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How can I reset the computer in a Chevy Silverado?

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32 answers

★ Top Answer
Joe L.

Resetting the computer of a Chevrolet Silverado is a simple task that will only require about 4 to 7 minutes of your time. To begin, go to the front of your vehicle and open the hood. Locate the battery in the engine bay, positioned close to the front of the compartment. Detach the negative terminal using a socket wrench. Switch on your headlights to drain the computer (ECM) completely. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before turning off the headlights and reconnecting the negative terminal to the battery. Start the engine, and the computer should be successfully reset.

More answers

  • Leo J

    My Chevy Silverado has more than 400 codes displayed and is failing to shift gears. What steps should I take to address this issue?

  • Stewart S.

    Take off the nut from the negative battery cable using a socket set or wrench. Remove the cable from the battery and set it aside. Switch the headlight to the "on" position to discharge any remaining power from the ECM. Allow at least 10 minutes to pass before switching it back to the "off" position.

  • Darlene A.

    Is it necessary for my key to be turned on?

  • Anthony C

    I'm trying to reset the computer in my truck. The battery died because a cabin light was left on, and I had to jump start it. Now the engine light is on, and some functions aren't working properly. Can you help me figure out how to reset everything?

  • Megan A

    I recently changed the front brake pads on my 2019 Silverado, and now I see a warning on the dashboard indicating a brake system failure limited to 43 mph.

  • Ryan L

    It didn't pan out.

  • Nancy W

    In the past, when I needed to reset my PCM, I disconnected both the positive and negative terminals, and then grounded the positive terminal to the chassis.

  • Marie Roberts

    I replaced the number 6 coil pack, but my check engine light continues to come on despite resetting it multiple times.

  • Celia J

    It didn't succeed. What else can I attempt now?

  • Seriously???

    It didn't succeed, so what should we do next?

  • Virginia S.

    It was unsuccessful.

  • Patricia P

    Awesome advice. I encountered an issue with my 2015 Chevy Tahoe where the radiator fan kept running even after I turned off the car. I swapped out the temperature sensor and thermostat, but the fan still ran every time I started the engine and after I shut it down. Eventually, I removed the battery cable for 10 minutes, reconnected it, and the fan finally stopped running.

  • Archie L.

    I completed the battery, checked the lights, waited, connected the cable, etc. However, I have not received a response yet. I have tried multiple times with no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.

  • J daneau

    I will never purchase another Chevrolet in the future as the quality matches the price.

  • Charles C.

    If you remove the fuse for the ECM, it will reboot the system.

  • Rod Mayes

    You're getting it all mixed up, just check out a video on YouTube. It's really simple!

  • Jeff B.

    I'm working on repairing a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 with a Duramax Diesel engine. The CCM needs attention, but the EGR and MIS systems are functioning properly.

  • Eugene K

    While driving my 2006 Chevrolet diesel truck at a fast speed, the dashboard lights flicker on and off intermittently.

  • Bernadette J

    My actuator appears to be jammed in the HOT position on the driver's side. Would following the steps to reset my system mentioned earlier potentially fix this problem?

  • Cherise S

    This did not refresh my system.

  • Parwez ujala

    Bringing it to the repair shop typically does the trick for me!!!! Oh, and just so you know, most 3500 models come with two batteries.

  • Bruce O

    Here's my paraphrased version with a touch of American flair: The 2014 Silverado with an extended cab and 5.3-liter engine. When I turn off the truck, the alarm goes off every time I lock the doors. The alarm won't stop unless I disconnect the battery. Is there a way to adjust or reset it so the horn doesn't blare every time I leave the vehicle?

  • Mitch Grant

    Reboot your computer.

  • Rennae

    I replaced the steering column in my 2002 GMC Yukon and everything was working fine until I hooked up the plugs. Now, the truck won't start and the security light is blinking. I tried doing the reset test, but it's not fixing the issue. When I connected it to the computer, it showed a problem with the ECM. How can I bypass or reset the security system so my truck can start again?

  • Hakari

    Hey there, I've got a question for you all. I'm having an issue with my 1995 GMC Yukon losing power and making a knocking sound around 40 mph. This problem just started recently. There's no check engine light on, no issues with the fluids, and the computer is showing everything as normal. I'm not sure if it's a computer or valve problem. Also, the truck has difficulty starting and requires a lot of gas pedal pressure. I checked the timing, distributor, and everything seems fine. I've replaced spark plugs, wires, and sensors, and even changed the water pump. The only thing I can think of is a recent incident where I tried to install a car alarm, which drained the battery and caused an arc under the steering column. After fixing that, the truck started running rough. My friend, who is a mechanic, is also stumped. Any ideas on what might be causing these issues? I appreciate any help from the car-savvy folks out there.

  • Wanda U.

    That did not successfully clear the ECM!

  • MGriffiths

    Awesome job, everyone. Thanks a lot!

  • Stacy C.

    Is it necessary to turn the car off before we begin?

  • Patrick I

    Y'all must gain knowledge

  • Harry G.

    If some of you claim that it's not effective, try doing it for a longer period, such as 30 minutes, to ensure success every time.

  • Randy Bell

    My ECM was not reset by this. The problem I'm facing is that the CCM shows as Incomplete. The EGR and MIS are functioning properly. I have been driving and completing drive cycles for a few hundred miles but the CCM still shows as incomplete. Recently, I had a check engine light come on and had repairs done on the glow plug relay, replaced one glow plug, and replaced the EGR vacuum hose.

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