CobbAP replacement question
 

Calling all cobbAP guys out there.. I've been moving around a lot the past few years, unfortunately my last move CA-> MD my cobb was somehow lost.

Few questions:

If I get a new cobbAP, will it actually work? Since the first time you connect it, it "installs" the software onto it ? If not, what can I do? Somehow reflash an original program for a CA 2005 rx8, then install the new cobb? Where could I do that? Does the Shinka Model have the same original program as any other RX8 in 2005?


I recently had a rebuild and my tune is for Socal, I'm also running FI so I'm thinking a retune is in order, and I get this annoying crankshaft position censor CEL that so far 3 rotary specialists haven't been able to figure it out. I've heard in MD, you just need to pass a simple ODB test and safety inspection. There is no smogging except for visual or on older cars. If I wipe the CEL, ( it appears intermittently) I think I should pass? Been trying to reach some Cobb sellers in the sellers thread with no luck, so appending a request here for anyone wanting to sell.

If your AP is paired with your car, you may be completely SOL. You would probably need a complete re-program of the ECU and a 2nd AP to marry.

You won't pass an OBD2 emissions test if you have a CEL by wiping it ahead of time. Wiping a CEL resets all the readiness monitors, and those have to be 'ready' in order to pass. You will get the CEL before they get set to 'ready', as they only go 'ready' if they don't find a problem. Seeing the condition that sets the CEL definitively means that the related system won't be set 'ready'.

You can try to wipe the CEL and see if it comes back. If it does, see if the AP is able to blank out the code.

Since you are no longer in CA, you may look into a US spec ECU to replace the CA spec one.

You should call Cobb. But I would think you would need the dealer to flash your ECU, then you would need to install the new Cobb and start all over. Unless your tune is unlocked and you have it on your PC, then you can reuse it on the new Cobb.

Well as the code comes intermittently - I was hoping for the best. Last time I wiped it, it took a few weeks to return, but as for the rest of what you said.... yeah I kinda thought that was going to be the answer. The tunes I got were from MM , not sure if those are locked to a specific device, but obviously the original mazda map is gone, so I guess that's a 2-stage problem. Flashing the original Mazda 2005 CA map, then seeing if i can upload the MM tunes to a new Cobb. I guess 1 thing at a time, anyone think a Mazda dealer would be able to flash the original Mazda map back?

I do have the tune on my pc, but how can I tell if it is "locked" ? These are the MM tunes.

Getting a replacement AP is easy, I got a replacement from them for $300. However, the difficult part will be divorcing the old AP from your ECU. I would suggest calling Cobb technical support to see what they can do for you. I have found them to be extremely helpful.

-Lawrence

Yeah I'm going to give them a call tomorrow. Unless the AP somehow stores the original map on the ecu in an unused section or something or they have a stockpile of stock maps, I think it's going to take some black magic.:mchase:

The original map gets stored to the AP, not the ECU.

MM always locked his tunes.

Dealers may not be able to help with a simple reflash, as sometimes dealers can't communicate with the ECU if it's on a custom map. Not always, but sometimes. As long as you don't have a warranty to worry about (I assume not), and you don't mind paying the fee, you could give it a shot. In theory they could completely replace the entire software side of the ECU.

I also recommend contacting COBB first, as this probably isn't a new situation for them.

Thanks to all the replies here, after talking with a Cobb agent, basically I found out a few things in case anyone runs into this.

The RX8 Cobb is exclusively through MM now, which, cool at least it's being kept alive.

Apparently - here's what I'm dubious about.... but apparently, according to the agent you can install a new Cobb just as if one hadn't been there before - I was told it would have a stock map.... even for the CA Model ( this sounds kinda weird to me).

*cross fingers* hoping for the best

So my AccessPort was working fine last night, I plug it in this morning and it does not turn on. Anyone know what could be causing this?

You still run into the problem that dealers might not be able to connect to it, if you needed them to.

When you marry the second access port it should save the tune from the first one. Just like it does for the stock tune.

Then when you unmarry the 2nd ap it will probably reinstall the map from the First AP.