How do you check for flash/ecu version>
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Most cars sold initially in the US had the K flash. There is no point to going back to the other flashes (unless your car is already modified with a piggyback ECU that depends on the existing design of the maps for a particular flash). Also, any service that is done on your car will probably eventually result in them reflashing it when the WDS detects it is out of date.
No one really knows exactly what the differences are, but there is speculation. Ultimately, its unimportant, as the current flash is the best, and each flash from K has been a subsequent improvement in driveability and power.
There is a test to verify the installation of the R flash, invovling rev'ing the car to 8k while in neutral and stopped. After 30 seconds, the ECU will reduce throttle to prevent excess heat build-up.
No one really knows exactly what the differences are, but there is speculation. Ultimately, its unimportant, as the current flash is the best, and each flash from K has been a subsequent improvement in driveability and power.
There is a test to verify the installation of the R flash, invovling rev'ing the car to 8k while in neutral and stopped. After 30 seconds, the ECU will reduce throttle to prevent excess heat build-up.
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Thanks for the info. Is the R flash the latest version? Are these new flashes just to keep the emissions and cel in check with no regard to maximum power output? My car goes in on monday and I do'nt want to be dissapointed with the performance after they update the software. I rather live with the cel than to lose hp.
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From: portland oregon
it is if you ar e a2004 MY 6mt. if you are a 4at then your flash level after the recall is S.
if you have a 2005 you have different flash nomenclature but what matters is that everyone who needed recall work done and has had it done is on the most current flash available. if your car is involved with the recall and it hasnt been in yet then get it in and you will be on the most current. if you were not involved in the recall then you are on the most current.
read the sticky on tsbs and recalls. the link in the first post will take you to where you can find the recall and read it and see the table of flash numberings
if you have a 2005 you have different flash nomenclature but what matters is that everyone who needed recall work done and has had it done is on the most current flash available. if your car is involved with the recall and it hasnt been in yet then get it in and you will be on the most current. if you were not involved in the recall then you are on the most current.
read the sticky on tsbs and recalls. the link in the first post will take you to where you can find the recall and read it and see the table of flash numberings
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When the cars came into the US, it was supposedly discovered that the cat life would be dramatically shortened if the cars were released to the public in the pre-K flash state. The K flash richened the mix considerably, which lowers temperatures in the cat, prolonging its life. Cat life will be federally mandated, and already is mandated at 100k miles in CA I believe (along with timing belts and all sorts of other stuff). After K, each flash sought to restore some of the power that was lost by running the car so rich. Some flashes, like P, are believed to only have changed other parameters, namely the RPM setting at which the AC compressor will disengage (now set to 5.5k instead of 7k I think).
BTW, no flash should ever generate a CEL. The R flash is considered the best, and we should be happy that Mazda is continuing to refine and improve the performance of our cars. Granted, they should have got the hp right in the first place.
Racing beat has experimented with retuning the ECU, but found little gains to be had in street applications. The R flash probably represents the best compromise of power, driveability, and emissions given the OEM equipment.
So yeah, get the R-flash, you won't be dissapointed.
BTW, no flash should ever generate a CEL. The R flash is considered the best, and we should be happy that Mazda is continuing to refine and improve the performance of our cars. Granted, they should have got the hp right in the first place.
Racing beat has experimented with retuning the ECU, but found little gains to be had in street applications. The R flash probably represents the best compromise of power, driveability, and emissions given the OEM equipment.
So yeah, get the R-flash, you won't be dissapointed.
Rotary eXperimental-8
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From: Gander, Newfoundland, Canada
So I had my gas tank and front suspension recall done already, but the work order does not state that the car have the latest flash. What gives? Do I have to complain in order for the tech to flash my car to R?
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From: Gander, Newfoundland, Canada
Originally Posted by zoom44
does it say " performed work as per 3305G" or some such?
Originally Posted by tuj
Racing beat has experimented with retuning the ECU, but found little gains to be had in street applications. The R flash probably represents the best compromise of power, driveability, and emissions given the OEM equipment.
and people don't understand why the "Racing Beat Arguement" thread exists, though I'm sure you didn't intentionally mis-state yourself ...
Correction, there is a good amount of power in the PCM to be found when combined with specific aftermarket parts, I'm not fully informed as to what RB is actually doing or not doing though
Last edited by TeamRX8; Dec 23, 2005 at 08:37 PM.
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From: portland oregon
Originally Posted by moRotorMotor
Yes it does. It is listed twice. One for the fuel tank recall and the second time for the front lower arm ball joint. That is it.
Originally Posted by zoom44
really? so you think Racing Beat isnt pursuing it? ive got news for you- i hope you have a subscription to RXTuner
initial findings can be corrected upon furthur scrutiny
initial findings can be corrected upon furthur scrutiny
it had been reported that way previously