How to Reset a BMS: The Definitive 2025 Guide
Struggling with a locked-out BMS? Learn the simple steps to safely reset your Battery Management System, from soft resets to using tools. Get your battery working again!
Before diving into BMS resets, it's important to understand what the battery management system does and how it works. Put simply, a BMS is an electronic system that monitors and manages a rechargeable battery or battery pack.
Resetting the BMS is only necessary when the system malfunctions or the battery isn't performing as usual. Resetting the BMS restores the system to its default settings, allowing it to make adjustments to battery performance according to the vehicle. The reset helps extend a car battery's lifespan by ensuring efficient power use.
Some vehicles have a manual reset procedure that involves holding the brakes to drain any remaining power in the actuators. Reconnect the 12V battery and close the hood. Power up the vehicle and perform a test drive. The BMS will now begin relearning the battery parameters. It may take a few drive cycles for the range estimate to be accurate again.
Non-electric vehicles don't have complex battery management systems like those used on electric vehicles. However, newer non-EVs do have a basic system to manage the battery, so on a non-EV, a BMS reset might be necessary after a 12-volt battery replacement or a system malfunction.
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