I would like to add a little toggle switch that when its flipped on, will turn off DSC automatically.....

can i just put a toggle switch in there that acts as if its holding the button down when the toggle switch is in the ON position?

when its in the off position, starting the car will allow DSC to be on as usual.

i did some searching.. not sure if anybody has done this already

Jon

Hey, Post in the Tech section. You will get more hits.

My only question....why?

- Irish :cool:

because i keep forgetting to turn it off every time i get into my car
i like the power with it off
and the MPG increase

Wow, I've been thinking about the exact same mod for the last two days. This should be easy to do, the existing switch is just a momentary contact switch. My wife's 03 MPV has the same style (size & shape) switch for her fog lights but it's a push button on off style. The RX8 has a blank space for one more switch and it should be a drop in. My plan was to wire both switches in parallel so both would function. The momentary switch could be used in the winter when I use the "single push" when I want to have fun and I could use the on-off switch and just leave it off completely in the summer. The only issue is that the MPV switch was over $30!! Maybe I'll just try the idea with a cheap one first. If it rains on Saturday, I think I have myself an afternoon project.

you could get a toggle switch from radio shack for $3 ! why does it have to be a stock switch?

Doesn't have to be the stock switch it would just look and fit better. I don't even think the dealer would notice it if I have to take it in for something. The radio shack switch might draw attention to itself.

Hey guys....just remember when you press the DSC button even though the light pop's up that DSC is OFF, it is actually not entirely switched off. If you want to completely disengage DSC you will need to start your car, press and hold the DSC button for 7+ seconds, this will turn OFF all stability control 100%. Keep your head screwed on for the first few miles...you would be surprized at how used to DSC you become.

- Irish :cool:

Something else to consider, it is turned off after 7 seconds of holding the momentary switch. Having a switch that is off continuously may have a different possibly damaging outcome. You might pull the switch and jump the wires just to see what happens with a continous connection. Just a thought.

i dont think that will have a dangerous outcome - you could try holding the switch down for a minute.. nothing happens... it just keeps it off

Well I did it, I added a rocker style toggle switch that is about the same size of the blank opening next to the DSC switch. It works as expected with the new switch on, it defaults to DSC off right away at start-up, then after a few seconds it goes to DSC full off just like if you hold in the stock switch in. If the add-on switch is in the off position, everything is just like stock. No check engine or unusual performance after about 75 miles of messing around with it.

It's easy to get to these you just have to remove the pop in panel under the steering column, just pull near the top corners and it kind of rotates down and then out. You have to reach up under the dash, it's easier if the steering wheel tilt is all the way up. You have to reach up and squeeze the tabs one on the top and one on the bottom of the dummy switch next to the DSC (drivers right). These come out of the dash towards the driver, I had one hand under the dash and the other on the face of the blank switch to help pull it out. Once the blank is out of the way, you can do the same thing to the DSC. There is plenty of wire length to just pull the DSC switch out and get to the wires with it still connected. There are four wires on the DSC switch connector, the bottom two are the momentary switch, the top two are the dash light inside the stock switch. You have to remove some of the tape to get to the wires. I just spliced into the bottom two and ran them to the rocker switch. Rocker on, just like stock switch pushed and held down, rocker off, just like stock (DSC push button still works).

Great! I'm doing this - this weekend.

thanks for the detailed explanation.
Jon

because i keep forgetting to turn it off every time i get into my car
i like the power with it off
and the MPG increase

I think the mpg thing has been disproven, hasn't it? One dude claimed it worked and a hundred others tried it and found it didn't? I would be happy if some-one could tell me otherwise....!

Gomez.

Interesting mod -- I'm moving it to the DIY Forum.

With this new switch, when its ON, and the tcs and dsc are both off ... do the DSC OFF and the Burn-out picture lights still appear on the gauge panel?

Yep.

Awesome!!! I know what i'll be doing while I wait for Hurricane Frances to pass over us!

Where did you get the rocker swithch? Is it a Mazda switch or aftermarket?

Hmm, got to thinkin today at work. If the lights dont come on, how do you know the DSC/TCS is actually off?

Dump the clutch ;)

It should light up both the "DSC OFF" light and the DSC warning light if both DSC and TCS are off.

If you just wanted to default to DSC off, you'd need some kind of circuit that detected the power from startup, paused a couple seconds, then sent a "pulse" which simulated the button push, then reverted.

This can be done, probably reasonably simply with parts from radio shack, although I don't know how exactly (timer and "flip-flop" IC's aren't really very exotic).

The mod I've though of doing would be just to put a second paralell switch in a more convienient place (maybe a "trigger" on the gearshift), since I usually just switch off DSC every once in a while but keep it on for normal driving.

If you want to see how it works for yourself, just try pushing and holding in the stock switch before you start your car. Continue to hold it down, both "DSC off" and the "burnout" light will stay on.

The add in switch works exactly like if you were to constantly hold the stock switch in. It will light both lights just like a "long push" of the stock switch.

I got the switch from Auto Zone for $0.99. A stock Mazda switch would look better and have been easier to install. I had to cut out the opening for the new switch in the blank panel with a dermal tool. The face of the blank switch is slightly curved, and the back of it is in a deep pocket so it's hard to tighten the mounting nut. I ended up making the right size opening for the new switch and then super-gluing the new one to the snap in switch blank.

I know that works, ive held it in longer than the 7 seconds ... my original question was if the new switch would turn the 2 functions off without lighting up the lights on the dash, which someone answered yes to.

Then my next question was, if the 2nd switch turns them off without lighting up the lights, then how do you know they are actually off?

With this new switch, when its ON, and the tcs and dsc are both off ... do the DSC OFF and the Burn-out picture lights still appear on the gauge panel?

THIS is your original question! Re-read it......you asked if the lights appear when the mod has been carried out. I answered "Yep".

To reiterate, doing this mod fools the car into thinking that the DSC off switch is permanently held in. Therefore it makes sense that the two dash annunciators will illuminate...and they will. BTW, this mod causes a fault code.
The system thinks the switch has failed. According to the Service Highlights manual, code C1093 (DSC OFF switch system) is logged. The DSC hydraulic unit/control module has a non-volatile memory that cannot be cleared even if the cars battery is removed. It says to refer to the Workshop Manual for the fault code clearing proceedure. That probably means use the WDS....

Mazda don't put the "long press" in your owners manual.....the manual actually explains that if the switch is pressed for a second or more, then the system suspects a problem with the switch.

That said, there shouldn't be any real problems caused by carrying out this mod. Your dealer may ask you about it though, as they will probably try to clear the code at the next service and be unable to if you leave the new switch on. I'd be inclined to tell them about it when you drop the car off.....

Regards, Gomez.

Anyone tried just pulling the fuse in the engine compartment?
It worked for me and I didn't have to add any additional switches..

I did try the fuse for just the DSC. It takes out the DSC and the ABS since they "talk" to each other. I wanted to keep ABS and only have DSC once in a while.

As far as the code in non-volatile memory, it should be the same as a long push of the stock switch, I think that would also set that code.

might be kinda late but i have this done... its kinda wierd i have pilot switches... when i flick them on the dsc goes on. when i turn the toggle switch off it stays on.... then if i turn the switch on again then the dsc turns off.... hope this helps?

so what makes this diffrent than just holding down the button?

It works the same as holding down the button, I just don't have to remember to turn DSC off all the time. It's perfect for auto cross. All I do now is turn DSC on if it's raining or if my wife is going to drive it. It's all a matter of preference, I prefer to have it off most of the time so the added toggle switch works well for me.

I haven't tried this, but if you do the 7 second disable, then it starts to rain, can you just touch the DSC button to re-enable everything? Or do you have to restart the car?

I haven't tried this, but if you do the 7 second disable, then it starts to rain, can you just touch the DSC button to re-enable everything? Or do you have to restart the car?

You'll have to restart the car to get it to reset.

I just finished the mod. Very easy.

I used a round rocker switch, about the same diameter that the dummy switch is wide. Dremeled a hole in the block, and put the switch in. It looked kind of like this:

http://www.crazypc.com/images/casemods/coldcathode/powerswitch/rockerswtichfull.jpg

Now with the switch on, I don't have to remember to turn the dsc off every time i get in the car, it defaults off, then after 7 seconds the burnout light comes on, just like a long press. Holding the button for 7 seconds while trying to drive is hard anyways

Best mod ever. I'll trade my 8 w/o DSC for yours with it. Original owner got every part of the sports package except the DSC. Here in MN during the winter I'm guessing I'll be wanting that DSC. :D

Under 10k miles. You know you want it!

i dont know why everyone wants to turn it off, it DOESNT improve gas miliage...maby a few miles per tank......even at 15 miles per tank, thats what 2 bucks?

Its a saftey net, there is NO reason to turn it off on public roads, the fact that you can turn it off at all is nice (since many M-Benz systems are always on, and cant be disabled) use it at track days and autox events, maby even if you get stuck in the snow...to try and spin your way out. But there is no reason why you would need to turn it off on the public roadways!

When insurance companys start looking to see if these systems were on or off when you had a SVA (single vehicle accident) they might start NOT covering claims if you had the system disabled. Some companys are already talking about it.

The fact that you want to set it up so that the system is always off is beyond me.....to MABY save a few pennys at the gas pump and cuase the car 'feels' more powerful?

What do you mean by feels more powerfull anyway....cause you can spin the tires at a launch, or going around a corner? You shouldnt do that anyway unless your on a closed course.

To each his own

I dont disable mine to get better gas mileage at all.

I dont think it makes the car feel more powerful either. I however do not want a computer controlling what im doing to the car. When i input into the car, i.e.-steering, throttle, and the like, I want it to do what I tell it. Not have some computer limit it. Just dont drive outside your skills/means and you'll be ok.

If i wreck, yea, its my fault. But ive never been out of control in the car. If you feel the car is to0 powerful or your afraid of spinning it out or doin something stupid, then sure, keep it on.

you guys are crazy, the only reason to disable is so that you can drift, and the ONLY place you should be drifting is on the track, so please do yourselves a favor, and do me a favor by keeping my insurance low, dont turn it off.

Yeah i'm sure you think you're a great driver and all, but the system is not that intrusive, yesturday i was feeling... um "sporty" and the dsc didn't interrupt my fun once. Of course my idea of fun is not 4 wheel drifting on public roads :rolleyes:

DSC is there for your protection. If you are doing something purposely and it were to kick in, you shouldn't be doing it anyway. BTW, mazda does probe this site looking for people doing things like this. There is a thread on someone it has happened to. They legally can and will void your entire warranty if caught. Be careful out there.

This is a great mod for us turbo guys. The turbo spools quickly and there's wheelspin if I WOT in 1-3rd gear and the DSC will kick in and try to stop it.
Greddy recommends to turn it off each time. So this switch works much better than having to turn it off each time I start the car. And if it's raining you just flip the switch before starting the car and your set.

Before the turbo I usually turned off DSC anyways, I like the cornering feeling much better than when the computer doing its thing. And I'm not talking about 60mph 90degree turns, just alittle faster than normal driving.

I still haven't got around to doing this mod yet, but it's on my "always growing" list.

Oh yeah, since I am turbo now, there's not much I can have repaired under warranty. (Maybe my cracked radio knob, maybe :rolleyes: . )

...NO reason to turn it off on public roads, the fact that you can turn it off at all is nice......

It's more than nice, it's necessary. You have to turn it off to dyno your car.

I dont advocate turning DSC off but I am certainly glad to have the option.

Actually, the only reason I turn it off, is because i dont want if f-ing on!!
I dont drift my car, I think drifting is stupid.
I've never wrecked a car(knock on wo0d) and i dont go drifting around corners or do burnouts at every light.
Maybe you all should spend a little more time learning to drive your car if your so afraid of it than coming in here and telling people their stupid and crazy for doin this.

If mazda didnt want me to turn it off, they wouldnt of put that feature in there. So they can probe all they want (well, not in the cornhole though).

And my insurance is insanely low, thanks for the thought though.

They legally can and will void your entire warranty if caught. Be careful out there.


Actually, Mazda cannot "void your entire warranty" for anything, short of you completely modifying every part of your car right down to the affore mentioned radio knobs.

For instance, say you installed a turbo kit. Mazda could legally void your powertrain warranty, but would be legally obligated to cover every other part of the car under it's perspective warranty.

Another instance, you could change out the suspension and Mazda is still obligated to cover every other part of the car that could not directly be damaged by the altered suspension components.

Anyway, I think this mod is great and I may be performing this mod myself. There's nothing wrong with beating on your car once in a while.

has anyone done this mod and had any negative side effects?

I'm going on two years since the mod with no issues. Car has been to the dealer a few times since then and they have never noticed it. I just turn off the add-on switch before going to the dealer. I get along well with my dealers master Mazda tech, he's a rotory fan with a project RX7 at home. I actually pointed out the switch to him when he was doing my auto-x alignment, he seemed to think it was an ok mod. Your dealer may be different, but the switch is hard to spot unless it's pointed out to someone.

Has anyone gotten a second DSC switch to almost act like a main switch?
Meaning you push the 2nd DSC switch once, and the system will automatically shut off upon every key-cycle/start-up.

I think this would require some further modification to the 2nd DSC switch because i believe the switch is only a momentary contact switch, where as aftermarket switches people have installed are constant contact switches (ie: Open or closed).
I'm going to order a DSC switch and study the wiring diagram and hopefully find a solution to get the clean OEM look.

**Edit**
After a somewhat lengthy search, I found the wiring diagram provided by Robin Yangs FAQ. It's page 124 in Electrical.
The OEM DSC switch has four wires going to it: Black, Red with a green trace, Red with a yellow trace, and gray with a red trace.
When momentarily pressed, the Black wire and red with green trace wire complete the circuit.
Once I receive my switch I'll figure out a way to make this work.

I finally received a second DSC switch so I would still have my stock one. I wanted to run a simple main switch that would short out the two terminals but i found a much easier way to do so.

A switch has no/ very little load, therefore no heat would build up and melt the switch.
I took apart the stock switch, which can easily be changed back if you want to sell the car, etc.

Remove the lower panel underneath the steering wheel and climb underneath the dash, with a flashlight you will find the DSC switch. Use your pick to pry back on the lock for the connector and remove it. I pry-ed on the top of the switch with a pick i got from Mac tools. In the picture you can see the bottom little "ear" to pry on. Don't force it - it will break.

So now you've got the switch out, pry on the four little points carefully and walk the "contact point panel" out, if you pry too much you will break it. Again it's all about patience and finesse.

Once you have the contact panel out, you'll see whats pictured. The spring sits in a tiny cavity behind the push button, to pop the contact brush back and thus breaking contact with the contact point panel. Simply remove the spring and now you will have constant contact whenever the button is pressed. HOWEVER, to turn your DSC back on you will need to pry the switch back out with a pick or something creative.
Make sure the copper contact brush has stayed in place, and pop the contact panel back in, make sure that the LED is in the proper spot for the front cover so it still lights up.

Just pop, the switch assembly back in place, and don't forget to re-connect the white connector.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb267/viprez586/DSCmod.jpg