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DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: sqlpython on June 15, 2011, 10:52:08 AM

Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: sqlpython on June 15, 2011, 10:52:08 AM
and then resetting all back as before the disconnect.
Exactly what should I pay attention to besides the obvious Clock and Date on the Dash Computer?
  As my signature shows I have an 93 E36 318i.
All the work thus far has been suspension and trim.. Well I did replace the Radio and Heater Control (carefully) w/o a Battery disconnect..

 So now I am faced with the possibility of replacing the Fuel Pump or Fuel Sensor and if I do Must disconnect the Battery before work begins.
How is the Car effected after the battery is reconnected and what do I have to reset..
As an example I have read that in order to get back the Maintainance lights below the Odo reading on the Speedo I must use a special Reset tool after the Oil Change.
Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: DesktopDave on June 15, 2011, 12:23:29 PM
If you have the OEM radio you might have to reset the anti-theft code.  BMW computers write to non-volatile memory.  Like an SD card, that memory doesn't require power.

I use a special tool as well.  It's about 5" of wire that jumps pins for a certain amount of time to reset the oil & maint lights.  Pins 7 & 19?  Not sure, don't quote me on that.  That's on the e30, of course.
Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: sqlpython on June 15, 2011, 03:03:54 PM
Quote
i use a special tool as well. It's about 5" of wire


 rotflmao   :d
Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: DesktopDave on June 15, 2011, 03:34:07 PM
I was trying to be funny.  But seriously, it works.  Here's an e36 guy describing his reset tool (a paperclip) (http://www.bmwe36blog.com/2007/02/24/reset-bmw-e36-oil-service-light/).

Just be sure you don't jump the wrong terminals.  Putting power to those pins accidentally will cook the DME.  I found a good tutorial about using a small resistor or diode to make sure you don't make an expensive mistake.  Lemme see if I can google it...yup (from Ron Stygar no less):
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html
Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: bmwman91 on June 15, 2011, 11:47:44 PM
I recommend soldering a low-current fuse in-line with the wire "tool", just in case. Like 2A or less.
Title: Disconnecting the Battery.....
Post by: sqlpython on June 16, 2011, 03:04:10 PM
Nice Touch!