M flash or L flash? how to know?
 

simple question. thanks

Some people on this board do not like to answer questions from newbes that have been ask before so for future reference I recommend you use the search feature. But to answer your question first try the “ brake pedal” test. Turn the ignition to the ON position and quickly (very quickly) step on the brake pedal at least 20 times. The needle on the oil pressure “gauge” will move from left to right if you have the L/M Flash. Also if your 8 was flashed since being built there should be a sticker to that effect under the hood, by the fenders, or door jam with “PCM calibration” on it. The last option but not the most reliable is to ask your service department next time your in for any reason. My 8 was built 5/2003 and sold to me 2/2004. The most recent flash was issued 4/2004, when I asked to get updated the service writer told me I didn’t need it because I was up to date. Funny how I could be up to date on a flash issued after I picked up my car. But I have to say one nasty e-mail to Mazda USA fixed this in less than 24 hours. By the way this TBS
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-022-04.html states that all RX-8 built before 3/12/2004 should be updated to at least the M-Flash even if your car is running fine.

Wait..what if my VIN number is after that? What flash would I have?

RX-8's built after that date should at least have the L- Flash with the M-Flash after April. But I am not 100% sure but If Mazda released the M-Flash to dealers in April 2004 it would make sense that cars built after that date would have it

I don't have a sticker on my hood even though the car was reflashed with, what was supposed to be the M flash. The pressure guage sweeps after the brake taps. But, has anybody figured out a way to tell the difference between the L and M flash?

The "M" flash feels a little gutless from 7000 RPM up. The "L" doesn't. If you have an automatic, that will not help you.

Next test. The "M" flash will not immediatly rev up the engine when started cold. It will wait a second or two. The "L" flash will try to rev it up immediatly. This was part of the "flood fix" added to the "M" flash. Once the engine is warm, both rev it up within 1/2 second.

Both will sweep the gauge needle when the brake light switch is tripped rapidly as above.

I thought the wording on the latest Mazda TSB stated the M flash corrects lack of power at high RPMs. Mine certainly doesn't feel "gutless" over 7000. They flashed mine May 25th.

what is the email.....same thing happened to me.....bunch of LOSERS at my dealership.....

the lack of power thing on the paper work is engine flash, not ecu flash..........i have the lack of power done and comes out i'm losing much more power in 1,2 and 3 gear, those motherfucker told me that it should have better throttle response, response my ass can you believe my 1st gear can only pull me up to 25mph and my rev will keep going up as i gas it but the car will stay at 25mph all the way to 7000rpm . befor i do the fucking flash and spark plug i can pull all the way to redline feeling something pushing me in my back in every gear, now i'm fucked! and the gas mileage stay the same 10mpg. anyone found this normal?????

My build date is 3-19-04 but my vin falls about 200 short of the M flash according to the TSB, strange because all cars after 3-12 are suppose to have it. So I've been wondering if I've got M or L. I know I at least have L because of the brake pump test. Mine seems to act like the "L" description above. I get a real nice kick at 7500 rpms, would hate to lose that. I think I'll avoid the M and just make sure my car is warmed up all the time. But if I do in fact have the M, then it's fine by me.

On http://www.mazdausa.com/ the 800# is 800-222-5500 the email link I used was
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/emailMazda.action. Include as much detail as you can, dates, vin, people’s names, etc. Also provide phone numbers of the dealership and yourself to make it as easy as possible for the Mazda Rep to handle the matter. Also state what you want, I asked Mazda to have the Dealership call me within 24 hours to schedule a reflash and they did.

So how do you like M versus what you had???

I sure hope My care doesnt do what "rx8spiritR" 's did.....holy shit.....I'd BE PISSED IF THAT HAPPENED!!!!

Well my last tank was 19.5 MPG but in Jersey I don’t get too many opportunities to open it up much, my driving is mostly highway. Even though I have an early build (5/2003) other than the oil pan issue my RX-8 has always ran great. I cannot report the night/day difference some others have. I just feel better that if my foot slips of the clutch and I stall in the morning flooding should not be an issue.

I just got my M flash today and I do feel the difference... the dealer told me that they were gonna flash my car with the 15,000 service I had done. All of the service papers state "programmed PCM for recall"

i'm fucked ! totally! i got 140.5 mile, and the fucking yellow ball is flashing my eye telling me to give him somethin'to drink. after 13.5 gallon this motherfucker is finally full. so the number will be 10-11mpg all city, and it's LACK OF POWER! (well at least in 1st gear). i hope all this will go away and have lots of power and at least 18 by wednesday afternoon.............i'm praying......still praying...~_~

LOL! This has to be the most obscene exaggeration I've ever read on this forum. There is no way physically possible that your engine speed could continue to increase while vehicle speed remains constant. If you have a manual transmission, there is a direct mechanical link with no slippage between the engine and wheels (assuming transmission in gear with completely engaged clutch). Even with an automatic transmission, turbine speed approaches 95% of impeller speed at higher engine speeds. Either you are blatantly lying about this, or you don't have your story straight. The fact is: if your engine speed is increasing while in gear, so is your vehicle speed.

any dumb ass who knows about cars know this, thats y there is a problem on my car. otherwise you won't be here reading this STORY.

Okay, well please explain your theory as to what's wrong with your car. I'd love to hear it...

The problem you're describing (engine speed increases while vehicle speed remains constant) would have to be a mechanical problem, and would therefore have nothing to do with a new PCM calibration.

Do you have the auto trans or manual? If it's auto, I guess it's possible that there could be a major problem with the gear set hydraulics causing excessive slip in the converter. That's the only possible explanation I can come up with.

He's saying that his speedo is reading 25mph while in first gear although his revs are up to 7000 rpm. You know, it sounds like the clutch is slipping and eventually grabbing after that 7000 RPM point! Take it back and have em look at it! Dammit that sucks.