I just bought a black 6spd. grand touring pkg. and wanted to know if I should be aware of anything before picking her up? I've read some things about flooding and having the "M" flash. Will all the later year cars have this flash already completed or should I make sure it has been done? What other issues should I be aware of?

Thanks for your help in advance,

Pistol...

 

Get ready for some plastic surgery.. you'll need it to remove the 'smile lines' :D

Also, you can check under the hood to see if they placed a service sticker stating the reflash. I bought mine before M and haven't taken mine in yet.

 

there isn't much to worry about, unless getting 17-19 mpg upsets you.

while the car is turned off, put in the key and turn it until the radio/ac goes on. Now stomp on the brakes quickly - when you hit it about 23 times the oil guage should sweep across indicating you have a more recent flash....

You can also tell by looking up your VIN number, I *think* if your last digits are higher than 34,000, you will already have M flash installed from the factory.

 

I have a similar question.I did the brake thing when I got my car and the oil pressure gauge swept.I was just in today to have the m flash done.I picked up the car after they said it was done,and in my haste never did check it out.My wife and I had just test drove a 6 sport wagon for her.So I sort of forgot to check it until later.I did the brake trick and the needle swept again.I thought great they didn't do the m flash,but after I poped the hood i noticed a sticker showing it had been done on the fuse block cover.It says a few numbers and such and then -m- on it.Is there any way I can tell other than by that sticker that it has been done?Thanks in advance.

 

The needle sweep is useful for those who had early build cars with older flashs (which didn't sweep).

In your case, I don't know of a way to directly verify you had the M flash installed, as it's possible for someone to just put a sticker on your car saying it has the M flash without actually installing it (Note: I'm not claiming you don't have the M flash).

 

Thanks Jason,I think I may have indeed had it done but there really isn't any way of telling I guess.Will I notice any thing different with the performance,mileage,other?Granted I have only had the car a short time (2 weeks),and have yet to really get into it while trying to break in the engine.

 

My car didn't have M flash when I bought it. I had it for about 1-2 weeks before M was installed.

I didn't notice any changes whatsoever.

 

get ready to add more oil every 2nd or 3rd fuel up.

 

I had to add a quart of oil after around 2000 miles.

I change the oil every 3k miles though, so not a big deal.

 

The only thing you have to be aware of is all the people who constantly gawk at this car. If you don't mind being stared at on every street corner, or people looking inside and outside of your car at a parking lot, you should be ok. Don't take offense to it, just enjoy it, thats part of the fun of owning this car. Congrats and welcome.

 

what about engine break in? When I bought my Mazdaspeed Protege they told me I didn't need to break it in. I still took it easy for the 1st thousand miles and didn't keep it at a constant RPM. What is normal break in for this car?

 

Congrats!!!

Make sure the airbag recall has been done.

 

Take a look at the work report sheet from the dealer...does it say MSP04? Of so...you are updated to "M".

- Irish

 

Don't take it over 6k RPM's for the first 1000 miles!! Once yoy hit the 1k mark....9000 RPM's Baby!!!!

- Irish

 

Check your taillights for cracks at the bottom. I had this problems and noticed when I got home. I dealer swapped them out today