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.
Powertrain Control Module Reset: Description
All OBD-II scan tools support Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reset. The 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. See DRIVE CYCLES in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
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 diagnostic monitoring test results.
- Resets status of the OBD-II system monitors.
- Sets DTC P1000.
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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.