My Dealer Relearn Experience

[Clark]

Hey Guys
First off My prayers and well wishes go out to my sister and her family and to all the people of Texas. God be with you.

Now today I went to the Chevy dealer here in my neck of the woods. Because a couple of months ago I changed my throttle body
and just recently my rear Transmission speed sensor and its connector plug. I explained to the service mgr I need a relearn on my Ecu.
He said RELEARN WHATS THAT? I said where you plug in your computer diagnostics and update my computer. I would like
for you to please check and relearn my new throttle body, Check and update my shifting points and if the speed sensor needs any form of
adjustments please relearn my ECU accordingly.
I stayed and waited since I thought a relearn wasn't going to take long. HA! 3 hours later the service mgr called me into his office and told
me there is no relearning process for anything I requested. Due to insurance regulations customers are not allowed in the servicing
area. I could not see anything being done. I was speechless. I then requested to speak to the shops head mechanic he came over to me and I
explained the situation to him. Here's a real ROCKET SCIENTIST answer to me, This Man told me that whenever a component is changed you
have to drive the vehicle and the ECU updates itself. Now these guys are ASE certified mechanics. They charged me just for one hours labor just to check of my truck which was $133.00 an hour because they felt what I asked for was not needed.
As I was getting into my truck the service mgr thought I was gonna give him a palm greasing I told him I'M NEVER COMING BACK HERE AGAIN!!! And I drove off saying to myself WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TODAY???:gaah:

 

[f5moab]

Hey Guys
First off My prayers and well wishes go out to my sister and her family and to all the people of Texas. God be with you.

Now today I went to the Chevy dealer here in my neck of the woods. Because a couple of months ago I changed my throttle body
and just recently my rear Transmission speed sensor and its connector plug. I explained to the service mgr I need a relearn on my Ecu.
He said RELEARN WHATS THAT? I said where you plug in your computer diagnostics and update my computer. I would like
for you to please check and relearn my new throttle body, Check and update my shifting points and if the speed sensor needs any form of
adjustments please relearn my ECU accordingly.
I stayed and waited since I thought a relearn wasn't going to take long. HA! 3 hours later the service mgr called me into his office and told
me there is no relearning process for anything I requested. Due to insurance regulations customers are not allowed in the servicing
area. I could not see anything being done. I was speechless. I then requested to speak to the shops head mechanic he came over to me and I
explained the situation to him. Here's a real ROCKET SCIENTIST answer to me, This Man told me that whenever a component is changed you
have to drive the vehicle and the ECU updates itself. Now these guys are ASE certified mechanics. They charged me just for one hours labor just to check of my truck which was $133.00 an hour because they felt what I asked for was not needed.
As I was getting into my truck the service mgr thought I was gonna give him a palm greasing I told him I'M NEVER COMING BACK HERE AGAIN!!! And I drove off saying to myself WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TODAY???:gaah:

I know it is very early (4:30AM) but this post is very confusing to an old retired GM/Hummer service engineering. They should not have charged you, since there was nothing they could do. The adaptive learning of the ECM/TCM or PCM is done over time as it compares functions to the parameters programmed. As you drive the vehicle it will relearn. Also since the adapted learning is based on the drive of the vehicle; what were they to load or adapt to the vehicle's computers?
I'm going to walk the dogs.:giggle:

 

[lowtrac]

Are you thinking about a CASE learn? That only needs to be done when replacing the PCM or something to do with timing I believe. Isn't it related to the PCM learning the crankshaft position?

 

[f5moab]

Dogs walked.

A speed sensor is just a sensor that reports the speed to the computer, there is no relearn for the sensor. The PCM might do an internal relearn of a replaced throttle body due to possible changes in air intake; however, the relearn is accomplished while the vehicle is driven.

What some call the CASE relearn is called the the crankshaft position system variation relearn in engineering. However, it is only required when an engine is replaced; ECM or PCM (depending on year of vehicle) is replaced or completely wiped and reload of software; crankshaft, crankshaft damper, crankshaft sensor (CKP); or any repair that "might" disturb the any of the preceding parts.

Even transmission adaptive pressure values are relearned as the vehicle is driven and only after the values have been erased by the tech II (or whatever tool is now used) and only if the Transmission is completely overhauled or replacement or repair or replacement of certain apply/release components such as clutches, bands, pistons, servos, or any other component that will "directly" affect transmission line pressure.

And the erase sets the parameters back to original factory settings, just like when the vehicle was new and first driven, and the ECM (PCM) relearns the parameters as the vehicle is driven. And the relearn is so slow, 9.99 percent of the customer will not know what the heck is happening and notice no changes.



I also change my statement on the dealer not charging. I would have doubled the cost. The "rocket scientist" was correct. Many times those ASE certified technicians do know more than the customer.:thumbs: I cannot say how many times we in GM service engineering learned from these Rocket Scientists who were on the front lines.

 

[Traxx]

If your going to go somewhere and tell people how to perform their job you should at least make sure you know what your talking about. The Service Manager was probably overjoyed at your promise not to come back. What's funny is while you were driving off in a huff your ecm/pcm was busy relearning. :giggle:

 

[Clark]

Sorry guys but Ive read a bunch of threads here about my symptoms and the relearning process was a common fix. and other h3 owners I have met in my travels recommended the same to me. I asked the service MGR to check why I get a sudden 1 sec rev on my idle. I have cleaned my mass air flow and my throttle body numerous times
and even changed my plugs. Plus I've replaced 2 speed sensors before settling on an AC/Delco sensor. I figured if the fellow forum members recommended
a relearn then I should go that direction. I've even gone to a transmission shop only to walk away because the first thing they told me I need a new transmission.
Granted I'm no expert but at least tell me whats wrong. After all I went to the top "The Dealer" for answers.

 

[Clark]

If your going to go somewhere and tell people how to perform their job you should at least make sure you know what your talking about. The Service Manager was probably overjoyed at your promise not to come back. What's funny is while you were driving off in a huff your ecm/pcm was busy relearning. :giggle:

Have you ever been told by a service MGR "Whats a relearn?" I didn't drive off in a huff. I was confused

 

[Mr_Rich]

Think about this; you replaced a part that doesn't have any "smarts" and is totally controlled by the ECM. The ECM just reads what the TPS values are and adjusts accordingly. It's not like there is a separate computer in the throttle body that has to interact with the ECM. I replaced my throttle body with a GM replacement several years ago and never had to go through any extra steps after the first one failed me. I know we've had discussions on throttle body replacement before and what you're stating has never been an issue. I kinda think you went off the rails on this one.

 

[Clark]

Think about this; you replaced a part that doesn't have any "smarts" and is totally controlled by the ECM. The ECM just reads what the TPS values are and adjusts accordingly. It's not like there is a separate computer in the throttle body that has to interact with the ECM. I replaced my throttle body with a GM replacement several years ago and never had to go through any extra steps after the first one failed me. I know we've had discussions on throttle body replacement before and what you're stating has never been an issue. I kinda think you went off the rails on this one.

I guess I did but with all the youtube videos and the recommendations I'm one confused old man. lol
I thought I was doing the right thing.

 

[Mr_Rich]

I guess I did but with all the youtube videos and the recommendations I'm one confused old man. lol
I thought I was doing the right thing.

Just come here first. There's an amazing amount of talent in this group. It's made an impression on me for sure.

 

[Clark]

Before I do anything I come here for advice And yes there are plenty of very wise knowledgeable members And I cherish very
much their wisdom and advice. Thanks to all of you!