it, the two times I have noticed it happen (ie trip and Computer reset, and all dials flick up) they have both been cases where I have almost in one stroke put the key in, and turned it over in one foul swoop so to speak.

I'm icthing to try this reslove now in the morning as my cars battery certainly doesn't seem to have a problem, I have no labouring to start the car, and it starts as soon as the key is turned, so I will certainly be giving this a go, from now on, and see what happens. up to now it been doing it every fouth or fifth start, so it hopefully not take to long to report if just leting the cycle complete before start has any affect.

I'll let you know, ASAP

Dave

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Tompion on Dec 15^th, 2008, 1:40pm

Just remember if you’ve used the diagnostic to check the battery voltage, next time you turn on the ignition (maybe the next day when you’ve forgotten about it) the needles will flick round (reset).

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by zero on Dec 16^th, 2008, 12:31pm

on 12/15/08 at 13:40:20, Tompion wrote:

I've no idea even how to do that! (yet ;))

However I can confirm I have started the car at least four times now in the manner discussed, and I have not had the trip reset since.

I've just been to ASda this morning to get the Christmas shopping and something strange happened (i'm still not sure if it happened or not? so I'll be interested in some comments.

I started the car at 8am this morning no problems as usual I do this now by putting in the key, waiting for all the warning indicators to go out, and then start the car, this so far has not reset the trip or bounced the needles on the MPH/RPM counters.

After two hours of shopping cars been standing for just under 3 hours, after loading and getting in I started it it nithe same manner. and this was were the wierd bit comes in. I turned the key and waited for all the lights to go out bar the battery which off course is on. on turning the key, the needles bounced up to the top but just returned back. I swear I saw a word appear in both the computer window (for sure) and maybe the trip window as well. I'm 80% it said fault or failure or the like. However it did not reset the trip?

Sadly it caught me totally of guard I was not ready for it, and having worked nights and the shopping trip I'm still a bit zonked out but I'm sure it said something in the window.

Any ideas?

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by bogart on Dec 17^th, 2008, 7:00am

Hi Zero--yup --wierd,but I don't think the display is set up to show words.Anyway if it still not resetting,thats the main thing.BTW,you should have 3 lights left on the panel(battery,oil and handbrake).What is your engine size--mine is 2.9 cosworth,and I get 18-20 MPG driving round town economically.
Only problem I got now is trying to get MPG lnstead of Euro KM.but I just read acure here to hold reset ans set in together,so try that when I go out.
where are you in UK?--I am in Lowestoft (Suffolk)--Have a good one.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Waglet on Dec 17^th, 2008, 2:41pm

I too am a sufferer of the reset/dial flick round phenomenon. Annoying little mongrel!! :-/ The other day it happened to me after I’d stopped for a petrol fill up. The car failed to start 1st time and when I tried to start it for a 2nd time it did start OK however the reset thing occurred. Grrrh. I will be trying this ‘tip’ and feedback any results.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Highlander on Dec 17^th, 2008, 6:22pm

What size of battery are you guys using?

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by zero on Dec 18^th, 2008, 10:08am

on 12/17/08 at 18:22:52, Highlander wrote:

What size of battery are you guys using?

Not sure as I have only just bought the car.

However I got in it last night, with a friend chatting and forgot myself, and bang turned the key without thinking again, all needles kicked up again and the trip computer reset again. Ho hum

I've now been doing this for a week nearly with no occurance of this happening, the one time I forgot, and off it went again.

Dave

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Highlander on Dec 18^th, 2008, 5:47pm

I'd be inclined to think the battery isnt up to the correct rating or possibly failing.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Simmo on Dec 18^th, 2008, 10:14pm

on 12/18/08 at 17:47:20, Highlander wrote:

I'd be inclined to think the battery isnt up to the correct rating or possibly failing.

[] JUst to make sure have a read of THIS page (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/battery.htm). These cars need a lot of power and anything less than that indicated in the article is likely to cause problems.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by mindofitsown on Dec 20^th, 2008, 8:59am

It would seem that merely talking about one Scorpio owners current problem infects others like a virus! Now I am getting this problem :( but slightly different symptoms. Occasionally on start up (this last week or so) the odometer resets to zero and the average speed and average fuel consumption also reset. BUT, no flickering needles and no reset back to default km/l. Yes, it stays as mpg. :) I have applied the suggested tip of allowing the system to fully boot up before cranking and it has not happened since but I didn't need to do that before. So, I would agree there is likely to be a pending battery problem particularly since lately I've noticed the cranking speed is lower.
Is it possible that the EMS uses some hefty electrolytic capacitors on the power supply which charge up during at key position II? This may explain that if the cranking is slightly delayed, the effect of falling battery voltage during starting is less of a problem as the capacitor can provide the electronics with power for a short time. It still supports the theory that ageing/failing/inadequate battery is the underlying cause as delaying cranking should not be necessary.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by bogart on Dec 20^th, 2008, 11:23am

Minofitsown ;D--that sounds like a good explanation for the
Scorpio virus !!.Nevertheless--if it works ,don't fix it :)I am sure my battery is OK cos I/ve left it parked in the recently freezing weather for 4 days and it started first turn of the key.
And thanx to the guy who gave the tip about setting the comp to MPG(hold down reset and set together till it beeps),now I dont have to drive around doing mental "rithmatic ;D

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by bogart on Dec 20^th, 2008, 11:25am

Hey Simmo--me an OAP too ;D

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by a900one on Dec 20^th, 2008, 5:22pm

I had flicky needles as well but it went away after chargeing the battery but I will try his method as it is a pain >:(.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Highlander on Dec 20^th, 2008, 5:24pm

on 12/20/08 at 17:22:32, a900one wrote:

I had flicky needles as well but it went away after chargeing the battery but I will try his method as it is a pain >:(.

Must be a problem there too then, battery should be fully charged at all times if everything is working properly

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by zero on Dec 24^th, 2008, 4:54pm

here's an interesting observation just to throw in to the mix.

thinking about the issue further I thought why would this happen, and if it was a power issue, why? My car seems to start fine, everytime.

So before starting, I turned both the heating fan and the Radio off, ie no drain on the battery (I never normally turn the radio off) complete turn over from the key, no waiting for the lights to go out, and guess what.

No Needle flick. I've done this 3 or 4 times now, and it has not bounced the dials, my car normally does it every time, so it certainly seems to be related to power in some way.

Dave

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by zero on Dec 24^th, 2008, 11:22pm

further update

I've started the car serveral times today, and even coming to work tonight, I've ensured the radio and the fan for the heater are in the off position, and so far I still have had no reset!

Dave

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Highlander on Dec 25^th, 2008, 8:23pm

Which points to a battery which is either failing or of insufficient rating

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by a900one on Jan 2^nd, 2009, 10:30am

I know my problem is I dont drive it enough, I put petrol in about once every two/ three months the perk of having a company van ;D. It has the correct size battery in which is just over a year old, but as I may not drive it for a couple of weeks, and then only a short trip, its understandable that it plays up.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by pipinhispop on Jan 8^th, 2009, 3:40pm

Id just like to back up the battery power issue causing this.
I was getting the problem for about a month and it was driving me round the bend, but the car was always starting OK.
However, over Christmas the car started suffering from a flat battery so I replaced it (the battery that is, not the car!) and I havnt had the problem since.

Mine is a 24v and I don't thinks it takes a lot of battery power to start it, especially as it normally starts dead quickly anyway so you wouldn't necessarily notice a battery problem by the car failing to start.
This theory possibly backed up a few years ago when I pinched the battery of my old BOA MK2 Granada to start my Zetec powered Cortina, but there was no way it would even turn the engine over yet, yet it would always start the Granada without fail. A new battery on the Cortina fired it up straight away to prove it wasn't anything else causing it not to start.

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Waglet on Jan 27^th, 2009, 11:52am

I've been starting the car as per this 'procedure' for a while now and have to report that it seems to work! No resets! (Touch wood and whistle, as my Dad used to say) PS the Scorp (I call it Eric) passed its MOT yesterday with no aggro. Hurrah!

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by PeteB on Jan 27^th, 2009, 1:08pm

I had this problem on my old 2.0 ended up being the battery slowly losing charge while stood.

The battery could read a steady 12v and still do it.

Checking the alternator showed a leak, changed the alternator and it was sorted (this was after I forked out for a new battery too!!!!)

Pete

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by Dave2302 on Jan 27^th, 2009, 5:00pm

It's definitely a battery failing / capacity problem :'( .

If you use the correct A/Hr and cranking amps capacity, and also a "Proper" make of battery, (i.e. not these cheapies from some factors) :( , then all will be well.

It's because the battery voltage on cranking goes below the dash processors preset minimum, but not low enuf to stop the engine turning over.

If turning off electrical equipment / waiting for test lights to go out cures the problem it just means your batteries are right on the borderline. ;)

Ive had this on both my 12v and my cossie and in both cases a decent (Exide) new battery has cured it. ;D

Title: Re: Computer and trip resetting--Cured!!
Post by scorpio_man on Jan 27^th, 2009, 9:13pm

^^^^ []