Rotaman

Here's a question for the Technically minded.
I would like to know whether its posible to run a 2004 JDM RX8 using a ECU ( PCM ) out of a USDM RX8.
The reason I'm looking at this is, I have a Cobb Access port and would like to use the AccessTuner Race software to tune my RX8, but unfortunately AccessTuner Race software does not work with JDM RX8s.
So I thought maybe if I was to use the PCM out of a USDM RX8, I might be able to then use the AccessTuner Race software to tune my RX8.
I already know that I could use Mazda Maniac's tuning service, but I would like to be able to have the ability to tune the car myself.
Any help here would be much appreciated.

Rotaman

There must be someone out there who has some idea whether this could be done?
The question is:- Can a USDM RX8 ECU ( PCM ) be used to run a JDM RX8?
This is assuming that the ECU from the USDM RX8 is from the same year as the JDM version.
Or maybe someone could point me in the direction of who may know whether this can be done.
Thanks

yiksing

How does MM tune a JDM 8?

ASH8

Ok I will tune in here with some thoughts and advice...

And this is where ALL this gets VERY Messy when non Country Specific Imports (Cars and Parts) from "other" countries go into local domestic markets.

On your PCM..

There is ONE issue you forget and that is the Car Keys and Transponder, now technically IF you got a USA PCM including Ignition Keys it should work...I repeat Should...but what about the locks?

Just remember Your Local Mazda Distributor and it's Mazda Dealers ONLY imports Software destined for their PCM's , not USA or Japans.

You could Try to re-program your Keys onto a US PCM, but somehow I think your Japan Market keys are not going to like it or "talk" without the correct software???

That is my 2 cents worth..

It is all trial and error..

But YES, JAPAN, USA and Australia/New Zealand PCM's/software are different.

rotarenvy

coincidently I'm trying to work out the same thing. replacing a .au spec PCM with a US version.

this thread indicates there is some overlap even if the actual "tune" may be different for emmissions reasons.

ASH8

This issue is also your Keys talk to your PCM also via Immo, and the PCM does more functions than just engine tune..??

Rotaman

Thanks for that info
Now the Jap spec model I have doesn't have coded keys, so that is not a problem with my model, but maybe a problem if all US spec cars have coded keys.
Does anyone know if all US RX8s come with coded keys?
If they don't then I would need to find a PCM out of a non key coded USDM RX8.
I've talked with a Mazda Technician in NZ and he told me that the JDM RX8s don't usually have the coded keys, but the NZ models do, as they are the same as the Australian models.


Also MM tunes JDM RX8s using AccessTuner Pro, not AccessTuner Race.
Unfortunately I cannot get AccessTuner Pro software as I'm not a registed Cobb Tuner.

Any more info would be greatly appreciated.

rotarenvy

the immobiliser module is supposed to be separate from the PCM. my central locking works (coded keys) even though the PCM is dead. however the immobiliser needs to communicate on the can bus with the PCM and the keys wont do anything but open the doors. the modules can be reprogrammed to work with each other but there are some restrictions on what will work with what and I have no idea on how to tell apart from supplying the VIN to a MAZDA parts dealer. they probably can't tell you if there is a corresponding US version of the PCM either.

here is a list of the PCM modules sold in the US. my .au PCM code (N3ZK) is listed on it.

Rotaman

Maybe the coded key system might not be to much of a problem then, if it is a seperate part away from the PCM? Even if the PCM has to communicate with it.
Any other info would be great to hear.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

no luck with Mazda ?

rotarenvy

^ no. for some reason my PCM wont accept the as-built data.

I'm going to get a list of suitable PCM's for my car and buy one from the UK or the US since they are cheep enough to experiment with.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-replacement-ecu-racing-beat-flash-156023/

Would this help? It's a late '04 N3H6-K.

Works on any USDM 04/05/early06, and doesn't need a chipped key.......

The new price is $600US.

30 day refund still applies, just return it at your cost.

S

rotarenvy

thanks for the offer.

it is a bit expensive for a test and the rb flash is useless to me since I'm supercharged.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

I have a N3ZA-18-881A for a USDM 2005 RX-8 with 6MT. It's a new takeoff from Speedsource.

rotarenvy

it doesn't look like I'll be a guinea pig for the US to other market swap after all.

I got my PCM working by having a play with the Mazda service tool.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Tell ALL !!!!!!

ASH8

Yes mate...pray tell...we are very intersted...what Mazda service tool?

rotarenvy

nothing that special just the regular mazda software.

I just when in to the dealers for a last assessment and was ready to tow it home. wanted to grab the as-built data and a list of compatible pcm's.

the service guy was showing me the software and we had one last try at the as-built data. nothing seemed to work.

then as the service tech was on the phone I started playing with the software. few clicks and it away if flashed. after lots of key on key off. it started up like nothing had happened. I can't even remember what I really did. lol

ASH8

Great NEWS Jarl!!!...did the Dealer Offer you a Job???...

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

heh funny stuff . You could have uncovered the secret but don't know what you did LOL

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

He's clearly overqualified for the position ....

ASH8

Lawn-mower or Grass Cutter Tech???

rotarenvy

they didn't offer me a job. but I hope next time they will just let me play instead of trying to diagnose it.

this is the second time I have had more success then the tech's at mazda. at another dealer I tried to get them to read the calibration id. they gave up and went to get the parts guys to find it for them. while they were gone I grabbed the lap-top and found it before they returned.

yeah kind of annoying. I actually think it was a series of events. the as-built data wasn't enough but when I tried programming the pcm it was.

Rotaman

My PCM ID is N3YJ and is listed on the list for PCMs going into the US,
so does anyone have a wrecked US RX8 with a PCM ID starting with N3YJ.
Or does anybody know of any good RX8 wreckers ( dismantlers ) that might have a selection of wrecked RX8s.
Any good contacts would be great.
Thanks

ASH8

I guess I would like to know why your PCM appeared to lose programmed info in the first instance, I know this is a dumb question, but, did anything peculiar happen at the time?..if you can recall..

I wonder how many others this has happened to...