My shop manual includes as a last step in the timing belt replacement procedure to use a DRB tool to tell the car to re-learn the crank position. Is this step necessary, or won't the computer just know where it's supposed to be, since the cam and crank positions do not change in the process?

Alternatively, doesn't this happen anyway, regardless of the DRB tool?

I have a scanner, but I don't know if this function is any differennt than what the garden variety scan tool does. Mine is an Auto X-Ray.

 

Just replaced mine, and did not do that step. Runs great! At what mileage did you change it? What was the condition of the belt. I did mine very late, 140,000 (00' neon)and the belt was in perfect visual condition.

 

You really should reset the PCM, its just a good idea when you do anything to the motor. To do this just disconect the battery for 30 mins or so, that should do it This will also reset the crank position sensor, which is read by the pcm..

 

I haven't changed it yet; planning to and I was checking the shop manual. It's at 94,000 miles, and it is an opportune time to do it now before winter. I have other fair weather cars to use while I take it apart. I was trying to stay ahead of the 105,000 mile recommended replacement point, but from what you describe, I shouldn't feel rushed.

My car is an R/T with the DOHC engine. This was my wife's daily driver until recently when we upgraded her to a 2002 Miata. But when winter nasty weather comes, she will revert to the Neon, so it has to be ready.

How long did it take you to do yours?

 

Casper: That's what I thought could happen, re: disconnecting the battery. Then it just has to find itself again, just like if you change the battery. I was very suspect of that part of the factory manual referencing the DRB tool.

 

thats the manual they use at the dealership. They have money to spend on tools. I am sure that there is some type of memory in the pcm, the drb tool, probally erases it, or somethin.

 

Disconnecting the battery does NOT relearn the belt timing stretch gauge. It is very important as that engine is interference. Go to the dealer and have him reset it, only the DRB can do this.

 

Is this also true on 1st gens? I just had my belt changed.