Capacitor discharge

Tiny
FIBONACCI
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CADILLAC STS-V
  • 133,000 MILES
I have been able to clear the check engine light, but still get the following:

Service:
Stability System
Tire Monitor (justified since one sensor is dead)
Vehicle Soon
Air Bag
Brake Assist

My question is basic. If I perform the Cap Discharge voodoo, Will my remote FOB still be operable. There is no physical ignition key on this model.
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 2:25 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,118 POSTS
Hello, you may run into more problems than you want, for one thing the codes for any components that have failed or have circuit issues are going to eventually come back after a number of key starts. Second the key fob on this model uses a rolling code method, also to program a key fob again or a new fob you have to have the mechanical key for the vehicle. So, your best bet is to diagnose the issues it is having, if things go wrong, you could be stuck with a car that won't start ever again. If you're getting codes, you can post the codes here and we can look up the criteria for setting those codes and give some direction. But with a missing mechanical key I wouldn't discharge the ECM's memory.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
FIBONACCI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have the original mechanical key (and two duplicates) which I have used to add 2 additional FOBs. If all goes South, would I be able to use the FOB addition procedure to run the car again?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
FIBONACCI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have been researching this for months, and find it hard to believe that no-one on the planet actually knows?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
I believe you are referring to a captive discharge. If that is the case, the key fobs won't be affected.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
FIBONACCI
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, I was referring to discharging the capacitors. Thank you, I am going to try and trust your answer and expertise.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let us know how things work out for you.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 15th, 2022 AT 7:25 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links