kaptainhaze

hey,
I've turned here for help a few times so i thought i would give back and do a guide for ecu/pcm replacement as i haven't found one online before.
this is how i did it on my 2005 series 1 automatic rx8

for this you will need:
current car pcm
vcm II odb II tool (the one i use)
Mazda iDS (install guide and download link here)
incode by outcode app (Play Store Link FREE)
a used or new replacement pcm
2 key fobs


plug in the vcmII tool to the obdII port under the steering wheel

Open iDS and select start new session>all other

it will read your pcm and recognise your vehicle

if you have dsc select yes

advanced keyless entry > select correct option for you

check if details are correct and then continue

enter odometer reading if you want to (not required)

select module programming

select programable module installation > pcm

set ignition to on

set ignition back to off when prompted

when this prompt comes up unplug your pcm and plug in the replacement

take off the cover and undo all the bolts holding the pcm down. disconnect the air tubes at the front of the pcm

unplug these 4 connectors on the back of the pcm

set ignition to on

set ignition back to off when prompted

iDS will rewrite the data on the new pcm from your old one

set ignition back to on

set ignition to off again

programming complete. if you cannot crank your car now you will have to run the pats function.

go to body>security>PATS

follow on screen instructions then set ignition to on

select ignition key code erase and reprogram

download incode by outcode on google play store

check that vin is correct before continuing

this page has the OUTCODE you need. put that code into the incode by outcode app then press next when the app gives you an incode

put that outcode into the incode by outcode app and get your incode

type in incode provided by app

if it worked you get this screen

i didnt have my second key on me when doing this so this is as far as the tutorial goes. after this page its pretty simple. just follow on screen instructions until complete then you will have a working rx8 with a new pcm installed.

Necoxus

Awesome write-up! I'm interested in using this to help with an AT-MT swap. Do the ECMs need to be exact matches? Or could you read a 4-Port AT and then flash all of its info to a 6-Port ECM?

Basically, I need to manual transmission functionality that is baked into the 6-Port ECM, but need to retain my vin and odometer readings for legality. The engine tune itself doesn't matter, I plan to keep the 4-Port engine and tune indefinitely (car is already using an MT but still has AT ECM), but I could use something like VersaTuner to get the tune correct if needed. Having the MT ECM however, would restore cruise control and traction control to my car (ideally), and free up the errors I still read from not having the AT in the car.

askannav2094

Hi from Sydney Australia .. I have a 2005 Mazda RX8 with a damaged ecu ..

I have followed the instructions to copy the data from my existing ECU to the replacement .- Everything appears to work BUT it fails to read the PATS info .

When you go into the PATS system it allows tou to reprogram two keys ( so far so good) .. The whole procedure is as above, but it fails to start. The red car on the dash stays solid ( no flash) and does not turn off.

When you restart the Mazda IDS software the Vehicle information has the correct VIn number & vehicle details BUT the PATS is listed as disabled.

Is there another step or something i have missed?

Is there a way to force the replacement ECU to read the info from the PATS system ?