What or why would be a good or bad reason to reset the ECU.
The Mini runs and preforms just fine (no faults on the dash), but I've done some mild mods and have a few (ABS/CAN) faults that won't clear.

Although I have done some general reading/research -
Are there any circumstances where resetting the ECU would prove prudent?

 

if you do a reset, all the parameters that the ECU has calculated inside will no longer be active. Your mileage will suffer, and it will take a number of drives to have all the parameters completed again so the ECU can do it's job in adjusting fuel and air for proper and efficient operation

I see no advantage to having the ECU reset when it doesn't need to be......if it ain't broke, leave it alone

Bryan

 

What do you mean by "reset ECU"? When you disconnect the battery, the ECU effectively gets reset.

 

Disconnecting the battery doesn't 'reset' the ECU. Here is the correct procedure:

1. With the key in the ignition, but in the off position, press and hold down the odometer reset button with one hand.
2. While holding the button down, switch the key in the ignition to position 1 (first click) with the other hand. The screen will have a number and the word “TEST”.
3. Scroll through the numbers by pressing the odometer rest button, through to 19 and wait a moment. (Note: the number order is: 1,2,10,19)
4. The message will say 19 "L i-off", flash to "L i-on", and back to "L i-off" again. When "log i-off" appears, press the odometer rest button again.
5. You are now in the system. Scroll through to 21. TEST and wait a moment. 21.0 RESET will come up. Press the button once.
6. Your gauges will now make some sounds and movements.
7. Once the lights come back on start your car. You have now reset your ECU and your MINI is now ready to relearn the new mods and your driving style.

 

Yes.
Thanks - That is the procedure it intended to follow.

 

Interesting! Didn't know that it uses "permanent memory" for adaptation values.

 

Old thread question: does this procedure reset the various functions (such as window drop for door open, key fob door lock/unlock) to factory original presets? The reason I ask, I had my ECU modified at Mini on the Mack several years ago to alter the window up/down on touch feature and I did not catch the window drop & key fob alteration at the time. I have lived with it but it is time to correct the flaws.

 

No. Those are options in the BCM, not the DME.

 

deepgrey - thanks, after a little more digging I was afraid that would be the case.

Does anyone know if there is a similar sequence for a BCM reset, even if you sprinkle voodoo dust in the right area rather than digging in with a PC & cable.

 

I’ve never heard of another way to do it than writing a .man file to the BCM. I don’t believe the modules retain a copy of their stock settings.