...Went to the dealer to finalize the deal on an '04 GT today and was told the following. Several days ago Mazda informed all dealers NOT to perform any updates on the PCM, the so-called "M Flash," until further notice. It appears that the most recent version of the software has bugs that corrupts the existing software. Apparently the most recent version of the software is designed to deal with occasional erroneous "check engine" codes. Unfortunately, the current version that prompted the recent letter to existing owners is faulty.

(Having owned a Volvo for seven years in which the check engine light went on according to the phases of the moon, this doesn't strike me as a disabling condition, but apparently for Mazda, it is.)

The dealer is unable to provide the previous version of the "M flash" since the more recent faulty version overwrites the previous software and cannot be recovered.

Not having great confidence in the dealer I checked with another dealer and received the same story. Dealers are now awaiting updates to the software before proceeding.

Now to the issues. The car I'm purchasing has been sitting on a dealer's lot for nearly a year. My dealer acquired the car through a dealer trade to meet my color/option specifications. My dealer is unable to tell me what, if any, updates have been performed on the PCM and cannot, at least so far, provide any evidence that any other TSB's or recall repairs have been done.

When I inspected the car yesterday I found the radio didn't work. Not a big deal since it involved only the replacement of a fuse, but I don't have a lot of confidence that the dealer is putting the car through a rigorous inspection prior to my handing over a check.

I indicated I was not willing to complete the deal until I know, at least, what level the PCM is currently at and receive evidence that any recall issues are resolved. Needless to say, my dealer was less than thrilled.

So, my questions. What is the minimum "flash" level should I accept before purchasing the car? Should I ask either that the battery be replaced or that I get a guarantee on the existing battery (given the fact that the car has been sitting for almost a year?) How about fluids and other consumables?

I can still go to another dealer and attempt to strike a deal. Whatcha think?

 

I never heard of this till now. But I got "Flashed" back in April. I would try to get a newer model if you can, shop around.

 

Regarding the flash level: Once M flash is performed, the dealer is supposed to place a sticker under the hood that says "MSP04." Dealers were supposed to have done this to all inventory back in June, but when I bought my car in September, it still hadn't been done.

If you can get a good deal, I'd get the car now and bring it back for the PCM reflash when Mazda gets things sorted out. It sounds like everyone is going to be heading in for a new flash pretty soon anyway. As long as you let the engine warm up, flooding shouldn't be an issue.

My dealer was a little sloppy with the prep, too. There was little scraps of blue tape on the rear door when I got the car, the front plate wasn't installed (thankfully), and the mounting pin for the driver floor mat wasn't installed. And I think there must be a solvent crack on my rear lights because they have condensation inside. Oh well, nothing too bothersome. I'll get the pin installed and the lights fixed at my first oil change.

 

I got my car early October and they did the flash then. They looked it up in the shop's computer to see if it had already been done, so I assume the dealer can check, even if it's from another dealer to start. The sticker to show recalls & such is inside the hood along the front edge. 2 weeks ago I got a notice from Mazda to update the PCM, so I'm not sure what that says for dealers updating the system.
Your battery would be covered under warrenty if it goes out, so I'd leave it. Mine was dead before I test drove it because someone had left the map lights on; apparently that happens frequently on dealer lots.
If it's exactly what you want, seems like you ought to take it while the deals are good.

 

MY BATTERY was also dead prior testing isnt it weird how dealers cant take care of there own property.

 

Well thats nor for a car battery to die or be dead. After all it just sits there.

 

And I think there must be a solvent crack on my rear lights because they have condensation inside. Oh well, nothing too bothersome. I'll get the pin installed and the lights fixed at my first oil change.[/QUOTE]
Interesting, Quack. I've noticed same thing and brought it to dealership attention. My right rear light --one with key insert--fogs up post washing car. Service Manager said "this is normal. When lights on, the heat from lamps will dispose of condensation quickly."

 

I got the same story today. The dealership said MNAO has put all M flashes on hold because they aren't working on some of the cars. Of course I asked for something in writing that said this from MNAO and the dealer said he didn't have anything. Now, I'm on hold with MNAO.
MNAO says the M flash is on hold. Will they ever get the PCM flash issue fixed.

 

I hope the N flash comes with a supercharger. that'd be pretty cool.

:D

 

Took mine into the shop about 3 weeks ago for an oil change...and naturally they did other things to it without my asking. One was a reflash to the 'M' which they had already done 2 times before (so much for the sticker).

The next day, first gear about 61-6200 RPM, big-time misfire and loss of engine power...scary when the whole car starts bucking around like that. Once the rpm fell back down (foot off the gas), the car ran fine after a few seconds.

Two weeks later, top of third gear, 61-6200 RPM - same thing. Take the car back to dealer to get it reflashed again hoping that was the problem. Nope, all flashing on hold. Great.

They dork it up and now can't fix it. Yes, there is a TSB out that describes thos problem, but the fix still requires the flash.

I just wish they would leave stuff alone when it ain't broke! ARGH!

 

I was scheduled for the "M" flash tomorrow however the dealer called and said that Mazda has post-poned it as others have said here. On I go with whatever I have but car is running good.
Jeff