Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Reset Procedure
1997 Mercury Tracer L4-122 2.0L SOHCSECTION Reset Procedure
Description
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reset allows the scan tool to command the PCM to clear all emission-related diagnostic information. When resetting the PCM, a DTC P1000 will be stored in the PCM until all the OBD II system monitors or components have been tested to satisfy a drive cycle, without any other faults occurring.
The following events occur when a PCM reset is performed:
- Clears the number of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
- Clears the DTCs.
- Clears the freeze frame data.
- Clears oxygen sensor test data.
- Resets status of the OBD II system monitors.
- Sets DTC P1000.
New Generation STAR (NGS) and Generic Scan Tool
Refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions on how to perform PCM reset.
Resetting Keep Alive Random Access Memory (RAM)
Disconnect the battery ground cable for a minimum of 5 minutes. Resetting Keep Alive RAM will clear learned values the PCM has stored for adaptive systems such as idle and fuel trim.
After Keep Alive RAM has been reset, the vehicle may exhibit certain driveability concerns. It will be necessary to drive the vehicle to allow the PCM to relearn values for optimum driveability and performance.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reset allows the scan tool to command the PCM to clear all emission-related diagnostic information. When resetting the PCM, a DTC P1000 will be stored in the PCM until all the OBD II system monitors or components have been tested to satisfy a drive cycle, without any other faults occurring.
The following events occur when a PCM reset is performed:
- Clears the number of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
- Clears the DTCs.
- Clears the freeze frame data.
- Clears oxygen sensor test data.
- Resets status of the OBD II system monitors.
- Sets DTC P1000.
New Generation STAR (NGS) and Generic Scan Tool
Refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions on how to perform PCM reset.
Resetting Keep Alive Random Access Memory (RAM)
Disconnect the battery ground cable for a minimum of 5 minutes. Resetting Keep Alive RAM will clear learned values the PCM has stored for adaptive systems such as idle and fuel trim.
After Keep Alive RAM has been reset, the vehicle may exhibit certain driveability concerns. It will be necessary to drive the vehicle to allow the PCM to relearn values for optimum driveability and performance.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.