OK, so I recently got the "L" upgrade. Strange, but it seems that the TCS is a bit less restrictive.

I used to enjoy freaking out my wife by peeling out with TCS still active, so it would only screech for a brief instant before cutting the fuel to slow down. Now, however, the burn marks I leave are at least twice as long, sometimes three times as long. This means that it takes significantly longer between when the wheels start spinning and when the TCS kicks in.

 

I recently had my oil changed and had the dealer check for some codes. Had one happen last week. I was fortunate enough to watch the tech use his notepad pc to hook up to the car to run a diagnostics. No codes found. Told him about the Firmware "L" update. He had the pc check my car for the update, it did not have the reflash and he asked me if I wanted it done. Update was done in 5 mins. Hopefully this will also smooth out the rough idle issue.

And to boot I picked up my workshop manual from the dealer at a discounted price

 

I too just picked up my car today after having the air bag recall work done. I had asked if they would reflash the car and the service writer said he would put it down. Later when I called he said that the mechanic hooked my car up and quoting from the service write-up, " All parameters, everything is where it supposed to be. Could not complete reflash."

I am not sure what that means exactly, but when I picked the car up they told me a reflash wouldn't change anything. I guess I should do the brake tap test to see if I already have the "L" version.

Otherwise, the car seems the same as when I dropped it off. (Cleaner where they opened the air bag panel.)

mm

 

Positron,
Thats what they told me. I did the check for the L flash as mentioned above to make sure. I sending it in again and am demanding the flash. Weather the tech thinks it does something or not, I want it done. CZ ECU will be next.
Al

 

Wow, now that sounds like a cool dealership.

 

Hmm.. there's a thread where the L and the new CZ had an issue.. I'm leary on the combo.. What if the L reacts differently on different cars.. is this even possible??

 

RX-Nut,
Unless things have changed last I read, CZ recomends the L flash before the ECU mod. There was also mention of a modification to his ECU mod (a mod for a mod).
I'll check again.

Al

 

RX-Nut,
Opps. Your right. There seem to be problems.

Al

 

Actually, it is a bit too early to say. four guys are reporting the "clang", all with different setups, from mid grade gas to, yes, the stage 1.1.

 

"L" flash does not exist...........or so i am told by a service rep who called Mazda engineers. This is all just a big joke you are all playing on me, due to my on going "crappy idle" issue!!!!!

 

Yep- This is the world's most complex practical joke at your expense

 

just got it done today... verified with the brake test/oil needle sweep.

Engine seems smoother at idle and across the powerband. Also seems a bit more powerful. There's a hairpin turn that goes up a hill on the way home that I usually accelerate out of and this time when I took it, the DSC went on for the first time. It could be placebo affect but we'll see.

-n

 

I swear, they (service center manager) insists that I have the latest flash, but I don't get the needle sweep.

[thread hi-jack]
I was also told my crappy idle is due to the rich mixture at idle, any rotorheads confirm this, I personaly have not read anything that specific here on the forums. Even when i posted a new thread about my idle. This info, as well, came from Mazda Line Engineers.[/thread hi-jack]

 

oosik...
Several folks claim that the "L" improved their idle. Try another dealer. Bring along the tech service bulletins showing the reflash part number.

 

i'll be heading to Mobile, AL monday for a couple of weeks, so while I'm there i'll check around........

I still think this is an elaborate joke on me. all of you are against me. i can smell your hate and discontent for the oosik, but the oosik shall rise up and prevail!!!!!

 

Ok. I tried the brake tap test and got NO response from the oil needle. So I guess I don't have the "L" flash. I will take the car to the dealer again in early April for the next oil change and I will try again to get the flash. The car still runs fine, I'm just in the 15 to 18 mpg range and was hoping that the re-flash would help.

mm

 

I have an early (07xx VIN) AT, and asked my dealer to reflash with the L. The tech says he called Mazda tech about my car, mentioning my low mileage complaints, and was told that there was no reflash for my car. The dealership has been willing to do other fixes, including the oil pan. I don't quite know what to make of all this. In the meantime, my engine runs OK except for low mileage, so I'm not going to push things.

 

Mitch-

The tech is wrong ... see my thread:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=22976

and particularly the link to this TSB:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-010-04.html

The new PCM calibration part number AND file name are clearly identified.

From a performance standpoint, I have seen a significant improvement ... as for mileage .... I'm waiting to see, but with the performance improvements, it may not be a fair test of mileage just now ;-)

 

I called Mazda Faulkner in Philadelphia today, and they personally have never heard of the "L" reflash, does anyone here have the service bulletin link ( which I cant find ) or proof of such a thing?

Thanks guys.
Wayne

 

i have my car in for the recalls and they told me they would have to call mazda about the reflash. after they talked to mazda they said it wasnt covered under warranty. i called mazda and somebody from mazda is talking to my dealer now.

 

Perhaps I should call them - they obviously have no idea in this area.

 

>does anyone here have the service bulletin link ( which I cant find ) or proof of such a thing?

The "L" is a U.S. version ... referenced by MNAO

Look here:

http://www.finishlineperformance.co.../01-010-04.html

As for warranty ... no it is not covered under warranty ... it is however provided by at least some dealers as a customer satisfaction/good will gesture. My tech said they were billing MNAO based on "customer complains of loss of power".

 

Well fellas,
Based on this new service bulletin, the dealer should definitely know about the "L" flash and in fact are required to do the "L" update for all flooding cases (step 8 and 9).
http://www.finishlineperformance.com.../01-011-04.htm

No more denying that the "L" is available.

 

"Quote"
Sounds like the dealer is telling people what they want to hear (kind of like this forum) rather than actual facts.

Sorry Mazda Monkey. I'll state the facts.
1. I screwed up on the post. I took the car in for a CEL and they
found the MAF code and ITA code. Loose wire on MAS was
cause stated by tech. Fact..shoulda explained it better in
orignal post.
2. Had ITA code before a few times. Fact..have not had it since
Re-flash. Code addressing issue???
3. Was getting 16mpg no matter how easy you drove and would
get as little as 11 pushing it. Fact..I now get 16 to 21
depending on driving style. Fuel consumption issue?????
4. This dealer has reflashed 26 RX8's. Fact. Directly from tech and
manager. "All the ones complaining about mpg have seen a large increase in mpg". Fuel consumption issue???
5. Had do do to have the re-flash done again after the first time
due to a detonation problem. Was told that something went
wrong or "didn't take" the first time.
Fact. All runs well now.
6. Fact ....no I dont spell worth a hoot but I get my point across.
7. Fact... Man this is a Fantastic forum. There are some very helpful people (rotarygod) and I would like to thank all that post for there information and experiences, usefull or not. IF someone has a problem with what they see on the forum you alway have the ablity to exit and stay gone.

 

Wayne,
Around a month ago I called Faulkner too. They had no idea what an "L" flash was. Service manager gave me a difficult time.
So simple, I tried another dealer (North Penn in Colmar). Explained how Faulkner didn't want to work with me and was looking for another dealer for my service. The service manager asked me to bring the car in (also getting recall work done), and they would see what they could do.
Got the car back (last week). In the tech documentation, all recall work was completed, but the flash was never done. Tech stated that car was up to spec.
Brought the car home and noticed it was smoother at idle. So did they do the flash? Performed the brake/oil sweep test and confirmed that the flash was not done.
Called North Penn Mazda and rerequested the flash. Service manager assured me that they will have it taken care of. Bringing it in for the flash on the 25th.
You may want to call them as well. Maybe we can go in together. You know a united front?
Al