Re-booting the Renix

[8Mud]

Added some ground straps, recleaned what I had, noticed a change in idle and shift points. Also did some voltage in, sensor voltage out and ground resistance tests on the TPS, ECU and TCU. Seems everytime I mess with the system, shift points, engine idle and mid range torque change some.
I unplugged the five pole connector (88 XJ, 4.0 AW4) by the relay block (to test red wire voltage) in the engine compartment. After reconnecting, noticed a remarkable improvement in idle. After some research, I figured out I´d disconnected the battery feed to the ECU and TCU, reconnected and re-booted (I think).
Question is, is it necessary to reboot after a sensor repacement and/or adjustment? And after rebooting, what is the better relearn process for the Renix and/or the TCU. The FSM, explanation kind of escapes me and from what I´d understood affects only the TCU. Have heard everything from, a moderate trip up the interstate, to let stand at idle for one minute, to reboot only as a last resort as you´ll be opening a whole can of worms. I relize the Renix doesn´t store trouble codes, but it seems to store some information.
I´m thinking after say a TPS adjustment, the computer may still be operating off of a base line, with the previous faulty/different imputs from the TPS and/or MAP from previous run cycles?
A little imput into understanding the process (and help a troubled mind), might allow me to achieve some consistant results. A slightly different idle RPM, idle smoothness, shift points and mid range accelaeration, everytime I do anything to the ground and/or sensor system, is messing with my head.
Did notice my headlights are brighter :badpc:

 

[Eagle]

The Renix ECU returns to baseline every time you turn off the ignition.

 

[Matthew Currie]

One of the nicest things you can do for a Renix system is every once in a while to unplug, clean and replug every connector you can get your hands on. They seem very sensitive to connector resistance.

While you're at it, don't forget the connector for the front light harness, which lives underneath the air box behind the left headlight. This is a very bad place for corrosion. I've had pins rot right off of this one.

 

[8Mud]

I cleaned the leads behind the windshield washer, six months ago. The next time I start messing around the electrical, I´m gonny flux and solder the crimped ends to headlight ground straps too. I did find some resistance in the crimped ends (corrosion) of the other ground points, solder seemed to cure.
Good to know, it´s doubtfull, I´m confusing the computer, while cleaning and adjusting. Thanx for the imput.
I added a ground strap from the dipstick mount to the firewall, seemed to have a rather large impact, on idle, idle RPM and shiftpoints.
I´ve been looking around for some type of abrasive contact paste, spray cleaner doesn´t seem to be working well. It´s either rare here, or I´m having trouble asking for Kontakt paste in German, they keep trying to sell me vasoline or KY Jelly. :cheers:

 

[Eagle]

I´ve been looking around for some type of abrasive contact paste, spray cleaner doesn´t seem to be working well. It´s either rare here, or I´m having trouble asking for Kontakt paste in German, they keep trying to sell me vasoline or KY Jelly. :cheers:

Do you want me to look for Ox-Gard (or equivalent) for you next time I visit a Home Despot or Lowest?

Come to think of it, my VW tech friend mentioned awhile back that VW has some special compound that's excellent for improving conductivity of connections. Check some VW places if you're near them, otherwise I can ask if the stuff has a name or a part number.

 

[8Mud]

I´ll have a look by the VW place and see what they have to offer (they are generally not very helpful), if your friend has a part number, I´m sure I could order some. One thing about Germans, if it makes it onto an order form, your almost guaranteed to get it sooner or later.
I found some (on the net) produced locally named Carmoline 200 (high temp) conductive paste with quartz sand abrasive added. But have had no luck finding an outlet/retailer and it isn´t listed on any online order lists, I´ve been able to find.
One of those things that was common 10-15 years ago, that seems to have been forgotten in recent times. Parts guys around here generally suck, won´t waste there time if it isn´t a large order.
Thanx for the help Eagle, no rush though, I´m gonna be busy with seals and gaskets for the next couple of weeks, stage two.

 

[Shawninsicily]

Which systems does the Renix computer controll? Obviously fuel and spark, but does it also handle things like torque converter lock up and shift points? I'm curious as I am considering replacing it with a programable unit for fuel and spark.

 

[8Mud]

There is a sperate control unit for the transmission, the TCU, but there is some interaction, between the two at the sensor level.