I just bought my my 04 last week with less than 1000 miles on it. After launching the car for the 1st time the cel came on. I just purchased an ACTRON scan tool and cleared the codes .I had a p0420 code and a p0420 code pending. Should I be worried about it? I dont want the car reflashed and I dont want to bring the car to the dealer. I guess I'll just wait to see if the cel comes on again. How do I know what version software my ecu has and if the car has already been reflashed?

 

p0420 is a Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold and pending codes are also referred to as “continuous monitor” and “maturing codes”. An intermittent fault will cause the computer to store a pending code in memory. If the fault does not recur within 40 warm-up cycles, the code will be cleared from memory. If the fault recurs a specific number of times, the code will then mature into a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and the MIL or “check engine” light will turn on.

 

wait whats the actron scan tool? also i didnt know it was possible to clear a cel without fixing the problem can you provide a link and maybe a location where you are(as rather then buying it i might be willing to pay you a little bit to have you use it once on my car).

 

I live in PA so it would'nt be worth your time but I purchased the ACTRON obd2 scan tool on ebay for less than 50 bucks. Well worth the money.

 

It,s back. The damn cel keeps coming on so i reluctently made the appt to bring the car to the dealer monday. The mazda tech was not there today so I'm calling him tomorrow. I know this dealer does'nt sell many 8's and probably does'nt service many. What is the latest software version and what else should I ask him?

 

harrison can scan , hymee scanalyser etc all can clear the codes