brothervoodoo

I've read a couple threads on problems with this upgrade. Is anybody happy with it? I haven't gotten it myself and don't think I will, I read about some blown fuses, the horn going off for no apparent reason, etc... Feedback anyone?

B-Nez

I've got the sensitivity adjusted fine, and I've had no problems with it. I think this is one accessory that you're better off installing yourself! Seems like all the port/dealer installed ones are f(#&king up because they weren't adjusted right, and nobody showed the buyer where the adjustment is at.

elliotshev

This is one I am not familiar with. What is the shock sensitivity upgrade?

boowana

No. I am not! I had one port installed and I have no idea if it wirksor not. All I know is my interior lights flash on and off occasionally and there is a clicking sound. I am sure if it was installed right, this would not be the case.

RX-MEN-8

Now you guys have me worried. My car is scheduled to be here in about two weeks. I did order that upgrade, for it sounded like a good feature at a low price. I believe it will be installed in jacksonville, FL. Is it just that the sensitivity lever is not set right? or is it that it conflicts w/ other electrical components? I do not want my lights flicking, or clicking noises. Does anyone have this option that is NOT acting up? I have the Titanium GT / w Appearance package + Aluminum fender strakes, spoiler, 5 CD,the works. Any input as to the shock sensor will be gretly appreciated.

B-Nez

The bottom line is that the shock sensor "piggy backs" onto the alarm system AND central door locking system. The sensor is ALWAYS on. When the doors are unlocked, the sensor (when tripped) will cause the lights to flash and the clicking to be heard. It's kinda weird, but I turned the sensitivity DOWN to prevent the sensor being tripped every time I close the door. Maybe adjusting the sensitivity is not the perfect answer, but it is the only thing that works at this point.

RX-MEN-8

Thanks for the reply B-nez. I might call the dealer to see if it is too late to cancell that option when the car gets to Jacksonville.. With the sensitivity turned way down, have you experinced any more problems? {that might have to be an option for me if I can't get the dealer to stop its placement in JK} Other than this "bug", are you happy w/ the 8 ? Have you had any other problems - like the A/C problems some have encountered? Living in FL we need that A/C to work! Thanks for your input.. have a nice day

brothervoodoo

I used to have a Viper alarm system in my other car, and basically hearing the some story here as in my old car. Turn the sensitively up, thing is going off all the time. Keep turning it down until you kind of defeat the purpose of the shock sensor. My old alarm just seemed touchy, sounds like the same here. The basic alarm coupled with lo-jack is enough for me at the moment. Thanks all for supplying feedback.

B-Nez

With the sensitivity turned down (not all the way, mind you), the lights and such no longer flash when closing the doors, unless I am parked on a steep incline. Yet, smacking the windshield firmly WILL still trip the alarm. So, very rarely do I experience the "light show" anymore.
Other than this - yeah, I am completely thrilled with the 8. My A/C works just fine in the panhandle. It has been 89-92F plus humidity here since I've had it. I use a sunshield when parked to prevent interior baking, roll the windows down briefly to evacuate any hot air, run the A/C on recirc for a couple of minutes to get some rapid cooling, then switch to fresh air A/C for the rest of my drive. While driving the fresh air setting makes plenty of cool air, and very minimal (sometimes none) "cycling". In stop and go traffic, the a/c cycles a bit more - also if I leave it on recirc it cycles a bit more. But, I really can't complain about it.

I do sense that right now the acceleration does NOT pick up like it should after 7K, (as suggested by the dyno threads), but I'm fairly confident that this is not normal, and that will eventually change (either by a mileage switch in the ECU, or action by Mazda). I have 1300 miles on the odo, by the way.

RX-MEN-8

Thanks for your input B-Nez. To turn down the alarm sensitivity, is it hard to reach the switch? I thought i read it is under the passangers side??

I am glad the A/C has been a non-issue, plus I am used to mediocre cold w/ my 993.

I am eagerly awaiting my car. Titanium GT/ w/ apperance package and a spoiler. Has your gas milege been as crappy as posted? Do you have the NAV? I currently do not have one, so this option will be new to me. How hard is it to program?

Thanks to all for your help. Best to all..MSJ

Sputnik

This is a little different than just a sensor that you can't find a happy medium on. If you the thing is active ALL THE TIME, that's ridiculous, and obviously not well integrated with the rest of the alarm system or the car.

---jps

B-Nez

On that point, I agree with you 100%, Sputnik. I'm hoping that once the FSM and electrical manual are published and available, we'll be able to find a smarter way of wiring the sensor so that it is bypassed when the perimeter alarm is not active. One of the reasons I am glad I did NOT pay extra for the dealer to install it.

Edit: Or worst case scenario, route the power lead through a relay tied to the door lock actuators.

B-Nez

Reaching the switch will depend on where they installed it at the port (for you). I zip-tied it on the "farthest back" and "farthest up" wire bundle I could find, to prevent a passenger from kicking it accidentally. If I kneel on the ground and reach my right (or left) arm up into the footwell, I can reach the **** just fine (of course I installed it with the **** pointed down, as per the instructions). Also, if I stick my head in I can see it (but can't reach it too well). Once you get an eye on it and what the **** looks like, you should be able to feel your way to it.

As for gas mileage...I didn't even compute mine until AFTER my 600-mile break in. I got 18, 17, 16.5, and 16.x mpg. (My foot keeps getting heavier and heavier!) Although tonight, I had 130 miles on the trip meter after only half a tank. I've been doing 175 miles down to a quarter tank (or worse). As long as my drive to work tomorrow (30 miles) doesn't eat any more than an 8th of a tank, then I think I may end up better than 18 mpg this time around. I think driving 75-90 on the highway with the windows open was killing my gas mileage a bit. Did a little less of that this week, but it's hard to resist in the mornings. It is so nice at 06:00, driving windows down is a real treat.

I don't have NAV, so no insight to give you there. I think the owner's manual has a section in the back with all of the NAV controls. Someone posted a link to the .pdf in another thread.