Mazda Repair: MAZDA 626 computer reset question, computer resets, computer reset

Question
Hi -

My wife's 1999 Mazda 626 had a dead battery and we got it replaced at a local Firestone shop. The problem is that the car now failed inspection. Apparently the DEQ could not read the car's computer since it was not ready. The Firestone bloke says that we need to drive the car around until the computer resets, which seems positively stupid. What kind of an idiot would design a car where you need to drive around aimlessly to get the computer to reset after switching batteries?

I think the Firestone guy is not well informed and trying to absolve himself of the resposibility of fixing it. Can you help me figure out what the right thing to do is?

--K

Answer
Ok, well the firestone guy is partly correct. But, you should do this. Remove negative terminal of battery for fifteen minutes. Reattach battery cable and go to driver’s door. If the car has power locks, unlock the door with the key and lock it three times. This tells the computer that you are not a thief. Then insert the key and go to keys on and let it cycle the warning lamps, shut it off, then turn it on and after the lights on the dash have cycled out you can start it. Then, take it for a ten minute drive and then allow it to idle for another ten.
If it still posts a locked code you might have to take it to someone with a good scan tool like a Snap on MODIS tool.
Only the good shops have them, due to the $14,000 price tag.

Regards,


John