I realize it hasn't been out long but wondering if there are enough members who've gotten the "L" reflash (or very new cars) to compare notes. I missed the new version by a few hundred slots in the VIN sequence...

It would be particularly useful if there are a number of folks who kept mileage records before and after. Also interested in any performance changes, either subjective or otherwise.

...as a note to other mods, i'd really like to keep this poll in this section.

I had this reflash done on 2/24. Mileage improvements are at best .5mpg, and it is difficult to tell much improvement below 3500rpm.

It does appear to have more spunk above that.

With weather changing and summer gas now available, mpg right now will be hard to reconcile with winter driving.

Hard to know yet, flashed on Monday, does seem a little smoother, but the weather is warmer too. Time will tell on mileage.

Originally posted by Spin9k
Hard to know yet, flashed on Monday, does seem a little smoother, but the weather is warmer too. Time will tell on mileage.

What did you tell your dealer to get it done? Did you have a CEL or flooding problems, or did he just do it because you asked?

It seems a litttle spunkier to me, but it's hard to tell since my car has a misfire while warm, both before and after the reflash. Gas mileage is the same.

I asked my dealer to do it and they said everything was already up to date. Where is this sticker located with the L calibration part number?

Originally posted by Gyro
What did you tell your dealer to get it done? Did you have a CEL or flooding problems, or did he just do it because you asked?

I didn't tell him to do it, but I asked what my ECU level was "is it rev L?", when I picked it up. He said "Umm, Rev L, what do you mean? I explained the part no w/the letter 'L' at the end. He said, "Well they checked the ECU (cause I had mentioned to them a single flooding event back in Dec) and they got no codes." He continued that, "he forgot to write it up, but the tech updated it to the latest one anyway."

Now THAT'S service!!

:D (Seacoast Mazda, Portsmouth NH)

PS also cound not find any sticker, or mark that reflected the rev done. Don't know where they hide it if it is there (checked underhood and glovebox).

Where is this sticker located with the L calibration part number?

They put my sticker on the front lip of the hood, near the latch.

no stickers...what is the VIN range on the flashes?

(I posted my questions in Canzoomer section as well. Need this info soon...)

I am getting mine done today. Plan to do the oil-needle procedure...what is the last point about?

---> "Drive the vehicle and confirm misfire related DTCs are not stored" <--- how do i confirm if DTCs are not stored? what is a DTC?

Also, are they going to replace any parts related to "L" reflash?


Regards,
Max.

Originally posted by Maximus
(I posted my questions in Canzoomer section as well. Need this info soon...)

I am getting mine done today. Plan to do the oil-needle procedure...what is the last point about?

---> "Drive the vehicle and confirm misfire related DTCs are not stored" <--- how do i confirm if DTCs are not stored? what is a DTC?

Also, are they going to replace any parts related to "L" reflash?


Regards,
Max.

Most all of the warranty work TSB's will say to drive the vehicle after work is completed.

A DTC is Mazda's term for a code that is stored in the PCM (ECU) memory. The codes number represents a specific area or sensor that is reporting a problem. Some DTC's become MIL's. MIL means Malfuction Indicator Light....or as others call it, CEL...Check Engine Light.


Ater your PCM is reflashed, the Mazda tech should run diagnostics again to see if any new DTC's are stored.

No actual parts are changed in your vehicle during a reflash. It is just a software upgrade. Like a new driver for your video card.

Great info! So PCM stores different types of DTCs. MIL or CEL is one type of DTC. PCM, ECU, DTC, MIL, CEL :) I think we should have a thread for all the acronyms!

My vehicle doesn't have the CEL problem. Looks like the diagnostics will not return a bad DTC before or after the reflash.

Originally posted by epitrochoid
no stickers...what is the VIN range on the flashes?

To see if your PCM is at the 'L' calibration or higher, you can do the following test:
Insert key, turn key past 'acc' to 'on' position (but don't turn completely to 'ign'). Tap the brake pedal 20+ times within 8 seconds or so- if the oil pressure gauge needle sweeps from low to middle, and back to low, then you have the latest PCM flash (or a new car that came from the factory with the latest calibration).

I tried this last week and nothing happened... and on Tuesday after picking up my 8 after recall work and reflash was done, it worked as described indicating the dealer did what they said they would do.

More details on what this little test is about can be found on this TSB:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-007.htm

Excellent info, this info should be in the RX-8 wiki.

I just got my car back from the dealer. They did the "L" flash and I confirmed it by 20-pedal procedure. I'll write back with any gas mileage difference.

Negligible mileage improvement (maybe from 19 to 19.5), and the car to me feels more sluggish in the midrange. It feels smoother from 6-9000 RPM, whereas before it was giving me a kick that I could really feel - I think I liked that better. If I could go back without getting CELS again, I would.

I did the brake pedal test, and it seems like I don't have the latest flash. My engine seems to run just fine, no MIL's. Gas mileage is leaves a bit to be sought after, but other than that it runs fine. I'll get it before I go stage 1, but until then, should I even bother?

Great info! Will go and run the verification test.

If negative on the test, should I simply ask the dealer for the L reflash, even if I'm not getting any CELs?

From my experience with the flash I am seeing much improved mpg's. Before I was lukcy to hit 100 miles at half tank and I am now consistently seeing above 130 at half tank. I would have to agree that it did change the characteristics of the car some but shifting from 1st to 2nd is much cleaner as it has always has been comparing to 2nd to 3rd. It has more pick up and less hesitation going from 1st to 2nd.

Thankx...

If you were one of the few getting 13 to 16 mpg your gunna LOVE the re-flash. Tech told me it adresses "quite a few sensor problems and the gas milage problem that Mazda won't admit to."
Before I had it done I had a Green drop in air filter and kept getting a P0102 MAF low input and a P0113 IAT sensor high input. The tech told me the re-flash would take care of it and so far it has. Really didnt notive a performance increase or decline.
Re-flash # N3H6-18881-L 6 SPEED
# N3H4-18881-L AUTO
No I'm not smart enough to tell you what the heck the sensor codes are or mean. Just what the service tech documented.

Originally posted by hac
If you were one of the few getting 13 to 16 mpg your gunna LOVE the re-flash. Tech told me it adresses "quite a few sensor problems and the gas milage problem that Mazda won't admit to."
Before I had it done I had a Green drop in air filter and kept getting a P0102 MAF low input and a P0113 IAT sensor high input. The tech told me the re-flash would take care of it and so far it has. Really didnt notive a performance increase or decline.
Re-flash # N3H6-18881-L 6 SPEED
# N3H4-18881-L AUTO
No I'm not smart enough to tell you what the heck the sensor codes are or mean. Just what the service tech documented.
The tech is full of crap. L calibration does not address airflow meter / IAT code problems. Those codes are set by the airflow meter. If you installed a filter, the oil in some filters can damage the airflow meter element. Or, the airflow meter was unplugged with the ignition on. Since Mazda has never released information regarding fuel economy improvements with the "L" calibration, how would a dealer tech know?? Sounds like the dealer is telling people what they want to hear (kind of like this forum) rather than actual facts.

Originally posted by wakeech
...as a note to other mods, i'd really like to keep this poll in this section.

big bed

*** MOD EDIT: Offensive picture removed. ***

Picked up my 8 last Friday from the dealer. Had the recall work done plus asked to have the latest "L" flash for the ECU. I sited poor gas milage and a CEL once in a while. According to his tech notes, car was up to Mazda specs. So did I already have the L flash, or did the mechanic never look into it?
Brought the 8 home to see and performed as per G8rboy and the TSB. It confirmed that they did not flash my car.
Called the dealer today and explained. Poor gas milage and speicfied that I would like to have the latest flash. Even sited the TSB on how to check. They said they will do it. Remains to be seen however. I'm still giving them the chance. I'm also playing the "nice" customer for now. It seems to work so far. They are responsive and courtious. Even giving me a free loaner (3 or 6, my choice).
Not bringing it in until the 25th though. I'll chime back in to let you know.
BTW, also origianlly mentioned problems about misfire at idle (cold and warm engine). When I droped my 8 off, it was would misfire most of the time. When I got it back, there was no hint of misfire for the first couple of days. Although it sounds like its comming back again.
Could the dealer of used something like Chevron Techron or some sort of injection cleaner?
Al

OK, so I recently got the "L" upgrade. Strange, but it seems that the TCS is a bit less restrictive.

I used to enjoy freaking out my wife by peeling out with TCS still active, so it would only screech for a brief instant before cutting the fuel to slow down. Now, however, the burn marks I leave are at least twice as long, sometimes three times as long. This means that it takes significantly longer between when the wheels start spinning and when the TCS kicks in.

I recently had my oil changed and had the dealer check for some codes. Had one happen last week. I was fortunate enough to watch the tech use his notepad pc to hook up to the car to run a diagnostics. No codes found. Told him about the Firmware "L" update. He had the pc check my car for the update, it did not have the reflash and he asked me if I wanted it done. Update was done in 5 mins. Hopefully this will also smooth out the rough idle issue.

And to boot I picked up my workshop manual from the dealer at a discounted price :)

I too just picked up my car today after having the air bag recall work done. I had asked if they would reflash the car and the service writer said he would put it down. Later when I called he said that the mechanic hooked my car up and quoting from the service write-up, " All parameters, everything is where it supposed to be. Could not complete reflash."

I am not sure what that means exactly, but when I picked the car up they told me a reflash wouldn't change anything. I guess I should do the brake tap test to see if I already have the "L" version.

Otherwise, the car seems the same as when I dropped it off. (Cleaner where they opened the air bag panel.)

mm

Positron,
Thats what they told me. I did the check for the L flash as mentioned above to make sure. I sending it in again and am demanding the flash. Weather the tech thinks it does something or not, I want it done. CZ ECU will be next.
Al

Originally posted by my10ae
I recently had my oil changed and had the dealer check for some codes. Had one happen last week. I was fortunate enough to watch the tech use his notepad pc to hook up to the car to run a diagnostics. No codes found. Told him about the Firmware "L" update. He had the pc check my car for the update, it did not have the reflash and he asked me if I wanted it done. Update was done in 5 mins. Hopefully this will also smooth out the rough idle issue.

And to boot I picked up my workshop manual from the dealer at a discounted price :)

Wow, now that sounds like a cool dealership.

Originally posted by 80CuIn
Positron,
Thats what they told me. I did the check for the L flash as mentioned above to make sure. I sending it in again and am demanding the flash. Weather the tech thinks it does something or not, I want it done. CZ ECU will be next.
Al

Hmm.. there's a thread where the L and the new CZ had an issue.. I'm leary on the combo.. What if the L reacts differently on different cars.. is this even possible??

RX-Nut,
Unless things have changed last I read, CZ recomends the L flash before the ECU mod. There was also mention of a modification to his ECU mod (a mod for a mod).
I'll check again.

Al

RX-Nut,
Opps. Your right. There seem to be problems.

Al

Actually, it is a bit too early to say. four guys are reporting the "clang", all with different setups, from mid grade gas to, yes, the stage 1.1.

"L" flash does not exist...........or so i am told by a service rep who called Mazda engineers. This is all just a big joke you are all playing on me, due to my on going "crappy idle" issue!!!!!

Originally posted by oosik
"L" flash does not exist...........or so i am told by a service rep who called Mazda engineers. This is all just a big joke you are all playing on me, due to my on going "crappy idle" issue!!!!!

Yep- This is the world's most complex practical joke at your expense :)

just got it done today... verified with the brake test/oil needle sweep.

Engine seems smoother at idle and across the powerband. Also seems a bit more powerful. There's a hairpin turn that goes up a hill on the way home that I usually accelerate out of and this time when I took it, the DSC went on for the first time. It could be placebo affect but we'll see.

-n

I swear, they (service center manager) insists that I have the latest flash, but I don't get the needle sweep.

[thread hi-jack]
I was also told my crappy idle is due to the rich mixture at idle, any rotorheads confirm this, I personaly have not read anything that specific here on the forums. Even when i posted a new thread about my idle. This info, as well, came from Mazda Line Engineers.[/thread hi-jack]

oosik...
Several folks claim that the "L" improved their idle. Try another dealer. Bring along the tech service bulletins showing the reflash part number.

i'll be heading to Mobile, AL monday for a couple of weeks, so while I'm there i'll check around........

I still think this is an elaborate joke on me. all of you are against me. i can smell your hate and discontent for the oosik, but the oosik shall rise up and prevail!!!!!

Ok. I tried the brake tap test and got NO response from the oil needle. So I guess I don't have the "L" flash. I will take the car to the dealer again in early April for the next oil change and I will try again to get the flash. The car still runs fine, I'm just in the 15 to 18 mpg range and was hoping that the re-flash would help.

mm

I have an early (07xx VIN) AT, and asked my dealer to reflash with the L. The tech says he called Mazda tech about my car, mentioning my low mileage complaints, and was told that there was no reflash for my car. The dealership has been willing to do other fixes, including the oil pan. I don't quite know what to make of all this. In the meantime, my engine runs OK except for low mileage, so I'm not going to push things.

Mitch-

The tech is wrong ... see my thread:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22976

and particularly the link to this TSB:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-010-04.html

The new PCM calibration part number AND file name are clearly identified.

From a performance standpoint, I have seen a significant improvement ... as for mileage .... I'm waiting to see, but with the performance improvements, it may not be a fair test of mileage just now ;-)

I called Mazda Faulkner in Philadelphia today, and they personally have never heard of the "L" reflash, does anyone here have the service bulletin link ( which I cant find ) or proof of such a thing?

Thanks guys.
Wayne

i have my car in for the recalls and they told me they would have to call mazda about the reflash. after they talked to mazda they said it wasnt covered under warranty. i called mazda and somebody from mazda is talking to my dealer now.

Perhaps I should call them - they obviously have no idea in this area.

>does anyone here have the service bulletin link ( which I cant find ) or proof of such a thing?

The "L" is a U.S. version ... referenced by MNAO

Look here:

http://www.finishlineperformance.co.../01-010-04.html

As for warranty ... no it is not covered under warranty ... it is however provided by at least some dealers as a customer satisfaction/good will gesture. My tech said they were billing MNAO based on "customer complains of loss of power".

Well fellas,
Based on this new service bulletin, the dealer should definitely know about the "L" flash and in fact are required to do the "L" update for all flooding cases (step 8 and 9).
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-011-04.htm

No more denying that the "L" is available.

"Quote"
Sounds like the dealer is telling people what they want to hear (kind of like this forum) rather than actual facts.

Sorry Mazda Monkey. I'll state the facts.
1. I screwed up on the post. I took the car in for a CEL and they
found the MAF code and ITA code. Loose wire on MAS was
cause stated by tech. Fact..shoulda explained it better in
orignal post.
2. Had ITA code before a few times. Fact..have not had it since
Re-flash. Code addressing issue???
3. Was getting 16mpg no matter how easy you drove and would
get as little as 11 pushing it. Fact..I now get 16 to 21
depending on driving style. Fuel consumption issue?????
4. This dealer has reflashed 26 RX8's. Fact. Directly from tech and
manager. "All the ones complaining about mpg have seen a large increase in mpg". Fuel consumption issue???
5. Had do do to have the re-flash done again after the first time
due to a detonation problem. Was told that something went
wrong or "didn't take" the first time.
Fact. All runs well now.
6. Fact ....no I dont spell worth a hoot but I get my point across.
7. Fact... Man this is a Fantastic forum. There are some very helpful people (rotarygod) and I would like to thank all that post for there information and experiences, usefull or not. IF someone has a problem with what they see on the forum you alway have the ablity to exit and stay gone.

Wayne,
Around a month ago I called Faulkner too. They had no idea what an "L" flash was. Service manager gave me a difficult time.
So simple, I tried another dealer (North Penn in Colmar). Explained how Faulkner didn't want to work with me and was looking for another dealer for my service. The service manager asked me to bring the car in (also getting recall work done), and they would see what they could do.
Got the car back (last week). In the tech documentation, all recall work was completed, but the flash was never done. Tech stated that car was up to spec.
Brought the car home and noticed it was smoother at idle. So did they do the flash? Performed the brake/oil sweep test and confirmed that the flash was not done.
Called North Penn Mazda and rerequested the flash. Service manager assured me that they will have it taken care of. Bringing it in for the flash on the 25th.
You may want to call them as well. Maybe we can go in together. You know a united front?
Al

Has anyone noticed a difference with their DSC/TCS system and the 'L' flash? I have definitely observed my TSC skid warning light does not come on nearly as much- in fact I can't remember seeing it since the reflash. I was wondering about it this morning so I broke the back-end loose a couple times taking on from a light since the roads are slick, and the light never came on, although I could feel DSC/TCS intervene. I also feel like it's a little less intrusive now, but that's a little more subjective and harder to judge.

Anyone else notice this? I wonder if people were complaining to Mazda about the flashing warning light while they were driving, and something in this flash addressed it.

I've seen mine more often since the reflash.. could be the rain

Originally posted by G8rboy
Has anyone noticed a difference with their DSC/TCS system and the 'L' flash? I have definitely observed my TSC skid warning light does not come on nearly as much- in fact I can't remember seeing it since the reflash. I was wondering about it this morning so I broke the back-end loose a couple times taking on from a light since the roads are slick, and the light never came on, although I could feel DSC/TCS intervene. I also feel like it's a little less intrusive now, but that's a little more subjective and harder to judge.

Anyone else notice this? I wonder if people were complaining to Mazda about the flashing warning light while they were driving, and something in this flash addressed it.

Originally posted by Irish_in_a_RX8
I called Mazda Faulkner in Philadelphia today, and they personally have never heard of the "L" reflash, does anyone here have the service bulletin link ( which I cant find ) or proof of such a thing?

Thanks guys.
Wayne

This is quite intriguing. I brought my car into Faulkner on the 10th--two days before your posting--and I discussed the L-reflash with them and showed them a printout of information from this forum. So, clearly, they had heard of the L reflash. Maybe, thinking more charitably, they meant that they hadn't heard of the reflash from some higher authority than a mere customer.

Or, maybe not.

Originally posted by guy321
I've seen mine more often since the reflash.. could be the rain
This is really odd... I hope that something in my flash didn't disable my DSC/TCS. With the wet roads this morning I tried again to light up the TCS skid indicator unsuccessfully. Twice taking off from a light, and once doing a high RPM shift from first into second, I managed to get the wheels to spin pretty good, and no blinky TCS light at all. Now I'm wondering if it's working at all... for my own edification can someone refresh my memory- the TCS icon does light up in straight line wheel slippage, right? (not just lateral slippage)?

I had the re-flash and re-calls done, picked it up today.
I had to bribe my service writer....but he did it.
They did a great job and even washed my car.
After the "L" re-flash it seems a little slower, and not as powerfull.
Perhaps after I drive it more, but for now no improvement at all.
I was getting 12 MPG driving hard before the flash.....only time will tell.
I do love the car even with all the quirks.

The Baller

Guys I printedup the TSB and tookit to one of the dealersthat said they didnt know anything about the new firmware. The rep readover the entire thing and thenpulled up the VIN #of my car. They saidthey weregoing to go check it out but then when they noticed that my VIN came before the specified ones on theTSB http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-010-04.html theytold me theres no way they would upgrade my firmware sincemy car was not applicable for the repair accordingto the TSB. I then triedto plead w/him and saidis it really a big dealto just update my cars firmware? He stood byhis words and said the car doesnt need it. How amI supposed to get the L reflash now??

It's really very simple ...

I brought my car in today for the recalls and an oil change.

I asked the service rep to have the PCM updated to the latest version. I showed him the TSBs that contain the calibration code and WDS filename. I told him that I wanted the update and if he did it I would give them the highest marks on the survey that Mazda will send me in a few days to rate the service provided by the dealer. While I made no specific threats, it was probably clear to him that I would give low marks if they didn't do it.

When I got home with the car this evening, I did the brake pedal test to confirm that the update was done.

Now I will test to see if I get any mpg and/or performance improvements. My initial reaction was that it did seem to be idling a bit smoother and a little smoother acceleration as well.

Originally posted by derwankel

Look here:

http://www.finishlineperformance.co.../01-010-04.html



My browsers aren't showing that as a complete address. If I go to finishlineperformance.com I don't find an easy way to access TSBs. Can anybody give me the complete link or point me to other references?

I will space it outfor you.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/ rx8/ docs/ 01-010-04.html

Copy that into theaddress part and removeall the spaces

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/

Bookmarked!

Thanks!