Car wouldn't let me fib (N flash)
 

Hi all:

Took my 6MT to the local dealer for its initial sevice yesterday and requested the airbag TSB, which is the only one my car was in the VIN range for. I also wanted the N-flash and used the tactic of saying I had been experiencing hard starting when cold, even though it doesn't actually get cold here in sunny San Diego and it hadn't actually been difficult to start.

When I picked it up, the service writer said, "we checked the computer for any stored codes indicating hard cold starts and it said 'cold starting normal'. I have to get a trouble indication in order for the re-flash to be allowed (which means paid-for by Mazda), so we didn't do the re-flash". Crap. Caught in a fib by a car.

Any suggestions on what I should do prior to my next visit in order to get the re-flash? Call MNAO first? Anyone?

I dunno,

Search the threads and the Rosenthal site. I remember that you didn't have to ask or have a reason, they were just supposed to upgrade your flash when you went in for anything...even to have your license-plate bolts tightened. No need to fib. Print it out and tell them to put that in their ECU and flash it. (Politely)

**Disclaimer** as always, I could have misread, the dealer can still always decide to refuse and be in the wrong, etc.

p.s., when they do your airbag thing, check your govebox before you leave the dealer. Many are breaking the mechanism that lets your glovebox door open SLOWLY. If it just drops down when you unlatch it, they broke it and they need to order you a new part (no. FEO1-64-08XB) and fix it. Good luck!

Flashes prior to M were indicated only for specific problems. However, Mazda is recommending the M flash be given to all 8's regardless of a history of problems. Check out this thread https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=25613

There is no N flash by the way.

...dont fix anything that isn't broken...

Thanks for the direction, 8Zoom. Thought I was current on the flash issue but this is obviously a pretty new TSB. I have a new door sill to pick up for my 3gen at the same dealership. Think I'll tell the service writer I came back for those loose license plate screws and show him the TSB for the M flash. Thanx!

Not sure which service location you visited here in San Diego.

I went to John Hine. When I was there I told them that I wanted the ECU upgrade, and they said OK and did it.

Re: Car wouldn't let me fib (N flash)
 

As mentioned, bring the current TSB with you, and highlight the part where it says "any car brought in for service should receive the latest flash, no codes are required" (basically). I did that last week - they started with "we'll see if it needs it", and I said "No, it doesn't matter if it needs it - the TSB says if it doesn't have the latest, it gets it, no justification needed" and handed them the TSB. They said "thanks", and did it.

Regards,
Gordon

I'm a North County guy, DD - so it was Cush. The service writer wasn't being a p***k, just protecting his employer's interests, but obviously working from a position of non-current information.

I was kinda embarrassed that Plan A didn't work, so I didn't press the issue at the time. My strategy is exactly as Gord outlined it. I've printed out the TSB, underlined the part about "upgrade all to M code whether customer has a problem or not" and I'll just hand it to the dude. I'm only bummed that I wasn't better prepared yesterday, so's I could have saved myself a trip and the attendant wasted time.

Thanks, Gang.

I just wanted to say thanks guys! My car is in for service and I called asking for the M flash and was initially told that I wasn't qualified unless my check engine light came on. I had my TSB in hand, gave the guy the # and read him the statement that all cars coming in should have this done, and he's now going to " look in to it", and I'll keep pressing them on it.
Does anyone know of a way to test that it has been done?

Update
My service manager called me back to thank me for pointing this out to him. Says normally Mazda doesn't bury a sentence like "everyone should have this done" in the middle of the page and he was surprised that Mazda hadn't issued a separate TSB just to give them heads up that ALL 8's should have the M flash.
Make sure you get the Service Person to actually READ what it says. It DOES say that everyone should get it - a direct quote - "This includes vehicles coming to the dealer for repairs unrelated to the no start concern, OR NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE"

I brought my car in yesterday for the Air bag recall and the ac problem, I told them I wanted a PCM flash and they did it. My receipt says "customer requested latest PCM Flash". Then at the completion part it says "PCM Flash performed at customer request".

I think you are all crazy.

No, we are not crazy. Some Service manager's are complete A**holes and can't read. Mine has refused to flash mine without a check engine light. I have demanded to see the Mazda service advisor and still am waiting for a reply. I will take it back 4 times and put I for a lemon law. He has also refused to do the A/C or the oil pan.

I had no problem getting it done. Just brought in copy of TSB and pointed out where it says to upgrade to atleast "M" even if its in for regular service. Showed them the A/C TSB too and it gets fixed Monday. I checked the brake-oil guage sweep test and this time it did sweep! Low end torque was improved and smoother reving to red line too.