How Can I Perform CASE Relearn without a Scan Tool?

Tim Miller

Do you think it is time to perform CASE relearn, and why do you need it?

Different situations can necessitate this process. You need to know why you should do CASE relearn and when to do it. Especially, you can perform the CASE relearn without an expensive scanner. Thus, this article will trigger this procedure and how to do it.

BONUS: Best OBD2 Scanners With Relearn Abilities 2023

What Is CASE Relearn?

what is case relearn
Crank Angle Sensor Error (CASE) relearn is to realign the position between camshaft and crankshaft sensors. This process is vital for your vehicle; you need to know when and how to do it.

A Crank Angle Sensor Error (CASE) relearn is a process of realigning the position between the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. Your vehicle system uses this relationship to determine advanced misfires. Indeed, CASE relearning is necessary, and you need to know when to perform it.

Read more: Bad CAMshaft position sensor: symptoms, causes, and test guide

When Do I Need To Perform CASE Relearn?

CASE relearn is needed when the crank position sensor is bad, belt stretches, or a combination of both. It is essential to know the underlying reasons, and the details below will show you.

Faulty Crankshaft Sensor

faulty crankshaft sensor
When the crankshaft sensor is damaged, it affects the ECM and shows you the need for a replacement. After replacing the crankshaft sensors, a CASE relearn is required to be done.

A crankshaft sensor can fail when it is damaged. In this case, the engine control module (ECM) will not know where the cylinders are and how fast they rotate. Thus, this cripples the ECM, which loses control of those processes such as fuel injection, spark ignition, and valve timing.

A faulty crankshaft position sensor is associated with the following symptoms:

  • Blinking Check Engine Light
  • Difficulty in starting the vehicle
  • Frequent stalling or misfiring of the vehicle
  • Excessive engine vibration

The above signs indicate that you need to replace the crankshaft position sensor. Then, a CASE relearn should be done.

Timing Chain/Belt Stretch

The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor are linked by a timing chain/belt. The continuous operation of the car causes small increments in the size of this chain. These small increments can eventually accumulate to be significant enough to alter the relationship between the sensors’ positions.

timing chain or belt stretch
A timing chain/belt connects the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor. Once the belt stretches, it could lead to misfires. Thus, CASE relearning is necessary to restore the relationship between the two sensors.

This change will make the powertrain control module (PCM) notice the differences between the set and real valves. Therefore, it leads to the possibility of misfires.

However, the error can be rectified by performing CASE relearn. The process allows the PCM to recognize the change and adjust its valve timing commands to match the new position.

In the above cases, CASE relearning is crucial to restoring the relationship between the two sensors. Failure to do it will increase the prevalence of misfiring and stalling of the car. Eventually, the vehicle will not even start.

If you replace an engine, balancer shaft, gear, timing chain tensioner, PCM, ECM, or module, you might also need to perform a CASE relearn. Replacing any of the above-listed parts is likely to alter the timing chain slack or tension. So, it is vital for PCM to notice and adjust accordingly.

How Can I Perform CASE Relearn Without A Scanner?

CASE relearning is doable without a scan tool. Follow the steps below to perform it successfully.

Automotive scanners offer you the fastest way to perform CASE relearn, but what if you do not have the device or your vehicle is not supported? That is why this article highlights the steps you can take to recalibrate the PCM without scan tools.

Follow these steps promptly for a successful manual CASE relearn.

perform case relearn without a scanner
  • Switch off all the accessories. Check the air and coolant temperatures. Start the engine and let it idle in Park or Neutral mode for two minutes when the difference between the two readings is 5 degrees Celsius.
  • Step on the accelerator pedal to bring the vehicle to 55 mph at part throttle and cruise at this speed for 8-10 minutes or until the engine attains the operating temperature.
  • Cruise for another 5-6 minutes at 55 mph
  • Slowly release your feet from the accelerator pedal to decelerate the vehicle to 45 mph without stepping on the brake pedal. Keep this speed for one more minute.
  • Perform four deceleration cycles of 25 seconds each, at a speed of your choice, returning to 45 mph for 15 seconds after each and every cycle. Perform this procedure without stepping on the brake.
  • Speed up to 55 mph and maintain the speed for 2 minutes.
  • Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle with the transmission in Neutral mode (manual car) or Drive mode (automatic car) for two minutes with both brake and clutch pedals fully pressed. That should complete the CASE relearn procedure.

Conclusion

You can still perform a CASE relearn without a scan tool after replacing the crankshaft position sensor or other reasons mentioned in this article. The procedure described here has a high chance of success in a variety of vehicle models. Let us know if it works for you or your thoughts about it in the comment section. You can also check our other posts on related topics.

Read more: Bad crankshaft position sensor: Symptoms, causes, and fixes

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