Fix It

You can reset the computer on your 2001 Chevrolet Venture right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The computer in your Venture, known as an OBD or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores error codes. These codes can be read using an OBD scan tool. This tool is also used to erase the codes and reset the computer. This small hand-held computerized device can be purchased from any auto parts store. Most stores will even loan you a scan tool for the purpose of resetting your computer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the left side of the fuse panel. This port is the same size and shape as the connector end of the OBD scan tool.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port. Dont force it into the port or you may damage the pins.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position.

4

Wait for the scan tool to stop flashing. When it has, this means it has cleared the codes. Some OBD scan tools require you to press "Reset," "Delete" or other similar command to clear the codes. Consult the manual that came with the scan tool for exact instructions.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have turned off. The computer is now reset.

When one of the sensors on the 1998 Dodge Caravan stops working or senses incorrect information, the computer sends a code to the data link connector and turns the check engine light on to alert the driver that there is a problem. You can extract the codes with a code scanner, which is available at any auto parts store. The code scanner comes with a code sheet that tells the consumer what each code means.

Instructions

1

Repair the problem as dictated by the code scanner. If you try to erase the codes and reset the computer before the problem is fixed, the computer will send the code and turn the engine light on again.

2

Plug the code scanner into the data link connector, which is under the dash and just to the left of the steering column.

3

Press the "Erase" button on the code scanner to erase the codes and reset the computer. Remove the code scanner plug-in from the data link connector.

You can reset the computer on your 01 Toyota Tundra right from your home driveway or garage. The Tundra, like most modern vehicles, is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer that reads trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. These trouble codes illuminate in the form of warning or service lights on your instrument panel. Once you have the Tundra serviced or repaired, you will need to reset the computer so that it can continue to do its work. Resetting the computer will also shut off any service and warning lights on the dash.

Instructions

1

Locate the port underneath the steering column that has the same size and shape as the OBD code scanners connective end. Plug the OBD code scanner into this port. Dont force it in, though, or you could bend the pins.

2

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine. The OBD code scanner will power itself on and read the trouble codes.

3

Locate the "delete" button on the scanner and select it. Depending on the manufacturer of the scanner, it may have a different label, such as "erase codes." When you select it, it will reset the computer and shut off the lights.

4

Unplug the scanner and turn on the engine. Check the instrument panel to verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

Automotive reprogramming or re-flashing is the act of basically rebooting the automotive engine control modules (ECMs). ECMs are small computers built into your vehicle, and they have many standard computer features, including random access memory (RAM), a microprocessor and chips. These computers also have programmable read-only memory (PRsaya) type chips, which help calibrate the ECM computer. When you reprogram your vehicle, you are actually deleting the data stored on the PRsaya and reprogramming it with new accurate data.

CarDAQ-Plus

This tool is designed to work with any type of controller area network (CAN), which is generally found in newer model cars and trucks. This tool comes with both a universal serial bus (USB) port and an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect this tool to your computer. This tool helps you diagnose problems on CAN vehicles, and you can use this tool to re-flash the computer systems. Other features of this tool include that it comes with expansion slots, which allow you to add memory and additional functionality, and the system can be upgraded via firmware updates. As of 2010, this tool costs $1,638, and is manufactured by Drew Technologies. It is targeted to industry professionals and smaller automotive repair shops.

Race Technology

This re-flashing software is for Race Technology products, and this is a free product. You just need to download it from the company website. This tool is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7, and this re-flashing software allows you to delete stored information. Then, the software will update the system with the latest firmware updates, which include security and software updates. These updates could also correct things like emission, transmission and fuel economy problems. You must plug your device into either a computer or a laptop since this is where you will install the software.

Universal Reprogrammer

The Universal Reprogrammer is compatible with General Motors (GM), Toyota, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and it allows you to re-flash your system using the same software updates as the dealer does. This is a stand-alone tool, and it uses a wizard to guide you through the process. Other features of this reprogrammer include that it comes with its own scan tool, and it is compatible with Windows XP with the Service Pack 3 (SP3), Vista and 7, and it is only compatible with 32-bit systems. As of 2010, the Universal Reprogrammer costs between $1,000 and $2,395 if you want a wired connection, and it costs between $1,000 and $2,495 if you would like a wireless connection.