downshift

I think I've got a new unique DTC on this forum. The DTC list indicates a PCM error of some sort. The CEL seems to coincide with hard starts in the morning. If I start the car up for a few more times during the course of the day (which seems to start fine when the day warms up), the CEL would clear out. The next morning, it would come back again if it's cold.

Anyway, the dealer reflashed my ECU from M to N (maybe P, they don't know) and it seems to be holding out fine so far. I like the changes from M to N. The throttle seems to be more responsive in the lower rpm range and the engine sounded better.

snap-on

You are the original owner of the vehicle?

Have you had a CAN related module replaced? PCM/TCM/etc?

RX8 Workshop Manual - Engine

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DTC P0610
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 Bulletins and/or on-line 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.



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downshift

snap-on,

Thanks for taking the time to look this code up in detail. Yes, I am the original owner of this vehicle. Other than the M flash, I'm not aware of anything else that's done on the PCM.

The interesting thing is I got the CEL again this morning but did not have a hard start. I've restarted the car 8 times yesterday since the "fix" yesterday morning without triggering the CEL. There seems to be some intermittence in it, but yet the trend is still getting a CEL triggered in the morning. It's as if the electronics' operational conditions (temperature, humidity) are no longer what it was before.

downshift

Just another update for those (if any) that are following this:

The PCM will be replaced after consulting with the Mazda tech line, which is also consistent with the troubleshooting procedures posted by snap-on (too bad he left). I'll update this thread again after the PCM is replaced.

downshift

Well, the PCM was replaced and the problem is resolved. Replacing the PCM also involves getting a new blank key and I have to reprogram my other keys. The interesting thought is whether the new PCM is a 04 or 05 model? The part number from the invoice is: N3ZD-18-881B.

HottRodder

Sorry to revive a 2 year old thread but I'm in the same boat only my car has 120K. I've had a recurring P0610 code for about 6 weeks now. I took it to the dealer this week who tried to reprogram it but it didn't take. Dealer says I need a new PCM.

SnapOn or Downshift. Do you know where I can get a used PCM? My car is obviously out of warranty and the dealer wants $1500 plus labor. Any help would be appreciated.


Are you all having fun at SSX?

wankelrx8

No posts on this thread for the last year, but I took my car to Autozone today and the scanner read P0610. Does that mean I need a new PCM? Or can I try the "PCM CONFIGURATION"? Does anyone have information on that procedure, or can it only be done by the dealer with special equipment?

rotary.enthusiast

The "PCM Configuration" is simply the programming of the PCM via the OBD-II port I believe. I regret to say that unless you've had your PCM reflashed recently that you likely need a new one

wankelrx8

Any idea how much a new once costs? Can I install it myself, or does the dealer have to do that in order to load the latest flash? If I order one, will it have the latest flash, and would I be able to install it? It's under the hood in the black plastic box, on the passenger side, near the headlight, correct?

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

A new ECU is $1500.

There's one on the parts forum for $700, with a money back guarantee.
.. .and lets you keep your old keys.
S

wankelrx8

That's a lot of money, new or used. How can I be sure that the one I have is bad before I spend that kind of cash to replace it? Could it be a lose connection somewhere?

I think I need to get a code scanner to make sure I still have the P0610. Autozone read that code this morning, then the reset it, and the CEL came back the next time I started the car. I want to be sure I still have a P0610 before I even think about replacing it...

I'll post more info once I know for sure what my DTC# is...

wankelrx8

This is the scanner I bought on Ebay:
ELM327 CAN BUS Bluetooth OBD-II OBD2 Wireless Scanner

I chose that one because I have two PDAs that have bluetooth. I could also use my bluetooth enabled laptop if I want to try out some fancy software.

There is lots of free software available for download for PDAs and PCs. Does anyone have any suggestions for either Palm based or Pocket PC based PDAs?

I should have the scanner in about a week, but it's not too early to start trying out different software...