Well, although I was experiencing no CEL's or flooding issues, I decided to request the latest and greatest update available. My car was built 09/03, and already came with the flash that fixed most of the CEL's. The service writer listened to me, as I explained that I loved the car and wasn't going to come in here claiming some lie that my car flooded (but...that I miraculously got it restarted), or that I get an occasional CEL flashing. I was blunt, and explained what I'd read from a previous thread, " That I felt spending nearly 30K for a car should entitle me to the upgrades that are available, even if I didn't show the symptoms needed to validate them :-) I offered to even pay for it, within reason, and explained the benefits I'd heard of after having the "L" or later reflash. He understood, and wrote "Seeing oil pressure indicator light" on the work order, and it was handled. So, all of you out there, please don't embarass yourself by claiming a CEL when they go pull the codes, they'll know you are lying, and that's never good. As far as performance enhancement, YES!!!! The car idles smoother, and throttle response is definitely improved. The car feels to have more torque in the midrange of the RPM range. The dealer told me I was getting "M", which was just available to this dealer... get this TODAY! I'M very thankful indeed. I bought the guy a dinner gift certificate, for all his help. It paid to be honest, and that feels good.

sounds like the m flash is worth getting then I'm getting mine done tuesday im looking forward to it now.

Originally posted by RX8GUY73
.... He understood, and wrote "Seeing oil pressure indicator light" on the work order, and it was handled. So, all of you out there, please don't embarass yourself by claiming a CEL when they go pull the codes, they'll know you are lying, and that's never good. ......It paid to be honest, and that feels good.

Let's be honest here!

LOL :), so if it paid for you to be honest, but then it paid for the dealer to be DIShonest (you gave him dinner, Mazda NA gave the dealership warranty work money!), honesty is the best policy?

A nice thought, but.... We need to work on Mother Mazda, Japan, so MNA can be honest and let all dealers dispense ECU upgrades without.... fibin.... and owners fibin to the dealers.

Sorry LOL again! :D Honest MAY be the best policy, but fur sure laughter is the best medicine!

"Honesty" would also include Mazda admitting that the car is making about 210 HP, and giving me another $1000 back.

(If -9 HP = $500, and Miata owners got $1500 for a similar issue, it doesn't sound so unreasonable)

Speaking of "honesty" and HP, I was talking to my service guy today after my reflash and told him that I didn't think that the car was making 238 to the crank. He said "honestly, it's putting out about 220." Then I told him that I doubted it because I had my car on the dyno last month and only got 168 which would equivilate to a little over 200hp to the crank.

... and I thought I read "honesty" in this post.

Yay for honesty! :D My momma always told me not to tell a fib, and that two wrongs never make a right. It simplifies your life and you always know that if you wind up getting the stinky end of the stick, it wasn't maybe because you lied. ;)

Mine's goin in like yours did - routine pit stop + both recalls + the fog lights don't turn on for some reason + probably will get the reflash. I'm gonna specify "M", thanks.

When I called-in yesterday, the guy was like, don't bother me with the whys, just tell me what you want us to do. I hope it goes that way tomorrow. If cornered at that time, I'm gonna complain about low mpg + a few hestitent starts that had me wondering how close it was to flooding. That oughtta do it. :)

I hope canzoomers latest stage 1 is good with this new "M" flash. My stage 1 is about to ship, so it'll have the newest program that's been tweeked for the "L" flash... Canzoomer said he was gonna get the "M" flash himself.

Hey CZ - wuddup wit da "M" flash - I'ze gotts ta know rat nayow!

Dealership just told me they did the flash...can't wait but I will have to do the check also! "M" here I come!

M is great. You can tell the difference the second you drive it. I can shift better and then engine even sounds smoother. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't put you back in your seat like it used to above 5k RPM. More of a gradual pressure than a jerk...I'll get used to it. So far gas looks better also but time will tell.

Reid

Here's some text from the M-flash bulletin. It was updated yesterday!!

It is important to update the PCM to at least “M” calibration if the vehicle’s PCM currently contains an earlier version.
The “M” calibration contains software logic to prevent possible no start concerns. Because of this revision,
all vehicles with previous calibrations should be updated to at least the “M” calibration level. This includes vehicles
coming to the dealer for repairs unrelated to the no start concern, or normal scheduled maintenance.

Yeah, that's great news! I just mentioned this in the sticky thread up top. Here's the link for those interested in reading the new bulletin.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-011-04-1273d.pdf

I just got my PCM reflashed last week. Is there a way to tell if I got the M flash? I definitely have the L flash since I did the brake pump test (20 in 8 secs) and saw the oil gauge sweep.

My mechanic didn't seem to know what version he flashed. He just flashes it and said it was too complex to explain. He threw out some numbers instead of a letter for the revision.

Have them check. If you don't have the "M" they have to reflash again according to the TSB.

ya see that just shows mazda is watching. all of the concern on here about flooding, all the talk about L flash and how some dealers (including mine) wouldn't give it, some of us saying we would maybe jsut flood it on purpose if it had to have a problem to get the flash- result now everyone gets updated to at least M.

sometimes they do listen!

I just called my dealer. He literally told me that I should say that it cranks but won't start and they'd do the flash.

I called my dealer....they made an appt for me without any fuss...I get the flash on Friday morning. I hope I have this much luck with the service dept throughout my ownership!!

Okay guys... i went to the dealer yesterday and got my flash....

Im in Canada so im not sure if they had the M yet... i probably got the L..

but anyhow i tried the 20 brake pedal test and nothing happened?

Am i doing anything wrong?


But anyhow the flash is a MUST GET for sure!.... WOW what a difference!

So... my car was going into the shop tonight so they could do the protectant for the paint and interior tomorrow. Also I had a chewed up rim when I bought it so they are going to replace that tomorrow.

With the revolution of the M code being mandatory I asked them to throw it on the car. Their response? No.

"Sir, we don't just reflash ECMs"

Really.... Interesting.... So I pull out my printed out TSB and show him exactly where it says, "Because of this revision, all vehicles with the previous calibrations should be update to at least the "M" calibration level. This includes vehicles coming to the dealer for repairs unrelated to the no start concern, or normal scheduled maintenance."

Now.... I am not english major but that seems pretty obvious to me. So being the smart-alek that I am I said, "One of my vents is squeeky, please fix it. I guess that means you can flash my ECM now."

Dude... with paper in hand why even bother giving me any sort of push back? Especially since I caught this dealership NOT checking my car before selling it to me and letting me take it home with a quart of oil missing.

Ugh...

Originally posted by went_postal
So... my car was going into the shop tonight so they could do the protectant for the paint and interior tomorrow.
Well... pity you got suckered into this bogus service... this just makes the dealer get more of your money. I wonder how much did they charge you for these?

All I can say is "Hooray!". I'd probably get it flashed on my next oil change, which is quite a while from now. Now, I've heard positive results from the 'M' version, but would those who already have the 'L' version see a big difference? Another interesting point to ponder about is that with the better gas mileage and better lower/midrange response, did Mazda actually lowered the PEAK horsepower of the car?

which is beside the point of the thread. but... I'll be printing and heading to the dealership soon - well, okay, I guess I may as well call first even though they are quite near the office. BTW-my dealer tried (the finance guy anyway) hard to sell me the extended warranty since "...my exotic sports car would definitely be needing it..."[not verbatim]... I'm sure some got 'suckered' into it - but - it's not my money - and some that did will likely get their money's worth. Though I will say the 'protectant'/'sealer' stuff is mostly a profit item for dealers more than a help to the car.

Yea, it kinda makes you wonder if they had it tuned to 250hp and had to take it down a little for safety or long term wear issues.

Originally posted by Tamas
Well... pity you got suckered into this bogus service... this just makes the dealer get more of your money. I wonder how much did they charge you for these?

You know what... if it is a sucker that is fine... Mazda only warranties corrosion on the car and not any other natural effects such as fading or tree sap. Since the car I traded in for this car had paint peeling off of it I am all for the protectant. It may not actually protect anything but it does come with a five year unlimited mile warranty and they have to deal with it if anything happens to the paint.

The usual trouble with such protectant application offers is that yes, it has a 5-years warranty, but they make it sure it has disclaimers. Those disclaimers likely give them many ways to reject claims. I hope you did check the fine print very thoroughly...

Originally posted by Tamas
The usual trouble with such protectant application offers is that yes, it has a 5-years warranty, but they make it sure it has disclaimers. Those disclaimers likely give them many ways to reject claims. I hope you did check the fine print very thoroughly...

Got it covered... I grilled the heck out of them and read every scrap of paper about it. These are basically options offered by the dealer and not Mazda. My brother got it on one of his cars and it turned out to be a good thing. I live on on an acre of land and have a ton of trees... Tree sap is my biggest worry and according to their paperwork it is covered.

Originally posted by went_postal
Tree sap is my biggest worry and according to their paperwork it is covered.

Often (usually), those paint protectant warranties require that you bring the car in annually for a re-application. Sometimes (often), they get to charge you for the re-application. If you miss a re-application, they have their loophole to deny a warranty claim for the )lack of) paint protection.

Does yours require it to be inspected and re-applied annually? Cost?

Regards,
Gordon

Nope.... No annual re-application or cost. Supposedly it is another clear coat (or something like it.) To be honest, they can spray spring water on it for all I car... As long as it looks like it did when I brought it in and they honor the warranty.

Can some one e-mail me a copy of the service bulletin for the "m" reflash as I cannot get the link to work.
Thanks In advance.
Todd

tfchip1in@hotmail.com

I got mine done today and the car seems alot more responsive. It was a little work to get it done. I tried Monday when I got my car serviced but the service rep said not unless I have a problem. So today I went in with page one of service bulletin 01-011/04 dated 4/12/04 and I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Pretty sad that we have to bring in the TSB to get them to do what should be their responsibility (based on reading the TSB)!

Originally posted by DAC17
Pretty sad that we have to bring in the TSB to get them to do what should be their responsibility (based on reading the TSB)!


I agree..

Hooray! When people bitched about me bitching about my gas mileage, etc., I said that Mazda will only do something about it if they perceive that there is something to be done. If people said nothing and sat back content with their beautiful car with crappy gas mileage, would Mazda have done anything? Now before people get their britches in a bunch, I know Mazda will claim that this reflash is not related to gas mileage, lack of power, yada, yada, yada. But we know different, now don't we? I don't care if they say it's for daylight savings time, as long as it helps get me the performance that I bought.

I got the 'L' flash a couple of days ago, haven't even run a tank thru yet, but I can really agree with Mr. Demon, I don't care about the excuses, as long as it gets the job done.

"For daylight saving time".......that's classic!
.
.
.
doc

Sounds good....

So does this mean that if I get an RX8 the flooding issue is history?

You should still follow the short trip procedure - ie: don't shut the engine off cold.

Gee, I got the L flash today and I'm already behind...

Just called my stealer and and guess what? The freakin service guy says he had never heard of the M reflash. To make it worse he says there is no reflash that he is aware of. According to him the only pending recall item his stealership has dealt with is the airbag recall which I haven't done yet. Have any of you?

Originally posted by rx8miami
According to him the only pending recall item his stealership has dealt with is the airbag recall which I haven't done yet. Have any of you?

He's being sneaky/stupid - the "M" flash is NOT A RECALL, so of course it isn't a pending recall item for your car! It's a TSB - look up the TSB # on the Rosenthal (Finishlineperformance) web site, and give him the TSB #, and quote where it states that the M flash should be applied to every car, no justification needed.

Regards,
Gordon

Thanks Gord.

I just called my dealership about it and they said that another customer had come in to, but he was unaware of it. I have an appointment on Wed. to get it done. I'll post comments. He stated they only flash if you have a check engine light. Then I read him the part about all vehicle need at least the "M" flash....

My dealer gave me the runaround at first as well... It was hard for him to argue when I slapped the 12 page TSB on his desk and showed him the portion that I had highlighted.

My car went into service for a Squeaky Air Vent. =) That is how I got it flashed.

When I picked it up another guy was telling me that their biggest problem is that the owners seem to know more about the 8 than they do.

I sympathise that they have a lot to deal with but you know what... for the cost of the car they could at least put a little effort into it. It is not like we are trying to steal something from them.

I have them M and I am not sure if I am happy or not. The more miles that get on it it seems to be better. At first the car felt a bit slower than it had with the previous code. Mileage has definately gone up. Went for 17 to 20mpg. That could be from me getting used to the car though...

Time will tell.

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
He's being sneaky/stupid - the "M" flash is NOT A RECALL, so of course it isn't a pending recall item for your car! It's a TSB - look up the TSB # on the Rosenthal (Finishlineperformance) web site, and give him the TSB #, and quote where it states that the M flash should be applied to every car, no justification needed.

Regards,
Gordon

hey gord i cant find the tsb# can u please help me.

It's currently the second sticky post in this area and has a description in the first post and a link to the pdf in the second.

went_postal


Got my flash today.....dealer was like there are 8 total updates, he didnt know the letter M or L, just said the hesitation is a known problem and I did get the check engine like several times in the higher Rs on the express way.

Now, after leaving I tore outta there....and here is what i noticed......seeeeeemingly slower! I used to feel power till say 7400-7500....then a nice jolt/nudge. Now, I do notice its alot more fluid through the entire rev......do you think this is my imagination? I cant really tell...never dynoed or tracked it.....just a but dyno analysis. as for gas, only drove another 10 miles so I have no clue....but he said the flash will have the effect of smoothness and better gas milage of a car with 5k....which is how long it takes to get to optimial breakin in the sense of gas etc.

Should I complain ...i do still feel a roughness around 8k but not nearly as bad.....car only has 800 miles....maybe I need to simmer down till like 2000 miles and see what happens!

gah - i just got the L reflash as well. I don't know if i want the M reflash if it makes a noticeable diff. and feels slower!

my dealer just tried to give me the run around to. i was standing in front of him showing him the tsb. he says" well we only flash the car if it need it. we'll hook it up to diagnostics and see if we find any codes or any temp timing or other problems. we dont like to do flashes if it isn't necessary." so i read the print out loud to him again and point at it so he can follow- all vehicles even if it come in for a unrelated complaint or regular service. i went there to get a engine cover grommet- which really did go missing on sunday when i was adding oil. luckily i had that tsb with me also because he didn't seem to know about it. other wise i would have just waited another 2k miles till my next service. they have to order them(grommets) and he went over and printed out the whole 12 page hard start TSB and said he would make sure the tech had it when i came in and they would "take care of it". i'm suspicious since he didn't say "yes we will flash it to the most current flash"

Find out what level the WDS is updated to.

If they aren't at 30.6 or higher they won't be able to install the "M"

Maybe some off the confusion here is Dealers don't use the same "verbage" as the forum. Some Dealers use the update level of the WDS as the latest "reflash".

Some even have to read forums just to know what in the world you people are talking about.


Either way they at least should have the latest service bulletins since they come in e-mail format now.

Sorry about your troubles.

Mark

i had the first page of the tsb in my hand and he went a printed out the whole tsb and was still wavering. what is "WDS" and what does "30.6" mean and why would they not be able to update the pcm because of it. thanks ahead for the info.

I had my car flashed last week (don't know if it was L or M).

My take is that the power was smoothed out. I noticed that the little nudge that happened around 7K disappeared. At first I thought it was slower, but after thinking about it, I think that there used to be a bit of a power drop-off right before 7K (Ports opening?) that made it feel like there was a power boost when the mixture caught back up.

I think that it is making the same power now, just that the little drop/fluctuation is gone, so there is no feeling of a boost.
(I hope I made sense).

Originally posted by zoom44
i had the first page of the tsb in my hand and he went a printed out the whole tsb and was still wavering. what is "WDS" and what does "30.6" mean and why would they not be able to update the pcm because of it. thanks ahead for the info.


I hope this helps..

http://forum.mazda6tech.com/viewtopic.php?t=15

OH RIGHT WORLD DIANOSTIC SYSTEM oops caps. so your saying if they have updates the wds to 30.6 or whatever new update it's supposed to be on they may not be able to do the flash. that would mean they just need to update the wds and do the flash in steps or something, correct?

As the article/post I wrote in the 6tech forum tells you..the dealer has to keep up to date on the wekly updates. If they get too far behind it can take hours/days to catch up to the latest.

Some Dealers simply wait for the next "major" (30.xx)

This is not the way the system was designed to work.

BTW the minor and major update rarely tell the dealer what they are addressing or even trying to fix..My dealer pulls cars off the lot and "reverse engineers" the process..
For instance, the service tech can check one of every model in the inventory for availible updates before and after the load the latest software into the WDS and see which vehicles are affected and how. This works in most cases but not all. The module reprogram sceen for each vehicle should change when a update is listed to tell the tech what it addresses but if Mz does't flag the file to show in the WDS screen the tech really doesn't know what it does.

This is alot of investigative work most dealers just simply dont do.
Imagine if you did a MSN update and when it was done you had no idea what you just did.

I posted what my Dealer found in the "M" update if you are interested.

Originally posted by snap-on
I post what my Dealer found in the "M" update if you are interested.

Eager ears are awaiting!

I got the M done today. I called my dealer this morning, and told them about the updated TSB. The service writer said that Mazda likes to see a reason. He asked if I had any instances of hard starting. I have only had two or three instances where its taken a couple of extra seconds. I told him this, and he said that was good enough for Mazda. They were nice enough to get me in on the same day. I was in and out in less than an hour.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14453&perpage=15&pagenumber=13

I just got the "m" yesterday and it does make a noticable difference. The revs seem to sweep past a little smoother and faster and there is deffinetly a torque in crease (though small) in the lower sectons of the rmps from start to about 4000. Deffinately worth having done. Make sure you visit a dealer that has done a few RX8s already when you have it done. SOme of the smaller dealerships may not give you the service your looking for or even know about the flashes. Make your appointment today, get it done, you won't regret it.

Got the M yesterday...my dealer didn't have a copy of the TSB 'til I tossed it on his desk...had to get a 'scheduled maintenace' done before they would do it however. They also didn't have the 'M' until the mechanic remembered he could download it from the internet.

I also wrote MAZDA USA on this subject and customer satisfaction / potential sales / fixing THIER problem / etc. Got back a 'thanks for your concern...see ya' letter. Oh well.

Just take it in for an oil change and mention a rough idle. That will get it done. Bring the TSB with you when you go.

i got the flash on tuesday (4/13) and i agree with pretty much everything everyone has said. to recap:
- i don't know if torque actually increased but it certainly feels that way due to the revs being smoother.
- the 'jolt' at 5K on the highway is pretty much gone :( again, due to the smoother revving.
- much smoother shifting between gears. the revs wind down slower than before.
- haven't burned a full tank yet (filled up right when i left the dealership) but so far it looks like the gas mileage has increased significantly. with gas prcies here being insane i'll take that any day!

So I decided to take the beast in to the dealership for the "M" flash. THe dealer knew of the "L" flash but wasn't up to speed on the newest version so I took over his computer and we paid a small visit to the forum here, did a search and brought up all the threads concerning the "M". He said, "OK, I'll call Mazda and get the proper info to do the work." He was impressed with the forum and the amount of members. Later on that day when I stopped back in to pick up the car I found that it was surrounded by all the salesmen and service techs as they were checking out every inch of the car and all the different things done to it. But the main service guy I had been dealing with was no ware to be seen. I eventually found him at his desk brousing the rx8club forums. He saw me walk in and the first thing he says to me is, "this is cool", then he laughed, " I guess I won't rely on Mazda to give me the newest info on the RX8, I'll just check this site a couple times a week."

First impression getting the car back was, " hey, this feels really good." The acceleration through all gears is smoother and quicker. The RMPs seem to sweep past the numbers quicker and a litte added torque from start to 3500 is noticeable. Also, 6th gear on the freeway cruising at 70 mph, passing seems a little easier while overall throttle responce is more crisp and responsive. Bottom line, this is worth making the appointment at your dealership to have done. You will not regret it.

Also, as a side note, the reflash has had no ill effects on the K&N intake thus far.

I know this is going to sound stupid, but are the flashed inclusive? What I mean is, if you don't have "L" and go get the "M" do you get the same upgrades as the "L", plus the "M" ones? Thanks.

Youknow the tanks in my car never even make 240 miles if I have a little fun inevery drive I take by going to redline everynow and then. The onlyway I get a goodtank is if I baby the Rx8 on each trip. And the low end power definitely feels like itis missing something down there. Sometimes on the highway it really wouldbe nice to not worry about what being in the upper portionof the tachometer when I need to pass a car. I reallywould love to have sollutions to these problemsand the reflash seems like it would answer them. But one thing that I really do not want to lose is that 5000 RPM jolt. That jolt is something that really makes the car funto drive. Everyonehas said that the reflash smoothes everythingout so theres no more jolts or anything. Im not so sure I would like this very much atall. I think theRx8 would lose some of its uniqueness if it lacked thatlittle hiccup that kicks in. I think Imight just live w/the disappointments and forget about the reflash b/c I dont like the idea of losing that boost.

Originally posted by grifster
if you don't have "L" and go get the "M" do you get the same upgrades as the "L", plus the "M" ones? Thanks.

YES.

this is good news
I am going tomorrow

My dealer too has been reluctant to do anything; however, I just printed the bulletin #01-011/04 Gordon referred to and sure enough it states in the Description note section:

Cars produced before 3/12/04, itis important to update the PCM to at least the "M" calibration... this includes vehicles coming to the dealer for repairs unrelated to the no start concern... normal scheduled maintenance.

So there straight from the MNAO bulletin. At the next oil change, I am requesting it with the highlighted page as evidence.

This formum is just awsome! I've got 4300 miles on mine now and am just really begining to flog it on the backroads. I got a flashing CEL for a few seconds the other day and immeadiatly called the dealer and got 'em to look it up over the phone. I'm getting my "M" flash tomorrow morning. Doesn't sound like I'll have any problem. Definitely taking a copy of the TSB just in case.I can't wait! Hopefuly, I can get the CZ box this summer too!

How do you know what flash version is on the car? Is there a way to tell?

well today, after thinking my car is slower a bit (possibly the smoothness but the dealer did do something) i GOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT which the flash was supposed to fix. Also noticed that the gas milage, which was supposed to get better, is now on its way to possible the worst tank ive had in my 900 miles....im so not happy. have an appt this monday so ill find out more then. also on my way home tonight, just to top things off....i got my ass handed to me by an RX7 from the top of 2nd (60ish which is a good point for our cars) to till i couldnt see him anymore...heavily modded.....was fun for 2 seconds.....damn he was fast!

anyway....i look better hehe, but my car still isnt running 100%...

Originally posted by VividRacing.com
I guess I won't rely on Mazda to give me the newest info on the RX8, I'll just check this site a couple times a week."



This service writer is a lazy idiot. Rely on Mazda?, all this information is sent to the dealers, maybe he should take two freaking minutes & open his eyes to find it! Oh well, gotta blame someone else for one's stupidity.

Don't they have quality standards for dealerships? You'd think with Ford having a larger stake they would whip and shape things up a bit.

If you open up the hood and look at where the ECU is(just to the left of your battery) it will have a squence of numbers ending with what version you have. Mine originally had C, but I just got updated to L on Monday. Ill be back in next week to get M.

I just got the M Flash on Friday. I took the care in for its regular oil change and asked if they would do the flash upgrade. When I picked the car up they told me that it took them 3 hours because they had to take the car from its original H version all the way to M.

I have an AT and I have only driven today for 30 or 40 miles, BUT, there is a VERY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE in the smoothness of the auto shifting and the car seems to pull harder in manual mode. So I am very pleased with the M Flash.

Let's hear it for Rosenthal Mazda of Arlington!

I will post further reports on mileage (too soon to tell, but I am hoping it will help some) and engine performance as I drive more.

Zoom zoom,

mm

Ok, I found a link last week here to a service bulletin - 01-011/04 issued 04/12/2004 - it states in the description that in your VIN is JM1FE17**40135537 or later you have the "M" flash and do not require a updated calibration.

Well, as it would be, my VIN in below this so since my dealer in Arlington, Texas - Hiley Mazda - is going to do some interior console replacement that got scraped up during final delivery detailing, I might as well have them do the flash while they have the car.

While we're on the topic on VIN - would anybody know where or even if there is a reference site with Mazda that if I were to enter my VIN it would tell me everything about my car - mechanically and otherwise?

That would be really cool - and it would compliment my new manual I just bought, also.

Tall..........

got my flash today also

I brought the 12 page bulletin with me when I went today and the service said oh thats off the internet and not everyone gets it. Did we mail you a recall for it. And I just went start to the tech and asked him to flash it for me and he did.

My dealer/service techs are very supportive of my performance upgrades and have assured me they will cover me if any legit warranty issues come up. Since I have the only modified 8 they get to see, they want me to bring it by from time to time and take them for rides. I am sure they will do the new flash for me when I take it in this week to show them the R.E. intake, 3" mid-pipe, Borla cat-back, Racing Beat swaybar kit, and S.R. pulley set I recently installed. The cool thoing is that all this stuff can be removed in about 2 hours by myself, if I need to, and restored to stock condition. I hope I experience the same improvements everyone else seems to be enjoying.

Vivid,
Did the dealer tell you anything about your car having too mny aftermarket parts ? Did they claim that the reasons you wanted the flash done where because your is responding indifferently to the amp? The reason I ask is because I have made several mods to my car and am going in for m tomorrow. Wanna make sure they don't shoot me down on anything.

Is there a way to know if you got the M reflash like they was a way to check with L reflash ( 20 press on brake pedal and oil press. needle moving up). thank's everyone.

I took my car in a couple of weeks ago as the engine light came on, they reset it, but found no problems. Then a week later I read about the ECU upgrade on this website and looked at my report. No standard flash was done.

I took it back and said I was having trouble starting it, and asked if they could do the upgrade. The service department asked me if I had been "on the computer" and I said I had done some research. Anyway, they did an "N" flash and I saw the number on my service report. The car seems more zippy. Put in a full tank and currently am monitoring the gas mielage.

My car is BACK in service today.....after getting the latest flash I still got the check engine light and the car seemed slower then before and gas milage sucks still. They didnt know the letter flash "L" or "M", he said mazda just sends them recent flash file updates and in their computer it uses the lastest version they have. I wonder what version they do use...I wish all the dealers would read these posts, not like we know more, but its sparks questions and there are alot of good thoughs rolling around here. Alot ot products today get better from customer research vs manufacture. Just look at the computer upgrade CZ or whatever.....20-40hp gains with tweaking the computer....why cant mazda do that huh!!! oh well...still love the car, but my rental hybrid prias isnt cutting it :)

Well, the service manager was a good guy and asked me up front what I had done to the car. Being the person I am I told him everything including my future plans and all he could say was, "ahh, you'll be fine". THey never gave me any greif and when I picked it up a sales guy came up to me and told me that he used my car to sell an RX8 on the lot, to show what could be done with the car. I guess it depends upon whare you go. My advise is to go to a larger dealership that puts customer service before anything and just be honest and friendly with the service manager. I found that by demanding things you typically get the wrong responce.

my car just got flashed, but I'll tell you something. It was a royal pain to get it done. wow they acted like I was asking them to take me to area 51. they were like, flash? what's that? where did you hear of this? That sucked but once I sited all the helpfull tsb's and info you gusy have relayed they brokedown. thanks guys.

I just got the M Flash on Friday. I took the care in for its regular oil change and asked if they would do the flash upgrade. When I picked the car up they told me that it took them 3 hours because they had to take the car from its original H version all the way to M.

It takes the same amount of time to go from "H" to "M" as it does from any other level.

The only thing that could take extra time is if the computer in their shop needed updating.

thanks a bunch vivid.

My car got re-flashed last week and this week, the warning low gas light came. Didn't refill the gas and drove for another 15Kms to 20Kms and I heard a warning beep sounds. I never heard of such sound before and I didn't know what it was...though it was my watch. It would appears the new flash now includes warning beep sound when the oil level get really low...sweet!!!

I got my flashed last Friday. Also had no issues but told them that I heard of it and wondered what it was all about. Told them about this forum and all that I've learned. I didn't expect them to do it but when I picked up the car they told me that did it - I'll have to check myself to see what letter it's at - but - I have to also say - WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I immediately noticed that the car was tighter and shifted smoother and definitely had more power. That's in the automatic (although I only use the triptronic these days). Definitely worth the hassle to try and get it if your dealer says no. I gave my guy $20 to say thanks and for all the rest of what they did above and beyond the oil change I brought it in for. I wanted to make sure they remember me for the next time.

Took mine in on Thursday because of a rough idle. I asked for the L flash and the hotter plugs. The dealer performed the M flash and the idle is smooth as it was the first day. Nothing else was done to it. It seems to run better through all gears.
When I asked about the hotter plugs I was told there aren't any hotter plugs, the part number changed but the plugs are the same as factory? I wasn't going to argue with him, but has anyone else been told this?

Originally posted by galleychief
Took mine in on Thursday because of a rough idle. I asked for the L flash and the hotter plugs. The dealer performed the M flash and the idle is smooth as it was the first day. Nothing else was done to it. It seems to run better through all gears.
When I asked about the hotter plugs I was told there aren't any hotter plugs, the part number changed but the plugs are the same as factory? I wasn't going to argue with him, but has anyone else been told this?

There is a TSB that specifies a hotter grade plug for cars that do "a lot of low speed driving" (paraphrasing). It was only for leading or trailing (can't remember which). But definitely implies there are 2 heat ranges depending on your driving style and whether or not you're ending up with fouled plugs.

General rule of thumb however is to use the coldest plugs that don't result in fouling. Hotter plugs increase risk of detonation. So if your engine is running fine with the stock plugs you probably shouldn't worry about getting the hotter ones, imho. Putting the car through a hot run to "clear the plugs" is more fun than screwing in a hotter set... :p

I took my car in for an oil change and they said they flashed my car with the latest flash but when I looked at my work order it stated - "reprogramed power control module - internal failure" - Any ideas what the heck that means? - Called the service dept but they had all left for the day. Is there a check like there was for the 'L' flash that I can do? I drove home and didn't notice any difference in power or smoothness. I turned my CZ Stage 1.1 off before going in for the flash and have yet to turn it back on until I know more about whether I actually received the 'M' flash or not. Thanks in advance for any help.

my dealer drive the car until they got hte light to trigger. they say even after the flash, my car was misfiring, i hope that when they replace the plugs, which is what mazda tech told them to do, my performance will pick up. I can only think that the first 1000 miles or so the plugs take a beating so im actually glad they are doing this..they think itll solve all the issues, misfiring, hesitation, check engine light and so on. I think my car was on the lot for a winter, build date was 6/03 and that winter, and 79 various miles didnt do my plugs any good....so, new flash, new plugs.....keeping my fingers crossed but they said tech told them this has happened in the past....we shall see!

Dang it! I meant to email my service department at Hiley in Arlington to set up the M flash yesterday, but this compnay I work for expects me to actually work while I'm here(!) - can you imagine???

Anyway, last night I noticed an inconsistant idle as I waited outside a local store while my wife was inside for a quick gift pick up. A few times idle became rough and I thought it might stall. I switched off the AC that I was running at the time and it really didn't make a difference. I tapped on the gas and it smoothed back out.

Is this the "rough idle" that many are referring to and experiencing? It appears that many of you are getting this cleared up with the new flash - from what I'm reading.......

Tall.................

Spoke with the service dept. this morning. He said it is serv. protocol to put the customer complaint, the actual problem, and resolution on the serv. write-up. So in my case the write-up said, hard engine start, internal failure, reprogrammed pcm. He told me that the car was updated with the 'M' flash according to the serv. agent who took care of the car. That its the only flash that they have. It's not on my receipt or on a sticker inside the engine compartment and from what I understand there is no way to check for the update like you can with the brake test on the 'L' flash. If anyone knows any different please let me know. Frank in the serv. dept seems like a stand up guy so essentially I'm taking his word on it.

I lost about 17hp with the New Flash. But gas mileage is better... performance...icky. The car goes really smooth now through the entire RPM range, but lot less power.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26143

17hp, id be so pissed.....i wonder if i lost alot as well, my car feels slower....but its getting plugs as we speak, maybe itll come back to life but I have no way to prove it.

I just talked with Don in the Service Department at Hiley Mazda in Arlington, Tx. and he knew of the M flash, and said it would be no problem to have it done when I came in for the console replacement work. I'll report back when it happens.......

Tall........................

I got the M flash at Ferman Mazda (in Tampa) just by asking for the M flash. They said no problem.

So far I haven't seen much difference in performance, but maybe I was looking at my new MS spoiler too much.

Does anyone here actually know what the flash actually does? I've been hearing conflicting reviews, and am not sure whether to request the flash before I pick up my car (this weekend). Some people say it's faster, some say slower. Jercs' experience on the dyno seems to be the only objective evidence of either, and no es bueno. I think I'd rather follow the warming up procedures and deal with the car being a little rougher to have +~17hp, especially beacuse that 17hp is soooooo hard to regain.

Sorry for the long post, but when I read Jercs' post, I nearly sh@ myself. Any info on what the flashes actually do to the ecu would be greatly appreciated. And I'm done.

Mine also had more HP then others though. Minority Report :D 7/13 port. The RE-Intake at first lost me HP, but now gains me HP.... all due to the map I would wager.

I don't think we are loosing 17hp. My G pro numbers are much better with the "M"Reflash and better milage than the stock version.

Think about it. Mazda got into a lot of heat because of the HP fiasco. I dont think Mazda is going to reduce the hp even further.
Just my opinion.

Originally posted by rx8 dx
I don't think we are loosing 17hp. In order to acquire a better milage the mixture is leaner and therefore the compression is higher yielding more HP.
.

???
A "leaner" mixture has no influence on compression.

We might not be, but I did. I could feel a difference and the dyno agees!

I just got mine today! Wow! There's more power on the low-end. I noticed how the rpms climb faster from 1K - 5K this time. I also didn't feel any power loss on the high end, but maybe that's just me. I was flashed with "M" directly from "K". Nothing indicates that I was flashed with anything else before "M" unlike others here who mentioned they were flashed a couple times with previous versions before getting to "M".

Also, I noticed that my fuel gauge just passed the 1st 1/4 line with 80 miles on the tripmeter. That's good news for me coz I usually have 40 - 50 around that fuel level. We'll see how mileage is improved when I fill up 3 tanks after "M" flash.

Also, I got a blue sticker on my driver side door panel where it mentions when and what PCM calibration version I have. Last letter says "M". Yey Oaktree!

just got my first oil change and M flash done yesterday, it seem like when you hit 6,000rpm's you have an extra gear can't believe the difference it made.i recall another member saying the dealer did not want do his reflash unless his 8 had flooded so he intentionaly flooded the 8 .that's not how it's should happen just tell them you have had long starts and hard starts that way mazda will pay them to do the reflash ,if you dont have a problem &just want it done then it come's out of your pocket or their's

I'm getting mine done today. All cars should be at least flashed to "M" as per the TSB

Can't wait

Getting my car overhauled (laundry list of problems) next Wednesday, so I should be getting latest firmware.

I'll let you know how things look like on the Auto side (for us poor minority).

Who said you have to be poor to have an AT RX-8?

With all the power developments and info, poor referred to bad news, rather than income.

But, that being said...

I love my Auto RX-8!

"It's the car I've always wanted and now I have it. I RULE!"

Update:

Upon driving to work this morning, I noticed a couple of improvements:
- Smooth idling
- I shifted quickly to 2nd from 1st because I went up to 4000 rpms quicker this time.
- Smoother shifting (i got used to the stock form where I have to press on more gas for 2nd gear shifting compared to other gears)
- Acceleration is definitely smoother
- Here's the fun part: I usually go on the ramp of our parking lot building at 1st gear going up from 10 - 15mph. Well sometimes, I get lazy I just let it climb there to 15mph on 2nd gear. Before, 2nd gear would lug/jerk if the speed reaches below 13mph. That's when I need to shift back to 1st. This time (with the same habit) 2nd gear jerked at 9mph. I even ran 10mph with 2nd gear on and it was smooth. It has more power for the lower rpms! I could never do that before coz the 8 would start acting like it's gonna die.
- No more unburned fuel smell in the garage! That's a huge improvement there. I was always concerned when I pull out of the garage and it smelled like I was close to a gas pump at Chevron. Now it only smells like exhaust gas from common cars.

Originally posted by blue flash
just tell them you have had long starts and hard starts that way mazda will pay them to do the reflash ,if you dont have a problem &just want it done then it come's out of your pocket or their's

No need to make up stories - the lastest TSB (as of 2 weeks ago) tells the service dept that all RX-8s in for service must be flashed to the new version; no operational reasons needed.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
No need to make up stories - the lastest TSB (as of 2 weeks ago) tells the service dept that all RX-8s in for service must be flashed to the new version; no operational reasons needed.

Regards,
Gordon the dealer here in n.c told me if you do not have a problem it will cost to have this done maybe thet have not been informed yet

print it and hand it to them with the section highlighted. i had to point it out and read it out loud for them. then the guy went and printed the whole thing himself before agreeing to do it this coming friday.

just noticed that after the reflash it does not take the car as long to warm up

I got my auto rx8 m flashed last saturday.

I brought the 12 page tsb and the service manager still made a big deal about it and wasn't gonna do it.

But the tech was really nice and listened to me and hooked me up.

excuse my ignorance but what is the TSB? and where can i print it out at?

Originally posted by blue flash
just noticed that after the reflash it does not take the car as long to warm up

I've noticed that -- but also that warmer weather has arrived here .... So difficult to be scientific.

Kudos to Mazda for working on the power and mpg issue, even if they don't want to admit it. Were almost there.

I had a reaccuring check engine light. The first time they said it was a miss-fire and they replaced the spark plugs because one was fouled. The second time I took it in and they said the light was caused by a program glitch. They "flashed" me the new software ,took about an hour, and now the 8 is working great. The self test comes up (oil pressure dip)- but i don't know which software change they put in. The gas milage seems to be better. I was geting about 13mpg.

RaceBannon -

to the T exactly what happened to me.

1 got the light and they flashed my car.
2 got the light again they replaced the plugs
3 got the light again and im talking it in monday again to see what the hell thy will come up with this time.

so, im gonna tell then what happened to you....they reflashed the computer after the plugs right, and now all is well? My gas is still around 175 a tank, SUCKS! did after the last time you notice your performance back to par, mine is not doing well I dont think.

thanks for your help..I need it....very frustrating..

My dealer wouldnt do it at first, but i read the bulletin for them. And they flashed it and got an oil changed. M seems the same for me, but only had it for a day. Hopefully my 13 mpg would improve.

Originally posted by mikeb
I got my auto rx8 m flashed last saturday.

I brought the 12 page tsb and the service manager still made a big deal about it and wasn't gonna do it.

But the tech was really nice and listened to me and hooked me up.

So what was the manager's reasoning, even after reading the TSB? Curious, in case I run into same issue...

aren't some people saying that it feels like they are actually LOSING power with the M flash? I thought I read someone say that there isn't a surge of power anymore at 6-7k RPMs.

Actually, I feel that it has more power even at the 6-7k rpms. I did a couple of runs at my favorite 1-mile strip w/traffic and I can see why some think they are losing power there. The sudden kick on that range seems to be gone because the preceding rpms already made the gap closer. So the acceleration to that level is like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Compared to the stock which is like 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9.... or so. (dont take those numbers literally) get the idea?

I bet if someone runs a stock 8 with "M" flash, we will see some performance gains.

I've had my 8 since late last July. (I was one of the 1st). Somebody tell me, will I loose power with the M flash. I keep reading that the earliest 8s make more power. I've read it here and on rotary Extreme's website where they say

"We have found that the 238 HP version RX-8 stock HP rating varies from 168 rwhp to 187 rwhp._ Mazda has reflashed the ECU several times and the HP rating variance has something to do with the ECU program. We have found the first batch of RX-8 produced the most HP on the dyno._ The recent batches have on average of 170 rwhp._ Regardless of the base HP, the intake produces almost the same kind of HP gain at 8-12 rwhp at high rpm."

Now less power may make the car feel smoother. As far as all of those who say the car feels faster I must say feeling is not proof. Many have stated they no longer feel a boost at 5k, That's power your missing! I believe Mazda is addressing the gas mileage issue and cold starting issue at the expense of power and that this whole thing smells funny. Why claim one mpg up front when the car clearly wasn't making it. They wanted to keep as much power as possible for the launch of the vehicle only to later, after the vehicle is on the market, retune it to make the mpg but lose power. I've one of two challenges to all of you M flashers... DYNO!!!!!! BEFORE and AFTER or 1/4 mile slips. DO IT
I AWAIT YOUR RESULTS!

okay done.... http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26143

anyway you could get to a dyno and do a before and after too? then we'd have some real results

They didnt know the letter flash "L" or "M", he said mazda just sends them recent flash file updates

I saw the print out from the computer that they flashed my car with, it was several pages long, but the first page most definately stated flash version "M", clear as day.

hmm okay where is the ECU? I am looking under the hood right now and to the left of the battery. I have a plastic covered area and no numbers. I am trying to identify what flash I have. ANy help out there?

flash done. things just seem crisper and fine tuned. haven't realized a big gain but overall it is a upgrade to a better running vehicle.

Originally posted by kidcas
excuse my ignorance but what is the TSB? and where can i print it out at?

Technical Service Bulletin.

there is a stickied thread at the top of this section which deals specifically with all of these :).

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
hmm okay where is the ECU? I am looking under the hood right now and to the left of the battery. I have a plastic covered area and no numbers. I am trying to identify what flash I have. ANy help out there?

If you got reflashed, you should have a sticker under the hood (on the hood)

i looked through my entire engine bay with no lock... no sticker.. jsut the port sticker

got my updated today from the l flash. I went from h all the way down. the ride is so much smoother. i think the power is more evenly distributed. while the older version felt more like it was in chunks this one is through the whole gear.

It cannot find anything MY car was made in 06/03

IT ruse great :) not sure i want to mess it up.. Also what about the oil pan shuild i make them fix that or wait till i get a light.

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
hmm okay where is the ECU? I am looking under the hood right now and to the left of the battery. I have a plastic covered area and no numbers. I am trying to identify what flash I have. ANy help out there? You have to remove that cover to the left of the battery. It will have a sticker under there. It will show whish one you originally have.

Originally posted by JERCS
i looked through my entire engine bay with no lock... no sticker.. jsut the port sticker

try the drivers side door panel. thats where they put mine.

I got no sticker on the door or under the hood
maybe I will check by taking the ecu cover off when I don't feel lazy

nothing on the door.. looking again under the hood..

But ? Do i really want the m flash ?

To chime in here. I just received the M flash update, not sure what my previous flash was (build date 1/04), and I am very happy. It has much smoother power delivery, shifting and idling. My MPG was averaging 12.5 to 16.5 (heavy footed). I record every fill up and will report new MPG after flash.

Ben

Originally posted by thew
nothing on the door.. looking again under the hood..

But ? Do i really want the m flash ?


Some Dealers don't put a sticker on the car..

Maybe the invoice will tell.

I looks like you can't get the flash unless you need some kind of service, as well. I'm not scheduled for an oil change for another few thousand miles, but I'd like to get the flash sooner rather than later. Is the only way to get it to make up a story? They won't flash the car if you bring it in only for that? That's not right... maybe if I throw a tantrum they'll give me the flash :)

Anyone has access to dyno? Has it been posted...can't locate it anywhere on the forum. If not, please post the result on M flash!

Thank you!

You can view my Minority post in the Aftermark area. I believe some of the first 8's will lose power.

Well, I got the M Flash on my AT last Friday, started a new tank of 89 octane on Sunday and in mixed city/hiway using my AC sometimes I just got 17.7 mpg. Before the flash I was lucky to get 16.0 mpg in similar driving. And the acceleration is definitely smoother in full auto mode. The service tech said that it should even improve more over time. Very interesting. Happy camper here!

mm

Got the M flash on Tuesday. There is a noticable difference in the performance of the car. Seems like more low end torque .... engine revs quicker and smoother. Just filled up today.
We'll see how the mileage turns out.
Bigger grin than usual after picking it up. :D

ok.. I tore apart the engine compartment. I found the ecu. no stickers that say anytihng about the flash version.

the door jamb sticker says nothing about it.. and the window sticker say nothing..

But i guess ill take it in however, I am concerned about the recalls and the nav updates. My 8 needs the dapener recall cause i can find no stickers saying it happened. I need the heat shield mod, the oil pan mod and the Nav upgrade. Is my dealer going to freak out when i tell him all this .. ?

OK, I tried the "honest" approach - I didn't claim any CEL problems, hard starting or anything. I just said that I felt like there was hesitation in the throttle response and shifting was jerky - both of which are true. For my honesty I got lies from the Rosenthal Vienna service dept.: it already has the most current callibration, it has the "N" flash (no shit, they realy said that), the TSB does not say that it is required for all RX-8's built before 3/12/04, etc. So much for honesty!

Originally posted by DemonRX-8
OK, I tried the "honest" approach - I didn't claim any CEL problems, hard starting or anything. I just said that I felt like there was hesitation in the throttle response and shifting was jerky - both of which are true. For my honesty I got lies from the Rosenthal Vienna service dept.: it already has the most current callibration, it has the "N" flash (no shit, they realy said that), the TSB does not say that it is required for all RX-8's built before 3/12/04, etc. So much for honesty!

Hold it right there: isn't Rosenthal a vendor on this forum? isn't there a member of this forum that works there? did you try going through him or something?

In any event: what's that cr@% about 'N' calibration? Wouldn't it be easier if they would USE their own website for reference, for Ahura's sake!

Originally posted by thew
ok.. I tore apart the engine compartment. I found the ecu. no stickers that say anytihng about the flash version.

the door jamb sticker says nothing about it.. and the window sticker say nothing..



Try the material lining the inside of the roof just before the windshield, above the driver's-side visor.

QUIT LOOKING!

My Dealer doesn't put stickers in the car. They usually put it on the invoice if the repair included a update.

My invoice only says "LATEST ECU REFLASH"... so i figure M or L :D lol

Originally posted by Tall Corn
Anyway, last night I noticed an inconsistant idle as I waited outside a local store while my wife was inside for a quick gift pick up. A few times idle became rough and I thought it might stall. I switched off the AC that I was running at the time and it really didn't make a difference. I tapped on the gas and it smoothed back out.

Is this the "rough idle" that many are referring to and experiencing? It appears that many of you are getting this cleared up with the new flash - from what I'm reading.......

Tall.................

This is exactly what I have happening, and this still occurs even after the "M" reflash.

When I first come to a stop light and the engine idles down, after idling smoothly for about 30 seconds or so it starts getting rough.....shaking the crap out of the gear shift and making the whole car vibrate slightly. If I gas it a little, it smooths out.....but then is rough again after 20-30 seconds. Sometimes it will get rough.....then smooth out on its own without tapping the accelerator. This all happens with the A/C compressor not running too. I could accept that idle pattern a little better if the A/C was cycling on and off, but this was with the heat on and air directed at dash vents and floor. The compressor should not be cycling.

I guess I should try new plugs..??

Not sure if all dealerships use a standard service form, but mine actually says "FOUND UPDATE FOR PCM WITH NEW # N3H6 18881 -M" on the service work order form. I assume that the "-M" at the end means it is the 'M' flash.

ok i have stoped looking.

Those of you that have been flashed to “L” or “M” does the work order specifically mention the reflashing? Is so what if any are the codes? Just had the oil pan replaced and thought they would flash it to “M” but the work order doesn’t mention it. I didn’t really drive it enough to notice any major change and the 20x brake pedal trick didn’t show anything.

I just got the L at the beginning of the month-April. I am getting due for an oil change should I get the "M"

Whats the difference between the L and M anyhow? I've looked all over the board and cant seem to find it.

guys, im old and my butt is skinny--so my butt dyno can tell the differance after I got the L flash. Yes the car is smoother and maybe pulls a little better in mid-range --but-- I got that when I turned off my dsc with the old programing. To me the L = slower. The kick is gone. I also really didn't notice much of a gas milage increase. All in all I wish i had not gotten the reflash. Now once the updating flashing stabilizes and canzoomer can fine tune his product and be able to ship them out in a reasonable time frame-then I'll be set. Or maybe mazda will just provide a reflash that equals canzoomers programming. Wishful thinking. Rock on!

Originally posted by casual
I just got the L at the beginning of the month-April. I am getting due for an oil change should I get the "M"

Whats the difference between the L and M anyhow? I've looked all over the board and cant seem to find it.

Got my "L" in mid-March and dealer agreed to do the M in mid-April, after the new TSB saying to update all cars to it. But when dealer went to do the M, result was readout that my ECU was already to spec. So interested whether anyone else gets this outcome. (In other words, report of earlier migration of the download from L to M than we had been led to believe.)

Difference purported to be only that M has some additional idle and cold-start protections against flooding.

Has anyone else had negative results on the dyno besides that one that was mentoned.

ok my Dealer here said. No Problamb.. I guess MAzda has told all there dealers to stop saying no. !

I will get the M flash when i take it in for paint treatment. ...

Hope i like it

also it has had all the recalls to !! so its good to go .. maybe a new oil pan donw the raod.. But i kinda like the sensor to over react. :)

I got mine flashed to the "L" last week I went in today to have 15000 miles service done. I gave the dealer(Bob Moore) the TSB on the No start engine cranks. He said no problem. They hadnt downloaded the "M" yet. They downloaded it and hooked me up.

Ditto, The car is smoother more responsive and revs a little quicker, MPG is slightly improved as well. One thing is for sure, the heat and humidity are making this car run like a dog, but isn't that the case with all cars, especially intercooled turbo ones. hehehe!

They hadnt downloaded the "M" yet.

They should have done this 3-4 wks ago.

Amazing how different the reactions are from person to person.

You go in an (really) catch your dealer at least a month behind on updates and you post a good reply..good for you

Another guy goes to a Dealer in Va and calls the idiots for the world to see.

Just an observation.

Originally posted by snap-on

Another guy goes to a Dealer in Va and calls the idiots for the world to see.

Just an observation.

If you mean me, I was not disbelieving the dealer, as it's my understanding that the download is via a direct connection to Mazda rather than via local storage at the dealer. Rather, my conclusion, and theirs, was that Mazda started actually using the M spec earlier than we had thought, and earlier than had been communicated to dealers. If I'd had an issue with this dealer, with whom I've had only good experience, it would have been discussed and resolved with them.

I wasn't calling out anybody really..just making an observation in the different ways we see and address dealer issues.

It is up to the dealer to keep the WDS up to date.

30.9 hit today..if they don't have it in by Monday they are behind.

Mz can send updates every night..Dealers should look on the site at least once a week..

The system works like this.


http://forum.mazda6tech.com/viewtopic.php?t=15

Any questions feel free to PM me..this issue needs to be set straight.

PS there still is no "N" update thank goodness.;)

I had the rough idle carshaking problem also and I havean automatic. Whenever idling at a stoplight or parkinglot wherever it wouldjust shake everything the steering wheel the hood the transmission it got reallyannoying. The dealership I took it to thought it wasa bad catalytic converterso they replaced that. Itseemed to fix the problem for2 months orso but it has come back now. Itsnot as bad as beforeand doesnt happen as much but its still there. I wonder iftheyll ever figure out the real cause. If youchange the plugsand that fixes it let me know.

Guys youknow what I thinkI might just say fuckit and get my car flashed. Gas pricesjust really suck these days and I coulddefinitely use the increased mileage that somany of you have said youre getting. Its going tobe sad to lose that powersurge b/c if it drives smooth throughout the tachometer instead of having a surge near the end thenitll feel like every other car but I guess itll be easier to pass cars now.

Xyntax if the flash closes the gap from 1000 to 4000 RPM before it gets to 5000 since its smoother -- then wouldnt that mean the M is technically still the same as the stock in the long run? A stock Rx8 has no smooth transition and is slow from start to middle but as it gets closer to its sweet spot a surge kicks in. On theother hand from what you guys say an M flash Rx8 is smooth throughout the tach so its faster from start to middle but no longer has any sweet spot.

So wouldntyou guys say that theoretically an M flashed Rx8 would only be ahead of a stock Rx8 for the first few seconds until the stock Rx8s surge kicked in towards the end of the tachometer? To me it soundslike their track times would stillbe very similar.

Wow. Could it be, to quote Humphrey Bogart, that "I was misinformed" how the system works? That is great info, thanks. I thought I had seen a post that said that the dealer goes directly on-line to Mazda each time they do a reflash. Will PM you to sort out further.

got my L or M flash last week and install cz stg 1 , my RX8 feels like a different car now, gas milage increase from 15.8 average to 19 MPG now with 80 % of redlining the car. been keeping up with those cars that i cant ... (G35 Coupe, S2000 etc)

go get yr car flash and get cz stg 1 , u will not regret it

Originally posted by R8N8SIS
got my L or M flash last week and install cz stg 1 , my RX8 feels like a different car now, gas milage increase from 15.8 average to 19 MPG now with 80 % of redlining the car. been keeping up with those cars that i cant ... (G35 Coupe, S2000 etc)

go get yr car flash and get cz stg 1 , u will not regret it

First post I;ve read from a CZ1.1 + M driver! I would like to hear more about it though. Could you please describe more?
:eek:

before the the flash and cz 1.1, my 04' s2k can easily put 3 cars on the rx8. (tested by me and my brother on highway runs and from dead stop), but after installing cz 1.1 and flash to L or M, the s2k now can hardly pull away from the rx8 ,i would say 1/2 a car length from dead stop( hate the wheel hop on the 8) . power is very very smooth throughout the whole rev band. (feels like a 6 cylinder car) . accelerating from 60 to 90 seems much easier now than before. only had my car flash last week... and i already put 900 miles on it in abt a week. a really fun 900 miles.
:D

i m at sea level, sunoco 94 and KN drop in filter.

First - FWIW- I just bought an RX-8 today :D and even though the salesperson intially thought a 6 spd w/ no options (I prefer to call it the "Lightweight" :p ) had 17" wheels, she mentioned as we warmed it up for the test drive that they will do a reflash when I bring it in for the first oil change. And she rattled off all the benefits that would come of it. So she knows more about reflashes than the available wheels. Leads me to think that there shouldn't be much problem having it done anymore, at least at this dealer.

Second. Awwwweeesome car! :D I had a 97 Prelude before and the RX-8 improves on every deficiency the Prelude had and, besides fuel economy, has no drawbacks in comparison. I am truly smitten. :)

Congrats and Welcome!

Funny thing. I was in my Mazda Service Department and asked the guy there about the TSBs with all the updates. He told me that "I have worked for Mazda for 20 years, I dunno!" He pulled out their "Book" and there was 1, (yes, one!) TSB in the book. I guess I will have to follow the links in here to print them all off to take in and show him. He did say that if I did find them and print them off, they would look into it for me. Nice. Maybe they can come shoot my weapon for me since I have to do their job, they can do mine.

I got the M Flash Friday I had to gring in the TSB.

Nat

my dealer here in Santa Barbara is very small and reall a Lincon Mercury Dealer. They carry the MAzda Line but there hardly a Mazda Dealer. Anyway they said they would flash it up to "M" just bring it in.. So there all starting to get a clue now.

Went to the Mazda dealership last Thursday and got my M Reflash. Just talked to my regular service writer and he set it up for me, no questions asked.

I tell you, it added at least 50 HP, I now get 45 mgs around town, it reduced braking distance by 20 feet, caused the windows to become tinted, turned my hair back to dark brown and took three inches off my waist.....

Don't buy that? Well it did smooth the engine out something fierce. It is now a much smoother and easier car to drive. I did not expect such a noticable change. Matching speeds for gear shifts is so much cleaner. Revs are like silk going both up and down the range.

I think this is a lot closer the the engine we were originally supposed to get, even if the all the HP still isn't there. Combined with the RedLine MT-90 transmission oil I put in last weekend, this baby is awesome to drive (not that it was all that bad before).

Needless to say I am very impressed. Run (don't walk) to your nearest Mazda service dept and get this done!

im gonna go in mon and have the flash done, ill just say, hey, my car is having long starts, and i paid tooooo much for this car to not get the free upgrade that im entitled too.

im also going to stop at car toys and have my dvd wires clipped so i can watch movies!!! yay, and maybe a ps2 installation.

the ps2 would go in the trunk, facing the front of the car, when i want to put a game in, i just pull the middle section of the back seat down. the controller will probably need an extention and be ran under the carpet and be concealed somewhere like in the gove box.

whats the trans pan about ?

I would like to give everyone a mileage report after the "M" flash!
I made a run to Charlotte NC from Savannah GA .


304 Miles and I used 13 Gallons, That included driving around town! Average speed 78MPH!

On the return trip!


312 miles so far, haven't filled up yet but I will give a report!!


Note: I have 16100 MILEs on the car so far!!

Originally posted by expo1
Those of you that have been flashed to “L” or “M” does the work order specifically mention the reflashing? Is so what if any are the codes? Just had the oil pan replaced and thought they would flash it to “M” but the work order doesn’t mention it. I didn’t really drive it enough to notice any major change and the 20x brake pedal trick didn’t show anything.

In my case, the work order / receipt did specifically mention the reprogramming. In fact, it stated that the ECM was as Revision "J", and they flashed it to revision "M". I also remember reading in another thread that they'll put a sticker on the ECM stating the revision that they've updated it to (but I haven't checked mine to see if they did that too).

Alan

Update to on return trip!!

326.7 and 13.7 Gallons of gas.....WOW!

Average return speed was around 74 MPH

I am getting 18.7 from my first tank with M.

I took my car in two weeks ago for an oil change and asked him to flash my 8 up to the latest version. Since I got one of the forst ones to the US I am sure I was running probably one of the earlier versions of programs. I know about the pedal pump and the oil press gauge sweep for a L version, but is there any indications for a M flash. When I did the pedal thing my little amber engine icon flashed on three times. Could this possibly be the way Mazda indicates a M flash?
It keeps getting stranger and stranger.

Around town mileage is up to over 20 after flash.

Where can I find the service bulletin for the m flash so that I can print it out and show my dealer? The dealer says he never got a notice to M flash the car.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-011-04-1273d.pdf

flashed last friday, so I was in the middle of a tank. refilled today will post my milage for all to see. i can only hope i get anywhere close to 20 like tms.

The service bulletin (above) is for the hard start or no start condition, but in the text on the first page it clearly states that ALL RX-8's should be brought up to calibration level "M", regardless of the repair or service that they are in for.

Thanks, I`ll check tonight when my car was built to see if I need the flash. Just bought it April 14th so it might be ok.

I took my 8 in to pick up my tags today. I spoke with my sales guy first and told him that when I went in to check on my air bag recall about a week ago, (which they did, just didn't put a sticker on the hood) I asked for the "m" flash and the service guy said they would only do it when the engine light came on. (this is before I got the TSB from the forum.)
I told my sales guy I wanted the flash today and so he walked me over to the service dept. and told the service guy that I was having hesitation in 2nd and 3rd. I just smiled and said "...ok?". They said to bring it in at 3:30 so I will let ya'll know. I'm currently getting about 14mpg in the city with 1300 miles on the car.
We will see.

I took my RX-8 in last Tuesday for the airbag and heatshield recall and inquired about the reflashes. The service writer said everytime a car comes in under warranty they check for a new version of the ECU (I think he may have called it the PCM) and automatically install it.

When I picked it up they had reflashed it but he said they had no idea what the designation was, it was the "latest" version is all he knew. He further stated they download it directly from Mazda as they come available.

First impressions are that the gas mileage has drastically improved, although I have not done an exact MPG comparison yet. I know that I could only make it to Thursday afternoon on my daily commute on a full tank of gas before I'd have to fill up again. With the reflash I made it through the entire week on one tank of gas.

I have noticed that the "kick in the ass" surge you feel at about 5,500 RPMS is gone when you go wide open throttle. It previously felt like a turbo charger kicked in at about that RPM. That is now gone and it is smooth all the way to the redline.

I e-mailed Mazda USA and asked about the reflashes and if they in any way affected horsepower or torque. They stated "No" the horsepower and torque would not change with a reflash.

So far I am happy with the latest reflash (I did the 20 taps on the brake pedal in 8 seconds and the oil needle responded, so I assume it is the "M") and will see what the gas mileage is on the next fill-up.

By the way I bought the Mazda at Browns Mazda in Fairfax Virginia and their service department has treated me GREAT. I would rate them as an EXCELLENT!

Glen

I have a theory, Do you think it take a little longer for the car to learn the new program. I have noticed that it seems stronger now after about 5 days after the reflash! It seems most people our baseing there experences on that day after the reflash! Just an idea....

Man, if the ECM could learn and record your driving habits, and then make adjustments on it. I wonder if there some way we could find that out.

Think about it - it is very possible. The ECM could record limits and constants in your driving characteristics and then adjust the engine for optium zoom(!)......

Probably nobody drives their car the same way as anybody else - except for throttle at 100% for the desired amount of time - and once an average sampling of engine data is acquired over a set time period adjustments are then made on the engine's operation settings. The engine basically learns your driving habits.........

Wow............. thoughts?

(and I don't mean, like 'duh! - yuh think??????')

Tall...............................

Contacted my dealer today and he has never heard of the M flash update, he never received a service bulletin. I live in Canada, is the bulletin only for the US or is the servive department trying to BS me?

Why don't you print it off and send it to him?

The nice thing about the internet is that you can print out the TSB and go in. Maybe you'll be doing him a favor by enlightening him to this "new" upgrade, or maybe he knows of it by a different name. I don't actually believe those reasons, I was just throwing them out there...

heh

read the small print on the tsb....

you're not supposed to print it :)

I printed out the TSB when I went in to buy my RX-8. Even though it says 'North American' on the top, they claimed it is only applicable to U.S.

Regarding the M-flash, they don't use the same terminology. Instead they go by Update # (on CDs they receive once or twice a month). The service rep was knowledgable in that he knew about the flooding problem (what m-flash fixes), and although the update was already available for US, Canada typically releases their version of the update 3-4 weeks later.

He did end up updating my 8 with the latest revision. Whether that is L-flash or M-flash, I have yet to figure out still... I did the stomper test, and indeed it worked... so I have at the very least L-flash.

Wish there was an easy way to tell.

This was about 2 weeks ago, at the same time the M-flash was released. So, long story short, unless he's lying, the M-flash is likely not yet available in Canada. At least, not for another week or so.

Has anyone heard otherwise?

Just back from my dealer. I bought an early car(1313) in december to be delivered in the spring. (Got it at dealer cost so I let them keep it in their showroom). Was there when tech tried to reflash. They get the weekly email updates into their WDS. It said that I have calibration H , and that it should be updated to M. HOWEVER, they have not received the CD with the M flash codes yet, so they cant upgrade. This is not BS- I was with the tech when he tried to reflash. So the Canadian dealers know about the M flash, but havent gotten the CD to do it. Enzolor got to his dealer before the L flash was superceded, so he gat the L flash. I got to my dealer after the M was released, so I am stuck with H until Mazda Canada sends its dealers the latest CD.http://www.rx8club.com/editpost.php?s=&action=editpost&postid=338418#
http://www.rx8club.com/editpost.php?s=&action=editpost&postid=338418#

They wouldn't give me JACK at my dealership..said it wasn't applicable..Anyone in TO get a flash and know where to go?

I called up Anaheim Mazda for an appointment. The guy I talked to was pretty clueless about the contents of their TSBs. I read the paragraph about the reflash to prevent no-start conditions being done on all vehicles with earlier programming and the service writer still didn't want to authorize a reflash unless I had a specific complaint. Last I heard he was going to talk to his service manager. He was also clueless about the fix for the flaky AC. When I leave the car there next week I'll leave both TSBs behind. Bet they break the damper on the air-bag campaign too. Good luck wishes are welcome.

Guys-My RX 8 was manufactured 9/03. It seems to fire up readily and idles smoothly and go up rpm range smoothly already. Will I gain much with M flash? I never shut engine down cold.

Thanks,

Bob

Originally posted by Doctor Bob
Guys-My RX 8 was manufactured 9/03. It seems to fire up readily and idles smoothly and go up rpm range smoothly already. Will I gain much with M flash? I never shut engine down cold.

Thanks,

Bob

Doc, I've got my 8 back in August (ah, just realized: I got it on the 8th month of 2003...good) - The car had zero problems since August until reflash. And now with the M, has had zero problems as well. Only difference that I notice is: when redlining on 2nd or 3rd gear, I used to feel a bump 'roun 6~7K rpm. That feeling is a lot more subtle after M. And it was TOTALY gone immediately after -the reflash- and until the 3rd cold start -ECU relearning somone?

So, I don't know if it fixed something or if it is simply a placebo. It is too soon for me to venture saying it improved MPG. 'til then, I will keep my mouth shut.

Dear RX 8-TX,

Thanks for feedback. I think will sit tight till go for oil change in August.

Thanks!

Doc Bob

Yes the computer is a "learning" computer in that it "remembers" how you drive and adjusts itself to you. that's a different discussion and i'll dig up some info from previous threads later.

on topic-
i had my flash done today. two things first before my intial impressions. one, the service writer told me that there was an even newer flash than what the tsb said and that they updated their wds( he didn't say wds he said something like "we updated the diagnostic machine and also configured it so that in the future it will always go out and look for and grab the newest update available which to me sounds like it was supposed to be that way already) so that they brought me to the newest flash available. i don't believe this means an "N" flash. i think this means their wds was 1-2 updates behind and now it's up to m. the second thing is the paperwork doesn't show the whole part number- it stops before the E so i can't confirm thru that i actually am on M. i never had L. i will check for the sticker later.

first impression on a very short drive.definetly more oomph down low. no lag before 5k to give the impression of a kick there anymore. it feels stronger all the way through the rpm range. do you remember when we first got our cars and alot of us remarked that we were suprised when we looked down at the speedo how fast we were going ? because it was so smooth? today i was surprised again. it's smoother than ever and i looked down at the speedo when i thought i was going 40ish and i was doing 55. so thumbs up from me so far. we'll see in a week after i check my mileage.

If the dealers had never done the "M" before..they may have needed to go and get the file that fit your car.

If you can..please call and ask what level the WDS is on.

Somebody there should know.

Ahhhh. The next generation of cars will have 802.11z (I know, Z's not spec'd yet) and will automatically download the most current ECU programming. Everyone on the board will be very, very happy, until the damn update back-fires and a damn HONDA out rev's us. Wont that be cool?

I called my dealer today to ask them about the M flash. I have only had my car for two weeks. He said that this flash does not apply to newer cars and he could check by my serial number of the car. He looked it up and confirmed that I don't need it on my car.

I am questioning whether or not he actually knows what he is talking about. I would hate to miss out on something that can actually improve my car and something that I am entitled to.

Can anyone give me some advice on whether the dealer could be right or should I demand an M flash?

Thank you

That "power surge" that people keep yammering on about is no such thing.
What you were actually feeling was a loss of power at 6200 RPM. When you got through that part of te power band that lagged, you get into the torque peak and it suddenly feels like a surge when it is actually coming out of a dip. Your butt is not a dyno.

Sorry to burst any bubbles.

The 6200 dip was one of the problems Canzoomer and I were trying to correct with our tuning solutions. Mazda fixed it for us with the "L" flash.

Originally posted by KBert
I called my dealer today to ask them about the M flash. I have only had my car for two weeks. He said that this flash does not apply to newer cars and he could check by my serial number of the car. He looked it up and confirmed that I don't need it on my car.

I am questioning whether or not he actually knows what he is talking about. I would hate to miss out on something that can actually improve my car and something that I am entitled to.

Can anyone give me some advice on whether the dealer could be right or should I demand an M flash?

Thank you You should have it. You can look under the cover to your ECU. There is a sticker on the ECU that will tell you what version you have. There will be a bunch of numbers and end in a letter "L" or "M".

Okay I popped the cover on the ecu and this is what I saw. Does this mean there is now an N flas floating around? Help!!!

Originally posted by An8inLAS
Okay I popped the cover on the ecu and this is what I saw. Does this mean there is now an N flas floating around? Help!!!

Maybe yours is the "F" flash..

Thats what I think also. Unless, the tech never bothered to put a new sticker on that indicates I've got the M. But since the oil press. needle doesn't sweep, it looks like back to the dealer to and put the headlock on them to get the M flash done.

I got the "M" , but they never put a new sticker on mine.

i got the m today, i think . No sticker.. and the break pumping thing does not do anything !!.. However.. I did indeed feel the diffrance in the way the car responds. Excatly as others have said it is smother.. I dont think it has anymore power.. even maybe a bit less..but i have not driven it long enough to notice any gas milage change. There is no sticker on the ECU either.. I dont think many dealers are really marking the cars like Mazda says to. They keep all that info in their computers so they dont really need the sticker. :9

At the same time i told them MY A/C was not working right. Just like the TSB says. My service Tech said np. They will replace it but the have to order the part and that will take a week. !! Well I throw down the TSB and say why dont you have this A/C part that fits in the rx8, the mx3, and mx6? he says theres no TSB about it so they dont have to stock it!! Realize hes now holding the TSB ! . He says " oh yea this is the one about the A/C amp.. we know about this one" !!! and gives it back !! OMG !!! the guy is really saying that my A/C is not really important enough to give me one of the at least 3 they are holding for non-warrenty repairs. Or just to keep there own Stock up !!! WTF ..

Anyway back to the ECU. I have no paper work yet because they are keeping the ticket open untill the A/C is fixed. Then I will get to read it and see what Flash they did do. if any.. !!


Really.. the car had some lvl of flash because it ides smother, and revs through the gears smother!! I dont really like it but.. ill get over it.. it 's still just as fun to drive ..

Does the break pumping thing really work with the "m" flash or just the "L"

both

really!! you can do it on yours and you have the m ? cause that would mean i dont even have the L ...
or could it be that it just does not do that anymore ?

bla this suxs if i dont really have m

I had both the 'M' flash installed and the A/C TSB work done today. Only 80 here today, but the AC worked much, much better. More like what I expect. As for the 'M' flash of the PCM, I don't see much change. I had the 'L' version installed about a month ago and with that one I saw a very positive improvement in engine performance, but not much change in mileage. I was near empty when 'M' was installed and filled up just after getting the car from the dealer. Last tank got 18.7 mpg. This is in line with what I have been getting on in town driving. We will see if 'M' did anything for mileage.

yes sir. got m last friday and the sweep does occur!

Just to clarify for people joining this thread late; The brake pumping is a procedure to clear the eccentric shaft plate memory. It just happens that the new flashes include the oil pressure gauge sweep as a way for Mazda's techs to visually identify that the memory has been cleared.

Originally posted by Tony Orlando
Just to clarify for people joining this thread late; The brake pumping is a procedure to clear the eccentric shaft plate memory. It just happens that the new flashes include the oil pressure gauge sweep as a way for Mazda's techs to visually identify that the memory has been cleared.
Doing this say 2 or 3 times will cause no damage? Some? What's the deal cause I have done it a few times since the flash. The first time I did it was to insure that they didn't lie to me and I checke dit. The second and third time I did it cause it was cool to show to my friends because they didn't believe me. What ya think?

Both my selling dealer and another had refused to do a reflash on my low-VIN (and low gas mileage) car, saying that the Mazda tech people wouldn't authorize it because I hadn't reported flooding or hard starting. Today I took the car in the for console insulation pad, squeaky brakes and a rattle, then jokingly told the service manager that I was still waiting for Mazda to do something about low mileage. When I picked up the car, he said they had done the M flash for mileage. Weekend after next I'll be on a 275 mile one-way trip, and get a first read on mileage. The best I did on the same route before the flash was 21.5, driving moderately fast.

BTW, the "bill" for all the work was $164, all chalked up to warranty. Good thing I wasn't paying: They said they blew out dust from the brakes, but they squeak just the same, and they tightened the latching mechanism on the passenger door, but the sort of hollow knocking sound, most noticeable when idling, is still there.

This is par for the course for my dealer -- not too sharp, but heart in the right place. For now, I'm sticking with them. (Sort of...when I saw a Dentworks guy who does work for them, I had a private conversation and took his card, and a quote lower than what the shop mentioned for a couple of parking lot dings.)

" I took the car in the for console insulation pad "

can i get that part number for the console pad .. My dealer says it does not exist ! :0

and as for my "m" flash ... let me make sure i got it right.. I need to turn the key to on, pump the break pedal 20 times in 8 seconds, and my oil pressure guage should do a sweep of the dial ?


this is what i have tried and it did nothing. but made my leg tired. :P

please clue me in if iam being a dumbass.

may be i need to tell them its having a hardtime starting when cold. I told them it had crappy gas milage. it does drive driffrently.. but no m flash. unless i am doing the break thig wrong.

Originally posted by thew
may be i need to tell them its having a hardtime starting when cold. I told them it had crappy gas milage. it does drive driffrently.. but no m flash. unless i am doing the break thig wrong.

You are doing the test correctly..dont worry so much about counting to 20, just turn on the key and start tapping. 20 times in 8 seconds is more of a dance than you think..

ok going to do it one more time..

You don't need to push the brake all the way down either, just tap it enough that the rear lights come on.

aye,
ok tring

Either mine takes 21 or you're supposed to start counting at zero instead of one .... so give it an extra tap or two.

20 is not critical...just pump!

Congrats Plato! I bought mine the same day!

all you have to do is turn the ignition to the second position. no need to turn the car on. just tap the pedal not depress it.

nothing.. nothing... nothing/...
god damn it why is my dealer such a dumb ass ??


i guess i do not have the m flash

Also check on your front door or front suicide door. My dealer put a sticker there saying I had a Mazda approved upgrade to the ECU and put the part number of the M flash on the sticker.

nope no stickers anywhere.. I think they may have flashed it but ther system is out of date.. Or they did not flash it at all,
.

i already posted this today, somewhere esle, but i'll mention again....

i got M flash tuesday.... my 8 is a newer one, bought in Jan, fresh off the truck with plastic and all..... i cannot get the brake test to work, but there is a new blue sticker under the hood... it doesn't say M flash but it does have:

the date 4-27-04
dealer #
and another #

well my eight is only 2 weeks old to me but it has a build date of 6/03 so its beesitting around for a while ..
As for the break test I am kinda woundering if it jut happens with some modle 8's .... hard to say since it seems that everone else here say that if you have m or l you will get the break thing to work..

MAybe like me your dealer did not really flash you ??

that blue sticker is msot like the recall sticker.. there were to recalls
1604 b and 1704 b if you see thoes numbers than it just means that they did a factor recall on it .

Air bags and damper shield.

Second day with M Flash... I believe they did the M although there is no sticker.
My sense is smoother low end power delivery. More low end torque too.
Car is even easier to drive than before.

ummm , well i hope it was for your sake.. I understand that it says on the dealer invoice.

Got the "M" update yesterday. Big high 5 to mazda :)

great improvement on low end torque...
happy happy happy

We all have to admit that humans are probably far from the best measuring device when it comes to judging whether or not any given PCM reflash increases or decrease hp. However ....

After reading all the posts over the past few weeks, the consensus on the M flash seemed to be slightly better fuel efficiency, less power on the low end, smoother (perhaps higher) power at the top end.

I have no opinion on fuel efficiency at this point. But let me be the first to disagree with the perception of decreased power at the low end! WOW! With only 3000rpm on the clutch I am spinning out on the stock Potenzas. That never happened by accident before the reflash. I will be the first to admit I am no professional driver, but the difference feels obvious. I'm seriously looking forward to my Stage 1!

I sure someone will run down to a dyno and get before and after numbers to dissect to the nth degree how much/how little the M flash does do. The end result is that a car that was fun to drive and got crappy mileage is now funner to drive and gets better mileage. Seat of the pants might not be the most accurate way to determine the advantages of the remapped ECU, but it is the way I like best.

i watched an M flashed car pull less T but more HP on a dynojet than a non M flashed car this past weekend. the nonM car went into limp mode and would not reset itself until the next day. the M went into a sort of half limp mode. it limped on the dyno but but only flashed its DSC light until it was turned off and back on when it immediatly reset. the other had the solid dsc and abs lights and 1 or 2 other until the next morning. i wonder if M has more in it than we think and also doesn't retard the timing and such as much or maybe it waits longer to throw itself into hard limp mode. what i do know is the numbers. 162whp for the nonM car and 173 for the Mcar. T was 133 vs 129 respectively. close enough that i would say no actuall T difference.

Originally posted by zoom44
i watched an M flashed car pull less T but more HP on a dynojet than a non M flashed car this past weekend. the nonM car went into limp mode and would not reset itself until the next day. the M went into a sort of half limp mode. it limped on the dyno but but only flashed its DSC light until it was turned off and back on when it immediatly reset. the other had the solid dsc and abs lights and 1 or 2 other until the next morning. i wonder if M has more in it than we think and also doesn't retard the timing and such as much or maybe it waits longer to throw itself into hard limp mode. what i do know is the numbers. 162whp for the nonM car and 173 for the Mcar. T was 133 vs 129 respectively. close enough that i would say no actuall T difference.
good stuff zoom, thanks.

guys just got my cz 1.1 and rb exhaust installed. It does make a differance! My question though is I have the L flash. Does the M flash really change anything from the L? Is it really worth pursuing? I get the impression that it doesnt, just maybe a little less flooding risk. What do you think?

Originally posted by zoom44
i watched an M flashed car pull less T but more HP on a dynojet than a non M flashed car this past weekend. the nonM car went into limp mode and would not reset itself until the next day. the M went into a sort of half limp mode. it limped on the dyno but but only flashed its DSC light until it was turned off and back on when it immediatly reset. the other had the solid dsc and abs lights and 1 or 2 other until the next morning. i wonder if M has more in it than we think and also doesn't retard the timing and such as much or maybe it waits longer to throw itself into hard limp mode. what i do know is the numbers. 162whp for the nonM car and 173 for the Mcar. T was 133 vs 129 respectively. close enough that i would say no actuall T difference.

Are you guys pulling the rear ABS sensors?

nope ran them with the sensors on. not much time to be messing around with sensors when you are trying to get 3 runs each for 10 people from 8 to midnite on a mobile dyno trailer.