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I know you're all groaning but read on and you will at least get where I'm coming from. Rb20det. Idle issues. Fuel efficiency issues. Car runs like a lada niva issues. Starting issues. Engine power cutting issues. All intermittent (some can be for months, some for minutes, some disappear forever without me changing a thing). All of varying degree. Smiling yet? My question is when and why to reset ECU? Should it be done after any component is replaced like regapped plugs and even air conditioning compressors and if not when? These are not upgrade parts I'm talking just straight replacements that you're hoping has failed (like I'm hoping mine is afm). Should it be done as a ctrl-alt-del troubleshoot BEFORE I start blaming parts or can it irretrievably make things worse?

Edited by LINK17
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45 minutes ago, LINK17 said:

Should it be done after any component is replaced like regapped plugs and even air conditioning compressors and if not when?

No, and never under those sorts of changes.

45 minutes ago, LINK17 said:

Should it be done as a ctrl-alt-del troubleshoot BEFORE I start blaming parts or can it irretrievably make things worse?

No. Because it doesn't really do anything. It just forgets the long term fuel trims, which will not stay there very long if there is no mechanical/electrical problem causing them in the first place. If the problems are still there, then a reset ECU will go back there reasonably quickly anyway.

Dont forget that even if u get a new ECU or "Reset" the ecu you have... your engine is 20+ years old.
I would recommend doing some good general maintenance that will defiantly help your car to run right and healthier , cause to me it sounds like you may have a host of small things that all together , make your car run like shit
You should start with:

- New Spark Plugs
- New Coil Packs (strongly recommend) 
- New Fuel filter (you can easily get one over the counter for a Patrol, Xtrail, Etc.) 
- Replace or atleast clean your Injectors.
- New O2 sensor (this can improve Fuel Efficiency)
- Clean your Idle Air Controller (you can check out youtube) 
- A dying or maxed out AFM can give you sudden and instant power/engine cuts when driving
- Check your Vac lines (especially the ones that run to your IAC) 
- Boost leak Test
- If you're running a Fuel Pressure Reg, make sure you run the right PSI
- Buy a wide band gauge so you can see whats up when your problems occur

Once you've done these things you should the also take a look and re-set your Ignition Timing (consult with Service Manual and not forums or mates) 

While your at it with the ignition timing and service manual you can take a look at your TPS and re-set it, this can also affect your idle and how your car runs

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