What is the reset method for the Fit's electronic power steering?
3 Answers
After entering the driver's seat, press the brake with your left foot, turn the key to the second position, and the engine will enter the self-check procedure. Wait a few seconds before starting the engine. After starting the engine, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right in place, being careful not to turn it to the limit to avoid damaging the steering gear. Then turn it one full turn to the left. Once the steering wheel is centered, connect a computer to the vehicle's OBD port to read the fault codes. After troubleshooting and resolving the issues based on the fault codes, clear them. Finally, enter the PIN code to complete the electronic power steering reset for the JAC Refine S3, and you will notice a significant difference in driving performance compared to before.
I've repaired quite a few electronic power steering issues on the Fit before. For older models, disconnecting the negative battery terminal is indeed the most straightforward reset method. Just make sure the engine is off and the key is removed, then detach the black negative cable, wait three minutes, and reconnect it. However, this crude method can easily fry the ECU on newer models, so you'll need to visit a dealership to reconnect with a specialized diagnostic tool for recalibration. If the steering wheel warning light occasionally turns yellow, you can try the power reset first. But if you encounter a situation where the steering becomes extremely heavy and difficult to turn, it might be due to a waterlogged sensor or a faulty torque module—don't force it yourself as you could damage the rack. After resetting, remember to start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right three times to let the system relearn the angles.
Last week, I just fixed the power steering issue on my third-gen Fit. While reversing, the steering wheel suddenly became heavy, and a red warning light popped up on the dashboard, which gave me a scare. Following a forum tutorial, I disconnected the battery for five minutes and reconnected it—it actually worked! But be aware that disconnecting the battery will clear the radio code and fuel consumption records, so remember to take photos of your settings with your phone beforehand. Essentially, the principle behind disconnecting the battery is forcing the car’s computer to reboot, similar to a forced restart on a phone. If you’re doing this in an underground garage, remember to bring a flashlight, and be careful not to let the wrench touch any metal parts of the car body while loosening the battery clamp—my buddy once sparked and blew a fuse that way.