darkwings

My CEL has been intermittently going on and off. I called the dealer and they wanted $100 to tell me what the code was. Instead I brought it to a local shop and they read it (for free!) and told me the code was P0610. They reset it and the light went off for about 1 week but then came back on.

I've read all the posts on this forum about that code but being a total noob about this kind of thing, I'm not sure what to do next.

The car is running fine. I cannot detect anything wrong at all. It starts just fine and it runs fine.

It's a 2004 with 47000 miles on it. At 37000 miles, the engine, both coils and the cat were completely replaced when the engine failed. Several times during the first couple of years I owned it I had chronic problems with the CEL. The computer was updated several times. The light finally went off and stayed off (except during the engine failure) but now it's back.

So, do I ignore it? Do I have the code read again to see if it's the same one? What if it is? Should I fix something? I saw the estimates for the cost of replacing the PCM on some posts and think it's ridiculous to spend $1500 to fix something that isn't affecting the car's performance. I hate bringing an out of warranty car to the dealer.

Advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/rx-8-technical-info-cel-codes-pcm-pin-list-collision-guide-26291/

that is a start. that is a not seen so often code..

i would search for a online service manual so you can read more about the code.

beers

zoom44

get it flashed to the most recent update.

GAMBEAN

+1 find a good mazda dealership around your area for that "over the top" service if you will.

btw I ignore my cel. no cat.

jdzoom8

Bump...
I have posted this problem in the past (10-29-08) in the forum and, right or wrong, have ignored this CEL for about 11 months now, car is still running fine. What did you end up doing?? Seems those few who have had this CEL have not had any noticeable performance issues, beyond poor mpg and potentially a rougher idle.

Does anyone know the risks here of not replacing the PCM?? Also note, my CEL only comes on when the temperature goes below 70 deg. F, so for the summer months I never saw the CEL, it has recently reappeared as it is getting cooler.. It will clear if I start and stop the car about 5-7 times in a given day, then reappear the next day.

darkwings

I've chosen to ignore the CEL. It goes on and off randomly. Sometimes it's off for a few weeks, sometimes it's on for a few weeks. Sometimes it goes on an off within a given day. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the weather or the time of day, or how long I've driven it, or when I've filled up with gas. It's just random. One morning it was on. Then I washed the car. It turned off. Later that evening it was on again.

Recently I noticed that sometimes when the CEL is on, the cruise control won't turn on. Except for when it does. That's random too. At this point I'm totally disgusted with that idiot light. It serves no useful purpose. I may have my mechanic read the code(s) again when I have them put new tires on the car - just for grins. I still refuse to pay the dealer $100 to read the code and then charge me something ridiculous to flash the unit - which probably won't solve the problem anyways.

Good luck!

jdzoom8

Thanks for the feedback darkwings....

After almost a year with this CEL I seem to understand when it comes on..at least mine.

Temperature below 72 degrees or at times after a heavy rain (moisture / humidity). The first time it comes on I can't turn on my cruise control. Any time I restart the car after that initial time, the cruise is operational. The CEL will clear after warming the car up and shutting off and restarting it about 5 times throughout the day. My fuel efficiency is down up to 40-50 miles per tank if the CEL is on during the entire tank. I believe the car has a rougher idle and is running rich due to the fuel eff. and some additional black soot on the exhaust tips.

Has this CEL caused serious issues beyond what I have mentioned?? I am leaning towards not fixing the PCM and just dealing with the minor inconveniences the CEL causes, but want to be sure I am not setting myself up for a disaster down the road.

Additional feedback is greatly appreciated!!

ASH8

Well , you have been told what to do by Zoom...

PO610 is "PCM vehicle configuration error", so you have two choices..make that 3..

1. Live with it.
2. Go to a Mazda Dealer as per Zoom's advice.
3. Try an ECU "reset" again yourself, it may help.

In my 09 all I have to do is pull the 15 AMP room fuse next to feet, LH side.
I think 04-08 you can just disconnect the Battery for a few minutes and reconnect, should do the same.

Or "Search" for ECU Reset.

jdzoom8

Thanks, I have done the ECU reset in the past with no luck. Just looking for some feedback from others who have actually experienced the same problem. I am trying to understand if there are any severe impacts by not getting the CEL fixed permanently (i.e. new PCM). My car has the latest flash, I know what the dealership is going to say per their troubleshooting protocol. I want to avoid the inevitable if there are no repercussions. Understood...

ASH8

I think it was suggested, I would check ALL wiring connections to PCM, and or wriggle them to see if there is a loose connection, the reason I say this is you said the weather or temperature can make a difference...expansion and contraction of metal inside connectors?

You linked and issue with your cruise control, have you had your clutch or transmission removed for any reason?, as there is a "neutral switch" on the LH side of your car, it is mounted right at the top of the trans near stick shift hole, and sometimes is left disconnected when trans is put back in...I guess your 8 is a stick?

Sorry mate, I don't think I know or have read anyone who has needed a complete new PCM yet?, again try searching PCM.

Just got this GUT Felling it is a Wiring Loom connection....

Good Luck..

darkwings

Thanks for the suggestions about checking the wiring. That's worth a shot. In my case, the CEL doesn't seem to be weather related. Mine has been going on and off all summer and it's never below 72 here in FL (not even first thing in the morning). And we've had enough wet and dry days for me to know that there's no connection there.

The cruise control issue is a new one. That didn't start happening till the last few months and the CEL has been intermittent for much longer than that. We've tested our mileage and there's no change whether the CEL is on or not. There has been no performance impact either. The car runs identically whether the light is on or off.

I have not had the ECU flashed because there doesn't seem to be any reason to spend the money. When I first got the car I had chronic CEL problems and took it in several times while it was under warranty. They flashed the ECU more than once. Eventually the light stayed off. But now that the warranty has expired I haven't taken it back again.

Good luck zoom! If you ever figure out what's causing the light, please post.

ken-x8

You should be able to get MSP16, which is the latest flash, done for free. The TSB says that dealers should do it to any RX-8 that comes into their shop for any kind of service. No mention of in or out of warranty.

Ken

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

DTC P0610

PCM vehicle options error

DETECTION CONDITION
• PCM data configuration error.
Diagnostic support note

• This is a continuous monitor (CCM).
• The MIL illuminates if the PCM detects the above malfunction condition in the first drive cycle.
• PENDING CODE is available if the PCM detects the above malfunction condition.
• FREEZE FRAME DATA is available.
• The DTC is stored in the PCM memory.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
• Configulation procedure has not been completed
• PCM malfunction


Diagnostic procedure


STEP

INSPECTION

ACTION

1 VERIFY FREEZE FRAME DATA HAS BEEN RECORDED

• Has FREEZE FRAME DATA been recorded? Yes Go to the next step.
No Record the FREEZE FRAME DATA on the repair order, then go to the next step.
2 VERIFY RELATED REPAIR INFORMATION AVAILABILITY

• Verify related service repair information availability.
• Is any related repair information available? Yes Perform repair or diagnosis according to the available repair information.
• If the vehicle is not repaired, go to the next step.
No Perform the "PCM CONFIGURATION", then go to the next step.
(See PCM CONFIGURATION.)
3 VERIFY TROUBLESHOOTING OF DTC P0610 COMPLETED

• Make sure to reconnect all disconnected connectors.
• Clear the DTC from the PCM memory using the WDS or equivalent.
• Start the engine.
• Is the same DTC present? Yes Replace the PCM, then go to the next step.
(See PCM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)
No Go to the next step.
4 VERIFY AFTER REPAIR PROCEDURE

• Perform the "AFTER REPAIR PROCEDURE".
(See AFTER REPAIR PROCEDURE.)
• Are any DTCs present? Yes Go to the applicable DTC inspection.
(See DTC TABLE.)
No DTC troubleshooting completed.

The Reverend

iTrader: (1)

I have the same CEL, it's been on for about a month now. It seems to be on about 90% of the times I start my car.

darkwings

ken-x8 : do you know which TSB said that? I'd like to get a copy and bring it to my dealer and suggest that they flash my PCM for free It's worth a try!

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...13-08-1925.pdf

jdzoom8

Darkwings - I talked to the dealer and unless you are under warranty they will charge you for the reflash. Sucks I know.

They said if they troubleshoot your CEL (scan it and determine the source of the problem) it will be $107, if they see that you don't have the latest flash, they will reflash your PCM and the reflash charge will be covered in the $107.

@!!narotordo

Guess every dealer is different. I never got charged for a flash.

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

The MSP16 is not a TSB it is a Recall. The MSP16 should be done for free no matter if you are in or out or warranty.

jdzoom8

Hmm, Invasion08 where can you find the recalls? It is definitely in Rosenthal's Service Bulletins - see a few posts earlier.

Aren't you supposed to get something in the mail for recalls as well....

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Yes, you "supposed" to get a mail about the MSP16 recall. I know I got the mail. but I knew about the MSP16 WAY before Mazda mail it out so yeah I did it before I got my mail

Anyway, You can give MNAO a call, give them your VIN number, and they will be able to tell what recall(s) you need, cuz it sounds like you not even up to 4206f recall yet(MSP16 superseded it, just saying)

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

Go in and tell the dealer you have rough engine idle speed in high temperatures

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

People who buys their car second hand that was not being sold at a dealer won't get the letter. My car's totaled and I no longer own it and I still get the letters.

invasion08

iTrader: (7)

I went to wayne mazda and ask them to do the MSP16 and they did it no questions asked nor did i pay for it. And i was out of my warranty. You can call Mazda North America and ask them about the MSP16

jdzoom8

Thanks for the feedback, will do some more follow-up on the re-flash with MNAO. Not sure what kind of operation Mazda runs with dealer specific responses to widespread issues. Customer service and consistent dealer standard practice is obviously not a high priority in this business.

I should still be getting the letters, purchased my 2004 with 60 miles on it back in the day...