Real Way to Clear the Memory
Your ecu is re-learning the fuel trims.
Unplug the battery again, pump the brake pedal to completely clear it, reconnect, and drive it for approx 4-6 drive cycles (fully warm, shut down, completely cool, rinse, repeat).
Unplug the battery again, pump the brake pedal to completely clear it, reconnect, and drive it for approx 4-6 drive cycles (fully warm, shut down, completely cool, rinse, repeat).
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Sorry but I want to be sure what I should try.
I changed my batterie and inmediatley had low idle problem. A few days latter, a CEL went on. I have done quite a few drive cycles and disconnected batterie. same idel problem and after few days, CEL again. I have a Racing Beat re-flash and dont want to mess anything.
What should I do to try to solve both issues? I just want to clear the CEl and get my normal idle back.
Tks
I changed my batterie and inmediatley had low idle problem. A few days latter, a CEL went on. I have done quite a few drive cycles and disconnected batterie. same idel problem and after few days, CEL again. I have a Racing Beat re-flash and dont want to mess anything.
What should I do to try to solve both issues? I just want to clear the CEl and get my normal idle back.
Tks
No. The ECU doesn't block power to the starter because of a reset state or not.
Search for the "starting problems? start here" thread.
Having done 2 engine replacements myself, a simple "doesn't do anything" on starting attempt is more likely to be a blown fuse, missing ground, a connection not made, etc...
Search for the "starting problems? start here" thread.
Having done 2 engine replacements myself, a simple "doesn't do anything" on starting attempt is more likely to be a blown fuse, missing ground, a connection not made, etc...
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Fort worth TX
Ok so this maybe a stupid question but ima gonna give it a shot. So I have tried to clear the NVRAM by turing the key to "on" and pumping the brake 20 times, but my brake pedal only pumps once and then locks up. I just ignored it and kept pressing on the pedal but nothing is happening! Am I doing something wrong here???? 
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
You Keep pressing irregardless that your brake pedal firms, you are actually activating the switch attached to brake pedal 20 times...WHY they (Mazda) made it 20 I have no idea..surely 10 would have been enough?....
Registered
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Guam
Had the same problem changed out my engine and was idling low when running my problem was one I forgot to plug back the connector to the engine coolant temp sensor that made a huge drop in rpm second one of my L connector that goes to intake hose was cracked replaced it and now runs better than ever but I have two codes p0420 an u0121 but I know my cat or both sensor are no good an the second code I've read will go away cause my 8 sat a year with no batt
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: SoCal and Rosarito Beach, MX
i reset my navram the other day, and the car idles way better as well as shifting it doesnt pull anymore as i step on the gas... weird, but its true. I had changed the wires, plugs, battery, and coils but it still was rough, i then reset the navram and now its performing much smoother. is this normal? can someone explain this.?
New Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
hi guys im new here ~ so far after searching the forum and google all i've found is how to reset NVRAM and KAM on a 04 to 08 rx8.. However my rx8 is a JDM 2003 model and stomping on the brakes 20 times in 8 seconds does not reset the NVRAM and KAM neither does the oil needle move to signal that the process is successful... Any other ways that i can reset the NVRAM and KAM? Thanks! 
Some ECU versions do not sweep the oil pressure needle.
Reset the one with the battery, Assume that the brake pedal stomp worked or search for something you do with the trip odometer button.
Light Reading
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...memory-169443/
And, welcome
Reset the one with the battery, Assume that the brake pedal stomp worked or search for something you do with the trip odometer button.
Light Reading
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...memory-169443/
And, welcome
Registered
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
I have juste reset the NVRAM with the procedure for S2
Now my car is broken,
- I get check engine light on
- Rough speed shifting
- Low idle at 750 rpm
- Shifter can't go above 4th speed, I can't get to 5th and 6th speed.
What is going on ?
--- DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE PAGE 1 - THIS IS A TRAP ---
Now my car is broken,
- I get check engine light on
- Rough speed shifting
- Low idle at 750 rpm
- Shifter can't go above 4th speed, I can't get to 5th and 6th speed.
What is going on ?
--- DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE PAGE 1 - THIS IS A TRAP ---
I have juste reset the NVRAM with the procedure for S2
Now my car is broken,
- I get check engine light on
- Rough speed shifting
- Low idle at 750 rpm
- Shifter can't go above 4th speed, I can't get to 5th and 6th speed.
What is going on ?
--- DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE PAGE 1 - THIS IS A TRAP ---
Now my car is broken,
- I get check engine light on
- Rough speed shifting
- Low idle at 750 rpm
- Shifter can't go above 4th speed, I can't get to 5th and 6th speed.
What is going on ?
--- DO NOT FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE PAGE 1 - THIS IS A TRAP ---
If it's running worse than before, then you probably screwed something up and don't even know what you did.
Don't attempt to give anyone here a 'warning' if you don't know what you are talking about.
I note in a previous thread you say you 'cleaned the MAF'.....
But did you do it properly? The actual 'maf' is up inside the housing, it's not the little epiglottis hanging down in the airstream, that's just a thermistor.
Gotta spray them tiny fine wires, and never touch them, not even with a Q-Tip.
But did you do it properly? The actual 'maf' is up inside the housing, it's not the little epiglottis hanging down in the airstream, that's just a thermistor.
Gotta spray them tiny fine wires, and never touch them, not even with a Q-Tip.
New Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hello ..I was wondering if anyone figured out what the numbers mean after you hold the odo/reset.
I performed the procedure as directed. I actually push the odo/reset button and I came up with different numbers
in the lower left hand corner of the trip meter gauge.. also with couple of more button pushing ,...I was able to change the colors of the gauges
and some more things.. Has anyone else experienced this?
I performed the procedure as directed. I actually push the odo/reset button and I came up with different numbers
in the lower left hand corner of the trip meter gauge.. also with couple of more button pushing ,...I was able to change the colors of the gauges
and some more things.. Has anyone else experienced this?
you really need the specific model year service manual for your RX8 to understand what the output values are though.
Here’s an example for the fuel tank level sensors. I will display the actual ohm reading for each side when chosen to help verify/troubleshoot them:
some of the others it will display and verify ON or OFF, such as the (seat belt) Buckle Switch with the belt buckle in or out.
.
Last edited by TeamRX8; Dec 28, 2020 at 09:20 AM.
New Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Replaced engine with a slightly newer one.
edited 3/26: added addition KAM procedure, also formatted it for easier reading, removed some excess.
Hey guys,
Alright I seem to frequently be running into people suggesting you clear the KAM and/or NVRAM by holding the odometer/trip reset button and when it says test bla bla bla.
First of all, the only way to clear a code is with an OBD scanner or disconnecting the battery, CEL codes are NOT stored in KAM or NVRAM they are stored in basic memory in the module which they are set (PCM, TCM, ABS HU/CM, etc..). No power to the module with the code = no more code.
Here is how you clear your memory, also some reasons to clear each memory:
NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory)
NVRAM is a rather unique feature. The system memorizes the profile of the eccentric shaft plate on the e-shaft pulley. It basically knows how the e-shaft spins, on an individual basis, 2 cars NVRAM will generally never be absolutely identical, they're pretty close to unique.
As you'd imagine with such a specialized system you wouldn't want this information relearned and forgotten very easily, relearning the profile isn't a short process (drive cycle, dont worry you dont do anything special to relearn it). So this info is kept in a special area of the PCM it CANNOT be cleared in any way EXCEPT the proper procedure, you could disconnect the battery and do a jig for a year and it won't erase.
When/Why should you erase the NVRAM?
Realistically there are only a few times, generally the only times it's really needed is when replacing a motor since you'll be installing a new e-shaft position plate. Sometimes you'll also repair a misfire, yet the misfire code will return even with you not noticing anything, in those cases clearing the NVRAM will sometimes help. Also during PCM replacement it's good to clear it.
How do you reset NVRAM?
Here it is straight from mazda:
NOTE:2004-2008 and 2009 and later model year procedures are different.
2004-2008 Method
1. Turn ignition switch to "ON" position, but do not start engine.
2. Pump the brake pedal at least 20 times within 8 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
NOTE:
Manual transmission equipped vehicles produced after VIN 40132647 and automatic transmission equipped vehicles produced after VIN 40132607 or vehicles with PCM updated to "L" calibration or later can confirm the clearing procedure was performed. If procedure was successful, the oil pressure gauge needle will move to right of center slightly (nearer H).
Vehicles produced prior to these VIN's or vehicles without "L" calibration do not have an indicator to confirm the clearing procedure was performed.
3. Drive vehicle and confirm misfire related DTCs are not stored.
NOTE:
If the malfunction cannot be corrected even though the procedure was successful, the eccentric shaft position plate may be damaged. Inspect the eccentric shaft position plate. Refer to MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 01-40 ECCENTRIC SHAFT POSITION PLATE INSPECTION and repair as necessary.
2009-2011 Method
1. Record customer radio station presets (FM1/2, AM, SAT).
2. Disconnect negative battery cable for a minimum of 1 minute.
With negative battery cable disconnected, depress and release brake pedal one time.
3. Reconnect negative battery cable.
4. If equipped with DSC, perform the STEERING ANGLE SENSOR INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE located in MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 04-15.
5. Input customer radio station presets.
6. Initialize power windows. Refer to MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 09-12 POWER WINDOW INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE.
KAM (Keep Alive Memory)
Keep alive memory is not named because it keeps the car alive, rather it's named after the way it works. When you remove the battery terminals from the battery you'd assume all power in the car is lost right, hell your clock resets so the PCM must too, right? WRONG. KAM is saved by "Keep Alive" power, reserve battery power if you will.
KAM generally doesn't store very important stuff, other then the airbag operating on KA power they dont store anything in the KAM tho they just use the same reserve power. The main thing KAM stores are things like fuel trims etc. It's useful to reset KAM when you have lean/rich codes where the fuel trims have been able to reach 25%. It takes a while even after repair for the fuel trims to go back to proper levels, if you clear the KAM it will reset them to 0%.
How do you reset KAM?
Two easy ways, disconnect the battery and leave it like that for at least 10 minutes, sometimes longer. To expedite the process disconnect the battery and hold down the brake pedal, itll drain the KA power quicker. This will allow all codes to clear and KAM to clear.
After some research, at this time, it seems pulling the Room Fuse on the interior fusebox will also clear only the KAM. Not 100% sure yet, but pretty close.
-----------------
So what is this instrument cluster/odometer test thing people have been throwing around? The answer's right in front of their face, as it says it is a "TEST" and since it's in the Instrument cluster it would be.........the Instrument Cluster Input/Output Check Mode.
What is the IC Input/Output Check Mode? It's a quick and easy way to test all the electric meters/sensors/lights etc in the IC.
Here's a link to a larger description:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-diagnostic-outputs-155947/
YOU CANT CLEAR ANY PCM MEMORY WITH THE ODO/TRIP RESET BUTTON. If you want i can explain how to test each on of those things... im still searching for where in the FSM it says the odometer can reset NVRAM, because im sure mazda would like to repair it.
Thank you and good night,
kevin.
Hey guys,
Alright I seem to frequently be running into people suggesting you clear the KAM and/or NVRAM by holding the odometer/trip reset button and when it says test bla bla bla.
First of all, the only way to clear a code is with an OBD scanner or disconnecting the battery, CEL codes are NOT stored in KAM or NVRAM they are stored in basic memory in the module which they are set (PCM, TCM, ABS HU/CM, etc..). No power to the module with the code = no more code.
Here is how you clear your memory, also some reasons to clear each memory:
NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory)
NVRAM is a rather unique feature. The system memorizes the profile of the eccentric shaft plate on the e-shaft pulley. It basically knows how the e-shaft spins, on an individual basis, 2 cars NVRAM will generally never be absolutely identical, they're pretty close to unique.
As you'd imagine with such a specialized system you wouldn't want this information relearned and forgotten very easily, relearning the profile isn't a short process (drive cycle, dont worry you dont do anything special to relearn it). So this info is kept in a special area of the PCM it CANNOT be cleared in any way EXCEPT the proper procedure, you could disconnect the battery and do a jig for a year and it won't erase.
When/Why should you erase the NVRAM?
Realistically there are only a few times, generally the only times it's really needed is when replacing a motor since you'll be installing a new e-shaft position plate. Sometimes you'll also repair a misfire, yet the misfire code will return even with you not noticing anything, in those cases clearing the NVRAM will sometimes help. Also during PCM replacement it's good to clear it.
How do you reset NVRAM?
Here it is straight from mazda:
NOTE:2004-2008 and 2009 and later model year procedures are different.
2004-2008 Method
1. Turn ignition switch to "ON" position, but do not start engine.
2. Pump the brake pedal at least 20 times within 8 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
NOTE:
Manual transmission equipped vehicles produced after VIN 40132647 and automatic transmission equipped vehicles produced after VIN 40132607 or vehicles with PCM updated to "L" calibration or later can confirm the clearing procedure was performed. If procedure was successful, the oil pressure gauge needle will move to right of center slightly (nearer H).
Vehicles produced prior to these VIN's or vehicles without "L" calibration do not have an indicator to confirm the clearing procedure was performed.
3. Drive vehicle and confirm misfire related DTCs are not stored.
NOTE:
If the malfunction cannot be corrected even though the procedure was successful, the eccentric shaft position plate may be damaged. Inspect the eccentric shaft position plate. Refer to MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 01-40 ECCENTRIC SHAFT POSITION PLATE INSPECTION and repair as necessary.
2009-2011 Method
1. Record customer radio station presets (FM1/2, AM, SAT).
2. Disconnect negative battery cable for a minimum of 1 minute.
With negative battery cable disconnected, depress and release brake pedal one time.
3. Reconnect negative battery cable.
4. If equipped with DSC, perform the STEERING ANGLE SENSOR INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE located in MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 04-15.
5. Input customer radio station presets.
6. Initialize power windows. Refer to MS3 online instructions or Workshop Manual section 09-12 POWER WINDOW INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE.
KAM (Keep Alive Memory)
Keep alive memory is not named because it keeps the car alive, rather it's named after the way it works. When you remove the battery terminals from the battery you'd assume all power in the car is lost right, hell your clock resets so the PCM must too, right? WRONG. KAM is saved by "Keep Alive" power, reserve battery power if you will.
KAM generally doesn't store very important stuff, other then the airbag operating on KA power they dont store anything in the KAM tho they just use the same reserve power. The main thing KAM stores are things like fuel trims etc. It's useful to reset KAM when you have lean/rich codes where the fuel trims have been able to reach 25%. It takes a while even after repair for the fuel trims to go back to proper levels, if you clear the KAM it will reset them to 0%.
How do you reset KAM?
Two easy ways, disconnect the battery and leave it like that for at least 10 minutes, sometimes longer. To expedite the process disconnect the battery and hold down the brake pedal, itll drain the KA power quicker. This will allow all codes to clear and KAM to clear.
After some research, at this time, it seems pulling the Room Fuse on the interior fusebox will also clear only the KAM. Not 100% sure yet, but pretty close.
-----------------
So what is this instrument cluster/odometer test thing people have been throwing around? The answer's right in front of their face, as it says it is a "TEST" and since it's in the Instrument cluster it would be.........the Instrument Cluster Input/Output Check Mode.
What is the IC Input/Output Check Mode? It's a quick and easy way to test all the electric meters/sensors/lights etc in the IC.
Here's a link to a larger description:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-diagnostic-outputs-155947/
YOU CANT CLEAR ANY PCM MEMORY WITH THE ODO/TRIP RESET BUTTON. If you want i can explain how to test each on of those things... im still searching for where in the FSM it says the odometer can reset NVRAM, because im sure mazda would like to repair it.
Thank you and good night,
kevin.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
manek1
Series I Tech Garage
5
Jul 17, 2006 11:21 PM
