Description
What It Is and Why You Need It
When you disconnect your car battery to replace it or work on the electrical system, your vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs) lose power. This can cause them to “forget” a variety of personalized and learned settings.
This memory saver plugs into your car’s OBD2 port (the same one mechanics use for diagnostics) and acts as a temporary power supply, keeping the computers alive while the main battery is out.
Key Functions & Benefits
Prevents Information Loss: Its main job is to avoid resetting your car’s computer memory during battery disconnection.
Saves Time and Money: You won’t have to spend time reconfiguring settings or pay a mechanic to reprogram systems like your anti-theft radio.
Easy to Use: Designed for DIY use, not just professional mechanics.
What Settings It Protects (What You “Save”)
The product listing specifies it helps maintain memory for:
Comfort & Convenience Features:
Dashboard information & digital clock
Radio presets and acoustics settings
Memory seat positions
Electric review mirror settings
Critical System Adaptations:
ABS & Anti-Skid System: These systems can have learned adaptation values that are reset when power is lost. Using a saver can prevent the need for these to relearn.
Engine Control Unit (ECU): While not explicitly listed, it often preserves fuel trim and other learned parameters.
Important Note: While it protects the memory, it does not provide enough power to run the engine, lights, or other high-consumption devices. It is strictly a low-power backup for the computers.
How to Use It (Step-by-Step)
Secure a Backup Power Source: You will need an external power source. This is typically a 9V battery (using a special clip) or a separate 12V power supply/battery pack. (Important: This external power source is NOT included with the cable itself).
Plug into the OBD2 Port: Locate your car’s OBD2 port (usually under the dashboard near the driver’s knees) and plug the memory saver into it.
Connect to Backup Power: Connect the wires from the memory saver to your external backup power source.
Disconnect Car Battery: Now you can safely disconnect your car’s main battery. The memory saver will keep the computers powered.
Perform Your Work: Replace the car battery or perform your electrical work.
Reconnect Car Battery: Once your work is done, reconnect the main car battery terminals.
Unplug the Memory Saver: Finally, unplug the memory saver from the OBD2 port and then disconnect it from the backup power source.
Answers to Key Questions (From the Listing)
Q: Will this work on my car?
A: It is compatible with most vehicles with an OBD2 port (generally cars from 1996 and newer in the US, and similar timelines elsewhere). However, compatibility is not 100% guaranteed. You must check your vehicle’s manual to see if the OBD2 port provides constant power (it needs to be a “key-off” powered port for this to work).
Q: I’m not a mechanic; can I use this?
A: Yes. The process is straightforward, as long as you carefully follow the steps to connect the backup power before disconnecting the car battery.
Q: What happens if I don’t use a memory saver?
A: You risk losing radio presets (and potentially the radio code, locking it out), seat and mirror memory, clock settings, and diagnostic trouble codes. In some modern cars, it can also cause drivability issues as the engine computer loses its learned fuel trims, requiring it to relearn over time.
Whats in the Box :
1 x Battery ECU Memory Saver
