Subaru VVT Learned Values Reset With Launch Torque Link | ECM Saved

[@cherylr1850]

I appreciate your videos so much! I’d been struggling though until I found the marked fuse slot in my Crosstrek was indeed NOT the test mode one. But I found a diagram today and used a ThinkDiag2 to clear those learned values and I’m excited to not have to get a new ECU!

[@Zelaphiel]

Could you please share a step by step using the thinkdiag2? I'm replacing my cam gear for Bank A on my 2017 WRX and would love to not have to purchase a new ECU.

[@mithunmadushan7050]

Please share your steps thank you

[@dennygee5323]

Which fuse location was it? Trying to do the same thing on my Crosstrek.

[@daveguthrie5229]

Thanks a ton! Had the it fail to clear but tried it several times and it finally worked! Thanks again!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You're welcome! What year vehicle and which scan tool did you use?

[@CubasAutomotive]

Lol I was just talking about VVT reset with Bonino last night. I guess this came up in the group chat, which I always fail to follow 😅 awesome. Great info though! 😊

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

His persistence was key to unlocking the final steps to this reset. I pushed a lot of buttons but he pushed more. 🤣

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@ThePracticalMechanic 🤣🤣🤣 at least together you guys discovered something very essential 👌

[@djosbun]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Chad!

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

Great info, Thanks for sharing!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I’m just glad we found a way to do it with special tools or ecm replacements. Thanks for watching.

[@mithunmadushan7050]

Can you make video using thinkdiag2

[@spelunkerd]

That's a big difference between replacing the ECM and resetting baseline values! Do the dealership techs follow factory advice?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I tried advising my local Subaru dealer and they wouldn’t even let me talk to the shop foreman. The service advisor said we only follow OEM approved methods. Many cars are sitting and waiting for ECMs that are on back order. In several Subaru technician groups I get positive feedback from some techs and negative from others because they are unwilling to buy a tool that can perform the reset. The OEM tool cannot do it. The thinkdiag2 is less that $150 and they claim that is too expensive. The technicians that are performing the reset have worked out a labor code with their service advisors that allows them to bill and get paid for the reset. I typical replacement ECM out the door is around $1000.

[@skygunner58203]

Any chance of a video showing the thinkdiag2 in action? Im thinking of getting one so the local subaru doesnt charge me for a new computer they said i didnt need when they replaced a blown engine

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I don’t have a video on the thinkdiag but it should mimic this video you will just have a smaller screen while using your phone. If I get the chance I will make a video but it may be a while with my current workload.

[@skygunner58203]

@@ThePracticalMechanic no worries. I'm just hoping the dealership doesn't try to go full bore on the ECU replacement and listens to reason

[@skygunner58203]

@ThePracticalMechanic Just wanted to let you know, I found a local mechanic with a MatCo Scan Tool. They used this video to reset my ECU and now the car runs like new. Thanks for posting this!

[@_robertburger]

What year Subarus does this work for? I have a 14 outback that throws a p0018 code after engine replacement. I am down to the ECU I feel like.

[@nuklhed6]

Great tip . Do you know if the Autel tools will do this ?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Yes. I have a nearly identical video using the autel 906 to perform the same function.

[@bordendrive]

Hi Chad, I installed a 2.5 sohc non VVT into 2008 Outback VVT, Runs great, but going up a steep hill, engine power cuts out. Can I remove VVT program? Kenneth.

[@meblake7359]

You started this off with a Launch scan tool, but finished with an Autel, why?

[@robertbruneau112]

How to erase vvt data from 2011 forester? cant lie to scan tool, I tried, no fuse to install in service port, only has green connector under dash. No learned values in data PID on scan tool. Using Autel MS906BT. Thank you

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I’ve had mixed reports on the 2011. Some have success with jumping the green test connector and some don’t. A few have had to clear the data by opening the computer and reading the eeprom chip. I wonder if it has anything to do with the calibration installed in the ecm. Some of the early ones required an update before you could read the data as well. I’ve had a few reports that the reset wouldn’t work after updating autel but I haven’t confirmed.

[@RacingBanana96]

Hey I currently have p0018 on a 2015 Sti that previously had jumped timing and I put a fresh engine in it. I’ve narrowed it down to the ecu at this point and was wondering if you could somehow show how to do this reset with the thinkdiag2?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

As far as I know the STI didn’t have this issue since they have the EJ motor. Does the scantool show vvt learned values in the data stream? I don’t currently have a 2014+ Subaru on the lot but I do have several scheduled next week so I can check it out with the thinkdiag2. None that I have coming in are EJ motors so the data may not be helpful.

[@RacingBanana96]

⁠@@ThePracticalMechanicI don’t see any vvt learned values. I’m beyond confused as to what is causing this p0018 code. I’ve replaced and checked literally everything (ocvs, cam gear, checked timing, oil pressure etc). It’s odd because avcs will function normally after a reflash but as soon as the car gets shut off and turned back on again the cel will pop on and the car will go into a limp mode.

[@mithunmadushan7050]

@@RacingBanana96i have same problem. Did you clear this problem?? If you solved this please share your method. Thanks

[@blackbirdz714]

What coding tools can be used to fix this on a early model brz/frs

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I believe Kess3 or Flex can read those. I may be getting Flex soon so I will can test it out.

[@Roadnuts86]

Recently purchased a Launch Torque Link, and have been randomly successful with this process. Some cars, works mint, others are not cleared. Specifically I currently have a 2019 Ascent with Cam codes, (P0024), and after repairing the vehicle want to clear the learned values. I've tried multiple times and methods, but the learned values will not clear on this particular vehicle. Any insight on this?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Some have reported they have to clear them several times in order for values to clear. Ascents are rare in my area so I have not tested the procedure. Subaru has released updates for some models that will allow the values to keep learning.

[@kat-yv5sm]

What scantool model are you using here? 😁

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Launch torque link

[@Karlo_Zadro]

Is the procedure for doing this on the thinkdiag2 the same? Basically enter test mode and then clear the fault memory?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Should be the same.

[@Karlo_Zadro]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Quick update on this: can't seem to get this to work with a thinkdiag2 and a 2016 forester XT. Tried about a dozen times last night following the procedure in the exact same way (install fuse, heard the fans spin up, enter test mode, read codes, clear fault memory, remove fuse). Sometimes the "clear fault memory" would work, other times it would say failed, but the VVT values never reset. Have you had any luck using a thinkdiag2 on a similar model year forester?

[@Karlo_Zadro]

I'll add that the intake VVT values were in spec (in the 80s) but the exhaust values were both out of spec (like 115 each). Not sure if having the values be out of spec affects the ability to reset? I'm using version 10.00 of the subaru software on the thingdiag2

[@Fayz-1]

What tool did you use to reset the values?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I’ve used the launch torque link, launch torque 5, autel 906ts, thinkdiag2

[@giu6124]

When you say "we've cracked the code", who is we? Who is credited for this find?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I got 90% there and gave up. A friend of mine, Joe Bonino, picked up where I left off and pushed more buttons until it reset. We worked out the exact order required and came up with this. The OEM scan tool doesn’t have the test mode button but it must of had it in the past at some point. Subaru has been replacing ECMs for years when it wasn’t necessary. Too bad their software engineers didn’t let corporate know that those values could be reset with this procedure. It is not documented in any OEM or aftermarket scantool or service information provider.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Unless you were implying I stole this information and am republishing it for my own benefit. Many people know that Pedro came out with a way to reset them by altering the eprom data manually. This is a different method than that and no part of his process was used with this method. His method is still required on the Subaru BRZ platform.

[@WayneSockriter]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Did Pedro post a video of this? I cant seem to find it if he did. Thanks!