I've never delved into automobile electronics before, so hearing terms like "ECU," "PCM," "KAM," and "NVRAM" fly around like spitballs in a classroom isn't really advancing my understanding. Yes, I've searched within the forum; no, I haven't found anything that definitively explains what any of these mean or how they interrelate. I'd also like to understand the significance of "flash updates," and why the "M flash" is so all-fired important.

The only answers I've gotten from users in other parts of the forum involve lots of sarcasm and suggestions as to what I should do to myself (none pleasant). I'm looking into purchasing an 8 and this is the electronics are the only thing I don't have a solid grasp of, conceptually. Anybody in here willing to help me out?

 

ECU - Engine Control Unit
PCM - powertrain Control Module

These are essentially the same if I'm not mistaken - it is the computer that controls almost everything in the car that's related with the engine / brakes / airbags and who knows what else. It's pretty much the HAL of your car (in case you saw Space Odyssey 2001)

KAM - Keep Alive Memory
NVRAM - Non-volatile Random Access Memory

What these mean is explained here.

It's amazing what the search button can do

Flash updates are a new firmware for your PCM. They are issued by Mazda to correct problems or to tweak the way the computer works.