I need the WDS tool for my 8, need quite a bit of configuring to do with my 8. I have found a tool, Ford VCM IDS (VCM)...I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with this? I would take my 8 to the stealership, but I don't have the money. I'm more of a DIY kinda guy.

 

anyone?

 

I think the WDS tool needs to be connected to the Ford/Mazda database to work, it's just an interface/terminal?

Don't think you can just 'buy' one and start clicking away......

 

It is actually a standalone unit and can be connected to a lan or via CD for updates, but the WDS costs about 10 grand so have fun finding someone that A. has it, and B. will trust you with it .

 

Your best bet if you are serious about this is to look through eebay to find the NGS, which would go for about 2 grand, and does a fraction of what the WDS does.

 

The Mazda NGS won't communicate with the RX-8 Can Bus though. The WDS was replaced by the IDS.

What exactly do you need done on your RX-8? There are some ways around it through the aftermarket, depending on your budget.

 

Ah, my mistake, thanks for the correction

 

what kind of configuring would you like to do?

 

I need to clear my airbag light/troubleshoot whatever's causing it to be lit up, about to replace the power steering module, so need to configure that as well. Taking it to mazda feels like a ripoff for one, and two, i prefer doing it all myself.

 

For clearing Air Bag codes, you usually just fix the issue and light turns off immediately. The code will still be stored in the history but the light will be off. Are you sure your not still having an air bag problem?

I just checked and it does not look like you can program the power steering module using an aftermarket passthru device. Only PCMs. So it sounds like the dealership will be the only way for you on the power steering module.

Here's some info for you here on independent Mazda access:
https://www.mazdaserviceinfo.com/Default.aspx

You can use the IDS & a PC but you will need the Mazda software and access to their dealer website....maybe you have some Mazda connections?

 

correct they do not include access to the body control modules or any of the other CAN modules when you access the flash programming subs.

 

So if I buy a subscription of the mazda service info site for ecu programming, and buy an IDS Ford/Mazda module, I can program my car correct? And all of my airbags are fine, I don't understand why it's flashing the airbag code. It flashes twice, pauses, flashes 3 times, pauses, and then flashes 2 times again. It does that for a couple of rounds and then just stays solid. The car was originally rear ended, and I fixed it up. The airbag light was there when I got this rx8. All airbags are fine though!/: Is there anything I could check?

 

well you have the whoel sytem of sensors. maybe one of the crash sensors is not plugged in right after the rear was fixed. or maybe the connector is damaged or maybe... or maybe....


by programming do you mean tune? if so then no the IDS can not tune the car. it can help you with everything else as far as diagnostic and CAN module replacement etc but not tuning.

 

Is there a list of all the sensors i can check? And thats what i meant. Lol. Also, my instrument cluster's LED bulb for one of the gear indicators burnt out. If i disconnect it, and replace the bulb and put it back, do i still have to reprogram it?

 

Ok if you have an IDS and the required cables, you MUST also have the Mazda software installed onto your PC. You can then check codes and perform certain tests and functions with just that.

If you want to do a transfer of information from one module to a replacement module you will be able to do that as well. For instance you are replacing your EPS module, you will access the old EPS module with the scan tool and download the configuration file to the scan tool/PC. You will then replace the EPS in the car with a blank EPS and upload your old config file with the scan tool.

If you can't get your old info out due to a messed up module or don't have a config file to upload to the scan tool/PC, you will need Mazda's website access to download the config file you require off of their protected servers.
Do you really need to do any of this?

As far as your air bag light. It is flashing code #23 according to your post. You can do a search for air bag code #23.

And if you want to pull out your instrument cluster and replace a bulb, you can do that as well. No reprogramming necessary. Are you sure it is an LED not a regular bulb? If it is an LED it probably is soldered on.

 

Thread resurrection --- can someone out there post the RX-8 compatible Mazda IDS version # (if versioning matters) and the model # of the VCM they're using?

Would appreciate it!
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