How to do a hard reset on a Dodge Charger?

A Dodge Charger hard reset typically means rebooting the infotainment system (Uconnect) or performing a battery-disconnect reset to refresh the vehicle’s electronic control modules. The exact method depends on your model year and whether you want a quick reboot or a full power reset. This guide covers the most common approaches for recent Chargers.

Understanding what a hard reset does for your Charger

In automotive terms, a hard reset can refer to two distinct actions: a software reboot of the infotainment system to clear freezes and glitches, or a complete power reset that shuts down and restarts multiple vehicle modules by disconnecting the 12V battery. A soft reboot is gentle and typically preserves user data, while a power reset is more invasive and can affect radio presets, key fob memory, and other settings. Start with the least invasive method first.

Reboot the Uconnect infotainment system

The quickest, least disruptive path is to reboot the Uconnect system. If the screen is frozen or unresponsive, try a soft reboot first. If problems persist, a factory reset may be required.

Soft reboot of Uconnect

1. Press and hold the power/volume knob for about 8–10 seconds until the screen goes dark and the system restarts.


2. Release the knob and wait for the home screen to reappear.


3. If the display remains unresponsive, repeat once or perform a longer reset by cycling the ignition power.


4. Check for available software updates in Settings after the reboot, if the option exists.

A soft reboot is designed to preserve personal data and settings while restarting the infotainment software. If issues persist after this step, proceed to a factory reset.

Factory reset of Uconnect

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Factory Reset (or Reset All) on the Uconnect touchscreen.


2. Confirm your choice when prompted; you may see a warning that all user data will be erased.


3. Wait for the system to reboot and reinitialize, which can take several minutes.


4. Reconfigure essential settings (radio presets, Bluetooth, navigation, etc.) after the reset.

Note that a factory reset wipes personal data and returns the infotainment system to its original state. If glitches persist after a reset, contact a dealer or certified technician for software updates or deeper diagnostics.

Resetting the vehicle’s electronics via battery disconnect

For persistent or hardware-related issues, a full power reset by disconnecting the battery can clear stubborn faults. This approach is more invasive and may require re-pairing keys and reloading settings, so proceed with care or prefer professional assistance.

1. Park the car safely, turn off the engine, remove the key, and engage the parking brake.


2. Open the hood and locate the 12V battery. Disconnect the negative terminal first using an appropriate tool, keeping the connection away from other terminals.


3. Wait 10–15 minutes to allow all modules to lose power completely.


4. Reconnect the negative terminal and secure the clamp tightly; reattach any other cables that were removed.


5. Reinstall any fuses or relays you removed during the process. You may need to re-pair the key fob and reload radio/navigation data.


6. Start the engine and monitor for normal operation. Check for warning lights and address any codes with appropriate diagnostics.

A battery disconnect can reset several modules, including the Uconnect system and memory settings. If you rely on features like remote start or security functions, you may need to re-link or re-enter codes after this reset.

Safety and caveats

Disconnecting the battery entails risks of electrical shock and can affect safety systems. If you’re unsure or your Charger has advanced features ( immobilizer, memory fuses, or complex electronics), have a dealership or qualified technician perform the reset to avoid immobilizer issues or other faults.

When to seek professional help

If the infotainment continues to crash, displays errors, or the vehicle exhibits abnormal behavior (loss of power, warning lights that won’t clear), professional diagnostics and software updates from a Dodge dealer or certified shop are recommended. Some issues may require firmware updates, module reprogramming, or hardware inspection beyond consumer-level resets.

Summary

To reset a Dodge Charger, start with a soft reboot of the Uconnect system by holding the power/volume knob until it restarts. If problems persist, perform a factory reset from Settings to restore default software. As a more invasive option, a controlled battery disconnect can reset multiple modules, but may require re-pairing keys and reconfiguring settings. Always consult the owner’s manual for model-year-specific steps and consider professional service for persistent or complex issues.

How to reset dodge charger pcm?

To reset the Dodge Charger's PCM (Powertrain Control Module), you can perform a hard reset by disconnecting both battery terminals for at least 30 minutes, or use a specialized OBD2 scanner to reset the transmission control module (TCM) or clear adaptive memory. Another method is to perform a throttle re-calibration procedure. A hard reset is a more comprehensive option, while a scanner or throttle reset are more specific and faster.
 
Hard reset (battery disconnection)

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. 
• To ensure a full discharge, connect the two battery cables together (not the terminals) for about 5 minutes. 
• Reconnect the battery terminals, positive first, then negative. 
• The vehicle will need to relearn settings, so allow it to idle for 5 minutes and then drive it normally to relearn shifting patterns. 

This video demonstrates how to disconnect the battery cables to reset your Dodge Charger's PCM: 56sFixITYouTube · Jun 18, 2025
OBD2 scanner method

• Plug an OBD2 scanner into the diagnostic port (usually under the dashboard). 
• Turn the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine). 
• Navigate to the transmission control module (TCM) or powertrain control module (PCM) section in the scanner's menu. 
• Select the option to clear codes, reset keep alive memory (KAM), or perform a relearn procedure. 
• After the reset, turn the ignition off for about a minute, then start the car and let it idle. 
• Take the vehicle for a test drive to allow it to relearn its driving patterns. Avoid hard acceleration for the first few miles. 

Throttle re-calibration 

• Turn the ignition key to the "on" position, but do not start the engine.
• Wait for all of the dashboard lights to turn off.
• Slowly press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.
• Slowly release the pedal until it is all the way back up.
• Turn the key to the "off" position and then start the engine. 

How do I reset a charger?

First locate the breaker switch and flip it to the off. Position. Then wait a few minutes to allow the system to reset after the waiting period switch the breaker back to the on position.

How do you hard reset your vehicle?

First then the positive. And let the car sit for about 15. Minutes if you want to Deeper reset. Press the brake pedal for 30 seconds to drain any leftover power from the system.

How to do a hard ecu reset?

To perform an ECU hard reset, you can disconnect the battery's negative terminal, connect it to the positive terminal for several minutes to drain residual power, and then reconnect it. Another method involves removing the ECU fuse for a short time. After a reset, start the car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the ECU to relearn and recalibrate itself, as shown in this YouTube video. 
You can watch this video to learn how to perform an ECU reset by disconnecting the battery and using a jumper cable: 1m2CarProsYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Battery disconnect method

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal . 
2. Isolate the negative cable: so it cannot accidentally touch the terminal. 
3. Connect a jumper cable: from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. 
4. Wait 15 to 30 minutes: to allow all power to drain from the ECUs and other modules. 
5. Remove the jumper cable: and reconnect the negative battery terminal securely. 
6. Turn the ignition to the "on" position: for 10-15 seconds without starting the engine. 
7. Start the car and let it idle: for about 5 minutes with all accessories off to allow the engine to relearn idle settings. 

Fuse method

1. Locate the ECU/ECM fuse: in your vehicle's fuse box by checking the diagram on the fuse box cover. 
2. Remove the fuse: carefully, and wait for a few seconds. 
3. Reinsert the fuse, making sure it is seated securely. 
4. Start the engine. The ECU will reset, and the check engine light may turn off. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the ECU by pulling the fuse: 56sThe Midnight GarageYouTube · Jan 13, 2017
Post-reset procedure

• After the ECU has been reset, drive the vehicle normally for a few hundred miles to allow it to fully recalibrate to your driving style. 
• The ECU will perform a "relearning" process, which may take a few minutes to a few days to complete, according to ancel.