Great site, just found it after picking up my new RX8 yesterday and I've already learned tons of info about my new toy. I know I've only had it for 24 hours but it's definitely a keeper. This is my fourth sports car and over-all, I think the best. 1983 RX7, 1991 MR2 and 1990 300ZXT Twin Turbo.....now my new baby....anyway, I'm rambling; to my question...I see a lot of talk about "M flash"; what the heck is that and how do I know if I need it or even if I have it? Is is something I get from my dealer? Is it a "free" upgrade? Thanks for any response....

 

A fellow Michigander! Where abouts?

The M flash is a required flash for all RX8's built prior to March 12, 2004 or a vin range of JM1FE17**40100001-40135536 (from MSP04).

Also from MSP04:

UNDER THE MAZDA SPECIAL PROGRAM (MSP04), ALL CURRENT DEALER INVENTORY AND RETAILED VEHICLES FOUND TO BE WITHIN THE ABOVE VIN RANGES AND PRODUCED PRIOR TO MARCH 12, 2004, MUST BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED ACCORDIND TO THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SERVICE BULLETIN. THIS INCLUDES CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BROUGHT THEIR VEHICLE IN FOR NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND/OR RECALL REPAIRS THAT MAY NOT BE RELATED TO THE CONCERNS OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN.

I have MSP04 sitting in front of me so if anyone wants to know more of what it says let me know.

 

Thanks for the response Detroit RX8. What is "flash"? I take it, then, that's it's a no-cost fix for me; my car was made in Feb. of 04. What does it do??

Oh, I live in Birmingham.....

 

It is like doing a BIOS update on your computer. It resets some of the programmed parameters in the ECU.

 

Joe
Welcome to the club!
You can find a lot about the M-flash in the tech garage ...
here is a link

M-flash info/questions

 

Thanks for the responses guys, I kinda figured that's what it does. Is there any way to tell if my car has had the update???

 

The only way is to take it to the dealer, it will be in the system.

Well I lied, unless they put the sticker under the hood.