Just got my 8 back from the dealership for some flooding/idle problems. OK....maybe the issues were in my head, but I needed the M flash. They said they flashed the ECU with the newest code, changed the sparkplugs, and filled the oil up(burning alot). Upon leaving the dealership I would have to agree with everyone else in saying it felt a little more perky. Thanks a lot for everyones help on the board. Without everyone I never would have known! Also, Thanks to Bob King Mazda for a hassle free experience in the service department! Btw, I did the brake test and never got any needle sweep. Is there another way to tell if it was really done? Thanks agian, Matt

 

I don't know anything about what your talking about, please tell me more about flashing it?

 

It's the updated fuel/air ratios, etc. I'm not an expert. I'll try and find you a link to someone who knows what they are talking about...

 

I haven't heard of another way to test it. After I got my 'latest ecu flash', I drove home and stomped on the brakes 20 times and oil did a nice little sweep. Maybe it doesn't do it on the 'M'.

 

The pedal test works for level L and higher.

It might take a few more than 20 taps because you might not have tapped hard enough everytime. After about 12 taps the pedal is going to get pretty hard so the taps have to be harder to register.

If you don't get the oil gauge needle sweep you are at level K or ealier.

 

You should also have an official 'Mazda Authorized Modification' sticker, up under the hood or on the top of the 'rad' in the front of the engine bay.....mine says "N3H8-18881-L" and states CARB & EPA approval.....no sticker, no flash.
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doc

 

Thanks guys, I think both of you are right. I stomped a little harder and got the needle to sweep. I also have a sticker...I didn't think that it was all in my head. I does feel a little more "ball-z". (best word I can think of do discribe the difference).