Does not change the fact that it is common on many makes for the ECM to clear the learned memory when the battery is disconnected. I see it on many vehicles from Audi, BMW, VW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Mercedes, Honda, Lexus. It depends entirely on how they store the learned data. On some they have a small back-up battery or a large capacitor that can hold the memory for an hour or so. On others it clears almost instantly. Then the PCM loads default values that may or may not allow the engine to idle or even run depending on how it has been maintained and how worn it is.
As an example take a dirty throttle body. The plate can no longer close properly because of carbon build up. The PCM learned how to keep it idling correctly by adding more air through the IACV or by holding the plate farther open to maintain the correct speed. Now you disconnect the battery. The PCM is wiped and loads the default idle setting. That setting however no longer functions because of the build up inside the throttle bore or IACV. So the engine will not idle, it might buck and misfire or stall because it is not getting proper fuel.
On some vehicles you use a scan tool to trigger a re-learn, just the same as triggering a KAM reset if you replaced a cam or crank sensor.
On others you perform the reset by just driving the vehicle around.
Tuesday, September 19th, 2017 AT 2:27 AM