This worked for me. I want to say thanks for taking the time to put this video up. My car = 2010 Forester, manual transmission. After I replaced the battery - first drive and when approaching an intersection as I push clutch and brake, the engine would drop back to idle very low, then lift again to a stable idle. But occasionally would drop so low initially that it would stall. I followed the steps in this video, and now the idle when settling after arriving at an intersection is stable immediately at around 700-800 rpm and no longer stalls ever. 2 thumbs up and thanks again for taking the time.
Wow, this video was super helpful! Worked on my 2007 Subaru Impreza manual! Thank you so much it kept dying on me. Definitely will be saving this video.
My subaru has always been fishy after electrical work, and this solved it!! Thank you very much for your helpful video! They don't mention this in the owners manual, so I felt lost as to why my Subaru was being testy, and just assumed my car was getting on in years.
@@maxlarkin2613 I think this step is just to reset the ecu, and to do that you just want the battery to drain itself completely. You can do this by stepping in the brake a few times with the battery disconnected, and it achieves the same thing in much less time!
My 2006 Subaru Outback has struggled with this any time work is done on him. Changed the battery last week and had issues all through this week. Performed the procedure tonight and he is back to normal! Thank you for this video. I will be sure to save it and use it in the future!
Your tutorial works great on my 2009 Forester after the mechanic cleaned the throttle and since then the engine has gone crazy and worked at too high a rpm. Thanks for the clear and helpful sharing.!
Great video! This absolutely worked for me. A few months ago I replaced my battery and the entire time since then my car's idle would nearly stall, then jump to 1500rpm, then drop again, etc. This fixed it and it idles smoothly all the time. For reference I have the same year & model as the video, 2010 Forester.
Hey! This totally worked! Was so confused after doing an oil change on my 02' Subaru Forester and then restarting my car to find that it was idling REALLY rough. Did your voodoo magic and vola! THANK YOU!
Needed this after my throttle body rebuild last month, and just found your video. Do I still need to do it, or would my 2014 Forester have already done a relearn over time without my intervention? Noticed I'm getting worse MPG since that time, btw, so may just perform it anyway in case.
Did not work for me.. car had issues starting, got the battery checked and was running at 330cca instead of 550. Bought a new battery, put it in, and now it stalls at stop lights and sometimes when starting up. Did this procedure and after the 10 mins, started it up and it almost immediately stalled again. Assuming I have other issues now…
Thanks for the video, it's the same instructions as Mr. Subaru's 1387 RUclips tutorial, but easier to follow as you show what you're doing inside the cabin. Idles nice and smooth! I saved over $200 replacing a battery myself on 2026 Forester with a Interstate battery from Costco (vs dealer's > $350 parts/labor quote). Only other thing needed after a battery is reconnected is to reset the power windows (best instructions are in your owner's manual, look for "initialization of power window" section 2-35").
Thank you so much!!! I had to replace my Camshaft Sensor after a check engine light came on, and this video helped get my engine back to normal idle after sputtering and stalling on the road (super scary) thank you so much!!!! Worked on my 2008 Impreza 2.5i
I need to do this to my 2008 Outback. I am taking it to the shop next week to get the valve gaskets replaced and could have my mechanic do it. However, this looks easy enough. Is it possible to make the idle worse if I don't do the process correctly? Also, does the car have to be on a flat surface in order to do this? It's parked on a steep driveway. Thanks.
During a battery replacement the car is without power for like 5 minutes and that’s enough to reset the ECM but when one wants to do the idle reset the battery has to be disconnected for 30min? How annoying.
OH MY GOD!! IT WORKED!! I just had my mechanic replace the wiring and changed 2 spark plugs. I was going to go back to him, but now it's all good thanks to your video!! Thank you so much!! :)
There must be 5 to 10 videos such videos on RUclips but not one explains what conditions are required. Can this be done if the weather is 5 C or lower, or does it require an ambient temp over 15 or 20 C?
It works for me! I bought my 2007 X (AT) new and have done this quite a few times, either because the battery was disconnected or sometimes even just clearing a CEL/MIL code will cause a rough idle (in which case I don't even disconnect the battery before the re-learn procedure at all; I only disconnect the battery if it's being replaced or it's for safety during another repair). I write down my radio stations! then make sure all lights, etc. are off. Rotate key to ON and wait 20 seconds. START engine and let idle for 10 minutes. Turn engine OFF and wait 20 seconds. Repeat all 3 steps (works best for me if I let idle 10 minutes the second time also; tried 5 minutes before and not as smooth for my car). Start engine normally, re-program radio presets, and drive happily.
@@janasheffield2230 I've tried doing this 2 times now and there's no change. The engine idles at between 4 &500 rpm if it doesn't stall out. I've also noticed that since I replaced the battery and the alternator my cruise control doesn't work either.
@@johnvanscoy8840 I replaced my alternator last year and my battery last week and used this method to re-learn my idle after each. No trouble with my cruise control, other than I have a separate emissions issue and CEL codes disable cruise control on our vehicles. Other than clearing CEL codes or disconnecting my battery, the only other idling issue I've had was when I was intermittently getting misfire codes; the whole car shook violently for a minute and then would stall out, then on the next startup would be completely fine. I ended up getting my ignition coil pack, spark plugs, and plug wires replaced, which fixed it, but before I handed it over to a real mechanic, I tried cleaning the throttle body and MAF sensor, which had no affect but were on the list of suspects as I researched idling issues. If you have a code reader, you might check if there are any that haven't actually shown up (or possibly have fully triggered but your CEL bulb could be out so you don't know); this could disable your cruise control. If no CEL, then you could double-check that you have exactly the right battery and alternator and that everything is connected well. If so, then I wonder if you may have another electrical issue that caused the battery and alternator to fail, but I really don't know where to begin there. Unfortunately, all of my car knowledge is limited to the issues I've experienced, and my partial understanding of the matter at the time. So this is pretty much everything I can think of. I will say that the idle re-learn procedures is effective for when you know what caused the idle to be for I will say that the utility of this idle re-learn procedure is a matter of controversy. Some vehicles need it, and some don't. And vehicles that need it, need it as a follow-on to some other repair or action that caused the idle settings to be forgotten (like disconnecting the battery or flashing the ECM). You won't just start your car one day, discover it has forgotten how to idle, then do this and it fixes it, and you have no other issues. If you've disconnected your battery several times before and didn't have idling/stalling issues for a day or two after, your Foz may not be one that needs this, and you should focus on other issues. If you have experienced that and think your Foz might be the type that does need the procedure, but the current idling issue didn't start after clearing a CEL code, disconnecting the battery, or flashing the ECM, you may still need the procedure after solving your real issue, but it probably won't do anything for you on its own. If this idling issue did begin after a repair that could have cause your ECM to forget the idle settings, then you can try this procedure again with longer intervals. Some people disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or overnight, put the key to ON for 20 seconds, idle for 20 minutes, turn OFF for 20 seconds, then ON or 20 seconds, idle for another 20 minutes, then OFF for 20 seconds, then start and drive. I don't know if their ECMs are different or they just don't know they could use shorter intervals like me. Worth trying if you're sure it started after a repair. If a longer interval won't do it, it may be an unfortunate coincidence and you have a separate issue. I would probably get the ECM checked next, but I honestly have no idea after that, beyond the issues I mentioned above.
I had no problems with my 07 before I replaced the battery and the alternator. I actually use the cruise control on a daily basis and it was working fine the day before I did the replacements. That's why I'm wondering if I could have knocked something loose or disconnected something without realizing it had happened.
This guy's accent makes the video even beter! Thank you.
This worked for me. I want to say thanks for taking the time to put this video up.
My car = 2010 Forester, manual transmission.
After I replaced the battery - first drive and when approaching an intersection as I push clutch and brake, the engine would drop back to idle very low, then lift again to a stable idle. But occasionally would drop so low initially that it would stall.
I followed the steps in this video, and now the idle when settling after arriving at an intersection is stable immediately at around 700-800 rpm and no longer stalls ever.
2 thumbs up and thanks again for taking the time.
Thank you Owned my Outback for several years now and following your instructions the car has never run better especially at idle!
Wow, this video was super helpful! Worked on my 2007 Subaru Impreza manual! Thank you so much it kept dying on me. Definitely will be saving this video.
My subaru has always been fishy after electrical work, and this solved it!! Thank you very much for your helpful video! They don't mention this in the owners manual, so I felt lost as to why my Subaru was being testy, and just assumed my car was getting on in years.
Idle Relearn Procedure
Turn on 15secs
Start idle 10mins
Turn off 20secs
Turn on 15secs
Start idle 5mins
Turn off 20secs
Your Welcome!
You missed having the battery disconnected for 30 mins
@@maxlarkin2613 I think this step is just to reset the ecu, and to do that you just want the battery to drain itself completely. You can do this by stepping in the brake a few times with the battery disconnected, and it achieves the same thing in much less time!
Excellent step by step process. Thank you and keep them coming
My 2006 Subaru Outback has struggled with this any time work is done on him. Changed the battery last week and had issues all through this week. Performed the procedure tonight and he is back to normal! Thank you for this video. I will be sure to save it and use it in the future!
Awesome tutorial! Great job explaining each step 👍🏻😎
Your tutorial works great on my 2009 Forester after the mechanic cleaned the throttle and since then the engine has gone crazy and worked at too high a rpm. Thanks for the clear and helpful sharing.!
Great video! This absolutely worked for me. A few months ago I replaced my battery and the entire time since then my car's idle would nearly stall, then jump to 1500rpm, then drop again, etc. This fixed it and it idles smoothly all the time. For reference I have the same year & model as the video, 2010 Forester.
You said to have no electric load but you have your phone charger/Bluetooth in the cigarette lighter?
also had the door ajar the whole time too.
Hey! This totally worked! Was so confused after doing an oil change on my 02' Subaru Forester and then restarting my car to find that it was idling REALLY rough. Did your voodoo magic and vola! THANK YOU!
Needed this after my throttle body rebuild last month, and just found your video. Do I still need to do it, or would my 2014 Forester have already done a relearn over time without my intervention? Noticed I'm getting worse MPG since that time, btw, so may just perform it anyway in case.
Thanks for the video.
Did not work for me.. car had issues starting, got the battery checked and was running at 330cca instead of 550. Bought a new battery, put it in, and now it stalls at stop lights and sometimes when starting up. Did this procedure and after the 10 mins, started it up and it almost immediately stalled again. Assuming I have other issues now…
Thanks for the video, it's the same instructions as Mr. Subaru's 1387 RUclips tutorial, but easier to follow as you show what you're doing inside the cabin. Idles nice and smooth!
I saved over $200 replacing a battery myself on 2026 Forester with a Interstate battery from Costco (vs dealer's > $350 parts/labor quote). Only other thing needed after a battery is reconnected is to reset the power windows (best instructions are in your owner's manual, look for "initialization of power window" section 2-35").
Is this something I should do after replacing the MAF
What about what you have in the dc/aux port, no load?
Thank you so much!!! I had to replace my Camshaft Sensor after a check engine light came on, and this video helped get my engine back to normal idle after sputtering and stalling on the road (super scary) thank you so much!!!! Worked on my 2008 Impreza 2.5i
Thanks for saving my family $650 with your post. Fixed our 2008 today! Great video!
September 5, 2024
I followed the video for my 2012 Impreza. It was running rough. Worked perfect. Thank you
Is it the same process with "push to start" models? Thank you!
Worked like a charm, thanks!
2009 Legacy
I need to do this to my 2008 Outback. I am taking it to the shop next week to get the valve gaskets replaced and could have my mechanic do it. However, this looks easy enough. Is it possible to make the idle worse if I don't do the process correctly? Also, does the car have to be on a flat surface in order to do this? It's parked on a steep driveway. Thanks.
During a battery replacement the car is without power for like 5 minutes and that’s enough to reset the ECM but when one wants to do the idle reset the battery has to be disconnected for 30min? How annoying.
You saved me. Thank you so much.
Very simple
I have Subaru Outback 2015 and I have same problem it’s really help me Thank U!
Should I drive beforehand to warm up the engine.
OH MY GOD!! IT WORKED!! I just had my mechanic replace the wiring and changed 2 spark plugs. I was going to go back to him, but now it's all good thanks to your video!! Thank you so much!! :)
Thanks for the video, i will try this on my 2011 subaru forester
This was such a big help on our 2014 Forester. I wrote out the directions just in case the battery gets disconnected again. Thank you!!
Where are these self performed procedures published? I am looking for Subaru CVT TCM relearn procedure. Thanks for the video
Thank you so much for sharing this! Sorted out my issue perfectly!
I need to try this with my 2014 Subaru Forester. I got a new battery today and it made the car die every time I pressed on the brake at a light.
There must be 5 to 10 videos such videos on RUclips but not one explains what conditions are required. Can this be done if the weather is 5 C or lower, or does it require an ambient temp over 15 or 20 C?
I would say not too cold nor hot
It’s winter in Canada so I’m doing this in -15 c I’ll update how it goes
Works nice in my subaru outback 2009 .idle was too high now runs nice and smooth
Mr.
Auto Resource, Will this procedure work for a 2005 Baja?
What do you do for a push start? I have a 2016
I have the same question
Great video thank you!!!
This worked great for my 07 Impreza thanks for the info
Does this reset any other saved presets or settings?
This worked great on my wife's 2010 Forester X Limited! Thank you!!
Is it the same for a manual?
I’m trying right now I’ll tell you if it works
Was it ?@@dylandiem684
why is it so important to have the radio and ac off when you have the door open and the dome light is on?
Also, he has a phone charger/Bluetooth hooked up in the cigarette lighter
Great video! Step by step! Clear and concise!
Will this procedure work on a 2007 forester?
It works for me! I bought my 2007 X (AT) new and have done this quite a few times, either because the battery was disconnected or sometimes even just clearing a CEL/MIL code will cause a rough idle (in which case I don't even disconnect the battery before the re-learn procedure at all; I only disconnect the battery if it's being replaced or it's for safety during another repair).
I write down my radio stations! then make sure all lights, etc. are off. Rotate key to ON and wait 20 seconds. START engine and let idle for 10 minutes. Turn engine OFF and wait 20 seconds. Repeat all 3 steps (works best for me if I let idle 10 minutes the second time also; tried 5 minutes before and not as smooth for my car). Start engine normally, re-program radio presets, and drive happily.
@@janasheffield2230
I've tried doing this 2 times now and there's no change. The engine idles at between 4 &500 rpm if it doesn't stall out. I've also noticed that since I replaced the battery and the alternator my cruise control doesn't work either.
@@johnvanscoy8840 I replaced my alternator last year and my battery last week and used this method to re-learn my idle after each. No trouble with my cruise control, other than I have a separate emissions issue and CEL codes disable cruise control on our vehicles.
Other than clearing CEL codes or disconnecting my battery, the only other idling issue I've had was when I was intermittently getting misfire codes; the whole car shook violently for a minute and then would stall out, then on the next startup would be completely fine. I ended up getting my ignition coil pack, spark plugs, and plug wires replaced, which fixed it, but before I handed it over to a real mechanic, I tried cleaning the throttle body and MAF sensor, which had no affect but were on the list of suspects as I researched idling issues.
If you have a code reader, you might check if there are any that haven't actually shown up (or possibly have fully triggered but your CEL bulb could be out so you don't know); this could disable your cruise control.
If no CEL, then you could double-check that you have exactly the right battery and alternator and that everything is connected well. If so, then I wonder if you may have another electrical issue that caused the battery and alternator to fail, but I really don't know where to begin there.
Unfortunately, all of my car knowledge is limited to the issues I've experienced, and my partial understanding of the matter at the time. So this is pretty much everything I can think of. I will say that the idle re-learn procedures is effective for when you know what caused the idle to be for
I will say that the utility of this idle re-learn procedure is a matter of controversy. Some vehicles need it, and some don't. And vehicles that need it, need it as a follow-on to some other repair or action that caused the idle settings to be forgotten (like disconnecting the battery or flashing the ECM). You won't just start your car one day, discover it has forgotten how to idle, then do this and it fixes it, and you have no other issues.
If you've disconnected your battery several times before and didn't have idling/stalling issues for a day or two after, your Foz may not be one that needs this, and you should focus on other issues. If you have experienced that and think your Foz might be the type that does need the procedure, but the current idling issue didn't start after clearing a CEL code, disconnecting the battery, or flashing the ECM, you may still need the procedure after solving your real issue, but it probably won't do anything for you on its own.
If this idling issue did begin after a repair that could have cause your ECM to forget the idle settings, then you can try this procedure again with longer intervals. Some people disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or overnight, put the key to ON for 20 seconds, idle for 20 minutes, turn OFF for 20 seconds, then ON or 20 seconds, idle for another 20 minutes, then OFF for 20 seconds, then start and drive. I don't know if their ECMs are different or they just don't know they could use shorter intervals like me. Worth trying if you're sure it started after a repair. If a longer interval won't do it, it may be an unfortunate coincidence and you have a separate issue. I would probably get the ECM checked next, but I honestly have no idea after that, beyond the issues I mentioned above.
I had no problems with my 07 before I replaced the battery and the alternator. I actually use the cruise control on a daily basis and it was working fine the day before I did the replacements. That's why I'm wondering if I could have knocked something loose or disconnected something without realizing it had happened.
Aren't you czech or slovak?
My guess is Czech
Hi
Bye