Correct me if a I'm wrong but the latest CEL related ECU reflash(something related to the cat) also includes a fuel map reflash. Does this mean I can only get the improved fuel maps if I get a CEL. I called my local dealership and thats what they told me.

 

yeah what do we need to do to make the car trip a CEL?

 

My Miata would throw a very easy CEL by not tightening the gas cap and driving for a few minutes... not sure if the 8 does the same- easy enough to try and no risk.

 

disconnect the O2 sensor

 

My RX-8 was reflashed on January 17th, and I have noticed no improvement in gas mileage.

Still averaging 20-21 mpg.

 

For a lot of people, 20-21mpg would be a huge improvement.

 

Yeah, I just did a tank full with 75% highway and 25% city and got the best mpg yet...a whopping 16.88 mpg. Most others for 100% city was high 13 low 14 mpg. Can't say it wasn't fun though.

I know there was a thread about older builds getting worse mileage and I fit that category, or at least think I do...

I'm not talking to my dealership right now so I may have to drive a few miles and spend some time with the recalls and stuff just to get service I can trust because of that.

 

When you get a MIL, they can clear that condition without having to reflash the PCM.

So you best check if they did actually "re-flash" the PCM with a new calibration, or just cleared the MIL.

If any of ya do get a re-flash, it would be interesting to ask what the "version number" of the calibration is. It would nice to compare and see how many different versions there are around.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

I got reflashed back in December.. anyone know if this is the same reflash? my mileage hasn't changed... averaging 16 to 18 mpg..

OverLOAD

 

Reflashed on Monday to eliminate a CEL problem - don't know what version. So far, I'm regretting having it done. The car feels slower, especially in the midrange RPMs, and I no longer have a turbo-like kick when the tertiary ports open up. It is a smoother pull to redline, but not nearly as fun as before. I'm hoping it will 'learn' to be better.

 

I hope it relearns khoney. I was at my dealer today for a couple of things today. I complained about low mpg (15 is typical), and asked about an ecu reflash (said I heard they had new fuel maps). The service writer said he hadn't heard of any reflashes for the 8 but things change daily so he would look into it. My paperwork says "Customer states car getting poor fuel mileage. Check on new releases on PCM flashes. No problem found and no updates for this concern." Maybe it's good that they didn't flash my car.

 

Canzoomer had his done and checked out what they did. They leaned it out from 5-7k and then richened it even more above that. Also leaned it from 3-4K (so much so he was worried about detonation). They are trying to get the mileage up. He's looking into getting the version number.

 

Any ideas if Mazda keeps a version change listing detailing what each version of ECU software does? If they do, it would be interesting to see what changes they have made with the different versions.

 

Each new BIN file has a different letter.
They were up to "L" last I heard.

 

It sure would be sweet to actually get your hands on the binary. Perhaps the combined efforts of some of our 'resident experts' could manage to decode the maps.

If anyone does manage to get access to the maps, and doesn't mind sharing, count me in.

OverLOAD

 

So its official.

Mazda did change the fuel maps. Since you say they leaned it out from 3k to 7k......did this yield more power?

Also, how does this affect the stage one?

 

I dropped my car off at the dealer this morning for a check engine light.

He called me back and said the the CEL was due to a cat problem, but did not have any knowledge of a reflash other than the TSB back in November.

He said he emailed Mazda about the CEL and had to wait for a response to see what they want him to do. He told me I would likely have to get a NEW cat.

I've got just under 12,000 miles on my car.

Also had both recall issues repaired.

I will update as I hear more.

 

amen!

 

My car was built arounbd December 3rd. ANyone know if it WOuld it have any of the new maps?

 

Had my 2nd CEL yesterday (as I was driving to the dealer for a scheduled oil change).

Came up with the same P0420 code I had in January. After calling Mazda Tech support, they were told to reflash the PCM.

Mileage appears to be better, although I will need to burn through a couple of tanks before knowing.

Sorry, did not read this earlier....was not able to ask about any 'version number'.

 

Just got my reflash done, it's the "L" version. Some of this may be reactionary from driving a dodge neon, but the car does seem to have a bit more power (especially in the mid range), and gas mileage seems to be up as well. Service manager also almost got a ticket in my car, haha. Guess that's what happens when you ask 'em to investigate a hesitation over 7000rpm.

 

Any info about what build dates have the latest ECU flash? I called Mazda today and they had no idea.

 

A 420 code is the converter efficiency code. I keep tripping this one, and have been blaming my high-flow cat, but maybe it is something else?? I have the stock cat on now, and will hit the dealer soon to check it out. Man is it quieter with the stocker back on. I have got to get a resonator on my midpipe!!!
I do not believe I have gotten the L reflash yet, but I average about 18-19 miles to the gallon. That would be nice if it went up a few points.

 

rxeightr, did you notice more mid power or less? SOmeone noted that after the reflash they felt less mid range power.

 

Too early for me to say one way or another. I think the PCM is relearning my driving style. I do suspect better gas mileage. Will make sure to report once I do my 1st fill-up since the re-flash.