computer reboot ?

scigarzz · Post by **scigarzz** » 14 Mar 2013, 11:03

hi all,
i have a 1998 s70 glt turbo with 143k on it, i disconnected my battery and stepped on the brake pedal for about 2 min. to reboot the computer. when i hooked my battery back up, it won't start, it just makes a clicking noise and the speedo numbers on the dash flicker. what do i need to do to make it reboot the correct way
thanks
steve

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 14 Mar 2013, 11:17

You rebooted your computer just fine. Did you secure your battery cable back on properly?

Clicking and flickering lights sound like a weak battery to me or possibly a bad connection.

Why were you rebooting the computer? Had you been doing some work on it?

scigarzz · Post by **scigarzz** » 14 Mar 2013, 11:43

ya, i replaced the water temp sensor and cleaned the barometric sensor, i ckecked the volts on the batt,.... it was 12.3 volts. i did spray some battery cleaner on the battery posts, took a wire brush to the posts and sprayed some purple battery protector spray on it. when i put the battery cable back on i wiggled the connectors around and tightened them up, i figured while the battery was disconnected i would reboot the puter. is there a certain way to reset it after u disconnect and then step on the brake pedal, or does it sound like i have a bad connection or weak batt.
thanks
steve

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 14 Mar 2013, 12:34

When you replaced the water temp (ECT) sensor, did you spill antifreeze all over the alternator? Antifreeze will conduct electricity and ruin your alternator. But, the engine should still start.

I would check the battery cables, especially the red wires which tend to get corroded and break. I hope you didn't get that purple stuff between the post and the clamp, if so clean it off really good. There is no need to put anything between the post and clamp.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 14 Mar 2013, 13:11

Klausc wrote:When you replaced the water temp (ECT) sensor, did you spill antifreeze all over the alternator? Antifreeze will conduct electricity and ruin your alternator.

What? Who told you that...

I'm calling shenanigans on that one!

I agree that is sounds like a low voltage problem
and that it's likely involving poor cable connections.
But alternator " Death By Antifreeze"? Nah...
That 's just not plausible.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 14 Mar 2013, 13:27

^BEJinFbk
I did that to my 1995 854T. Using my finger to plug the ECT hole, I slipped and poured a bunch of antifreeze all over the alternator. It stopped working a day later. Antifreeze all over the windings.

I think of your R when your local temps go to the -40F range.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 14 Mar 2013, 15:08

I think of it's heated seats - LOVE the heated seats!

As far as the anti-alternator issue, you may have had
soggy brushes or some other cleanable problem.
The windings are enameled copper and impervious to
most of the fluids found under your hood. Even the
battery acid would probably leave the enamel alone.

Think of all the overheating cars in the world...
The alternators pull through just fine.

Stay warm.

Post by **regent** » 14 Mar 2013, 16:46

May I just chime in (Trying to quote here):

"The windings are enameled copper and impervious to
most of the fluids found under your hood. Even the
battery acid would probably leave the enamel alone."

Yes the windings are pretty protected, but there are multiple other components that have exposed bare metal sections such as brush leads, brush holders, terminals, collector rings, etc. that will corrode.

Please do not pour any fluids into/onto the Gen (especially battery acid) unless you are working on your Mother-In-Law's Volvo...

Note that all related procedures in VIDA call explicitly for protecting the alt from spillage of fluids.

scigarzz · Post by **scigarzz** » 15 Mar 2013, 07:00

ok, i found the problem....it was the battery! when i tested it, it was right after i charged it up so it read 12.3 v, then when i let it sit for a while and working on the car and tested it again it was low like 6.3 v.
thanks for everybody's help

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 15 Mar 2013, 12:06

Glad you found the problem! Figured it was the batt.

As for your original question about the ECU. What you did originally reset the ECU. All you have to do is get a new battery start the car and it will relearn.