After replacing the battery in your Honda Civic, you may notice that your car’s computer and some other components are not working properly. It’s important to reset these components to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

So, how do you reset your Honda Civic after a battery change?

Firstly, you should reset the car by driving it for a while. This will allow the car to detect any issues that need to be addressed. You can then proceed to reset the car’s ECU by disconnecting and reconnecting the fuse. There are also other components that need to be reset, such as the radio, clock, and security system.

To learn more about the step-by-step process for resetting these components in your Honda Civic after a battery change, read on for a detailed guide.

Why is it necessary to reset a Honda Civic after a battery change?

There are two main reasons why you need to reset your Honda Civic after a battery change.

Reason 1: Malfunctioning Components
After replacing the battery, some of your car’s features may not work properly, and you may notice that warning lights are on. Resetting the car’s components will turn off the warning lights and make the features work as intended.

Reason 2: Battery Life
If you don’t reset your car or its components, the new battery might become under or overcharged. This can negatively impact your car’s performance and reduce the lifespan of the new battery.

Reset Honda Civic after battery change part by part

Part to Reset Why It’s Important How to Reset
Car It needs to be recalibrated to determine if the replacement was done correctly or not. Drive around for a few minutes.
GPS Proper navigation and location Park the car in an empty space without trees or tall buildings
Audio System Removing the battery disables the audio system Enter the key code in the manual
ECU To apply settings appropriate for the new battery Disconnect and reconnect the ECU fuse
Clock The clock will give wrong time Adjust the time
Immobilizer System Indicator The engine will not turn on Press and hold the brake after turning off the vehicle, then restart it.
Security System Alarm won’t go off It should reset automatically

Reset The Car

resetting the car after replacing the battery is essential as it needs some time to adjust and calibrate to the new battery. During this time, all the warning lights will turn on as the car checks if everything is working correctly. Here’s how you can reset the car after battery change:

  1. Disconnect the battery for five minutes and then reconnect it.
  2. Start and drive the car for a short distance, at least a couple of miles, making sure you drive at a speed of 20 km/h or more for the whole drive.
  3. If all the warning signs turn off after this, your car is good to go. However, if some or all of the dashboard lights remain on, it indicates something is wrong, and you should seek expert help.
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Reset The ECU

Replacing the Honda Civic battery clears the car’s ECU memory, which makes it lose the recorded values it has gathered from the car sensors. For this reason, it’s crucial to perform the idle learn procedure after battery replacement. Follow these steps to reset the ECU:

  1. Warm up the car by driving it for a short while.
  2. Turn off the car, along with all the accessories.
  3. Open the hood and then the fuse box.
  4. Look for a fuse labeled ECU and take it out.
  5. Put the fuse back in and let the car sit idle for 10-15 minutes, avoiding pressing the gas or brake pedals.
  6. After the suggested time, drive normally.

Performing this procedure should reset the ECU’s previous memory and make it accustomed to the new battery. It usually takes one tank of fuel to relearn the fuel trims. Source: Honda the Other Side

Reset the immobilizer system indicator

If you have replaced the battery in your Canadian Honda Civic, you may notice that the immobilizer system indicator is disabled and needs to be reset. This indicator can prevent the engine from starting if it is blinking, so it is important to reset it.

To reset the immobilizer system indicator, follow these steps:

  1. Turn your vehicle off.
  2. Before turning it on again, depress and hold the brakes for at least 10 seconds.

If you have completed these steps and your car still won’t start with a charged battery, there may be other issues that require the attention of a professional.

Reset the GPS

After changing the battery of your Honda Civic, you may encounter a message on the screen that says “The system has lost power” along with instructions to press and hold the power button for over two seconds to activate the system. Once you do this, a message will appear informing you that the system has lost power and is acquiring its location from GPS satellites, which typically takes less than ten minutes.

To complete the process, follow these steps:

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Move your car to an open area, away from tall buildings, trees, and power lines.
  3. Remove any loose objects, cell phones, or other electronic devices near the GPS antenna.
  4. If the message persists after following these steps, contact your dealer for assistance.

Reset the audio system

To enable the audio system in your Honda Civic after disconnecting or replacing the battery, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on the audio system.
  2. Press and hold the power button or volume button for at least three seconds.
  3. The audio system screen will prompt you to enter a code. Find the code in your owner’s manual.
  4. Enter the code using the audio system’s preset buttons.
  5. Once you have entered the correct code, the audio system should be enabled and functional again.

Reset the clock

If you find that the clock in your Honda Civic is displaying the incorrect time after replacing the battery, you can adjust it manually. On newer models, the time is automatically set if the “automatic time” feature is enabled and the GPS is reset. However, if this doesn’t work, you can follow the steps below to adjust the time yourself.

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For Honda Civic models with a 9-inch color touchscreen:

  1. Press the “Menu” button and select “Clock Settings”.
  2. Turn off the “Automatic Time” option.
  3. Select “Set Time” and choose between a 12- or 24-hour clock system.
  4. Adjust the time and select “Set” to save.

For Honda Civic models with a 7-inch color touchscreen:

  1. Press the home button and select “General Settings”, then “System”, and finally “Date & Time”.
  2. Turn off the “Automatic Date & Time” option.
  3. Select “Set Time” and adjust the time.
  4. When you’re finished, select “Save” to save the changes.

Resetting the Security System after a Battery Replacement

If your security system was active before disconnecting the battery, it will automatically reactivate once you reconnect it. To reset the security alarm, you can open a door using the remote.However, it’s important to note that disconnecting the battery does not reset the airbags.

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If you encounter any issues or if something seems amiss, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a mechanic. This is particularly true if warning lights persist, the GPS fails to acquire a location, or entering the code does not activate the audio system. You may also use an OBD scanner to help diagnose any potential problems with your car.

Replacing a car battery is a delicate process, and there is a risk of errors when attempting to do it yourself. While it is recommended to visit a dealership, if you are resolute on replacing the battery yourself, make sure to have a complete understanding of how to replace a Honda Civic battery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why won’t my car start after changing the battery?

If your car won’t start after changing the battery, the most common cause is a faulty alternator, which prevents the battery from charging. Other potential causes include a defective spark plug, fuel injector, or fuel pump. It’s best to consult with an expert to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Why does my car behave strangely after installing a new battery?

Your car may exhibit unusual behavior after installing a new battery because its VRAM (volatile random access memory) has been reset. VRAM stores your car’s habits and patterns. Driving your car for 40-50 miles should resolve this issue.

How can I obtain my Honda radio code online?

To get your Honda radio code online, visit the RadioNavi-code website and enter your VIN, radio serial number, and other required information. You will then receive your Honda Civic radio code.

Which battery terminal should I disconnect first when changing a car battery?

When changing a car battery, always disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last. Conversely, reconnect the positive terminal first and disconnect it last.