TitaniumRX8MD

Ok guys I just looked at my work order sheet for the ECU reflash and this is the part #

N3Z2-18-881G


I hope this helps

93rdcurrent

This is how the reflash read on my invoice:

B Customer states the engine is running rough and at time the oil lamp will come on pulling away from a stop.

Cause: ..
A abnormal diag time
CM 0.00
6557 Mil not illuminated check for codes unable to verify rough run updated processor to latest level
************************************************
C Mazda/Lincoln Mercury full circle service
99P Mazda/Lincoln Mercury full circle service

TIRG TIRE STATUS GREEN

6557 Multipoint L= 0.1

TitaniumRX8MD

This is what mine says:

Customer states that malfunction indicator light is on

Cause: Reflash PCM
F0010XFX Powertrain Control Module - Reflashing
F008XDX Emissions Diagnosis

FC: 6X9R
Part #: N3Z2-18-881G
Count: 0
Claim Type: A
Auth Code:

3680 Check for DTCS, None. None
************************************************** **

93rdcurrent

TiRX8MD,

What's weird about your invoice is the check for "DTCS, None.None". Maurice said that it was Build "L" and you can see on mine where they specifically state that they did the upgrade and the Multipoint L=0.1.

I wish I knew what all these codes refer to. For all I know mine says encoded "Customer faking complaint so we faked the ECU upgrade." And yours could say, "Customer is uncertain about PCM reflash and I am too tired to check into so I did nothing."

I know this sounds sarcastic but well.... It is.

TitaniumRX8MD

That could be true and the only way to tell is when I get my Stage 1. But to note, after my reflash, I filled up my tank and have gone 71 miles on a quarter tank as opposed to only getting 50 miles on a quarter tank before reflash. Whatever they did, right now I have better mileage which the new fuel maps were suppose to do. Plus I hope the dealer wouldn't just bs me and inconvience my time and their time for nothing. I'm trying to be more optimistic than pessimistic.

racerdave

Titanium... I'm not saying the reflash didn't help, but it's also been warmer in our neighborhoods as of late... that may have helped too.

TitaniumRX8MD

Warmer weather true, but why didn't I get better mileage the few days before when it was 45 degrees here in Chicago? My driving style and type of driving did not change. Maybe my 8 is still in relearning mode and that why I'm getting better mileage. Either way I'm enjoying the better mileage and I'll let you know how the mileage continues with this current tank of gas.

racerdave

cool. i'm certainly curious to hear what kind of differences the "flashed" see.

Sea Ray

bump

sferrett

I think the gas stations are starting to switch over to their summer gas also, which could also affect people's MPG.

canzoomer

If you want some backup for persuading the dealer to do the re-flash, take in a copy of these TSB's and complain about the symptoms described in them:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-024-03.html

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...ocs/01-007.htm

The latter one mentions the "L" service level flash that is current.

Mention that you are having a lot of misfiring..

RX-Nut

If we plan to get a Stage 1 in the near future, should we have the latest version of the flash? Or will it not matter?

canzoomer

Withthe current version of Stage 1 (what some people are calling Stage 1.1) we recommend it, simply because you should get better gas mileage, and also as it fixes some small bugs in the ECU programming from Mazda.

However it is certainly not necessary, nor will it have much impact on performance combined with our unit.

Illmatic

My VIN number is just a bit newer than the range listed in the TSB concerning the reflash.

The dealer might well say that I don't need the reflash. Would I conclude that I already have the remapped version?

BRx8

That may not be the newest one. There is a newer one, issued on 2/24/2004 that has a part number of:

N3H6 18 881L

and is for MIL ILLUMINATION WITH DTC P2107, P2108, OR P2109

My question is, what is MIL illumination?

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-010-04.html

TitaniumRX8MD

Thanks for the info

I wonder what the Z stands for in my part # though

adrian-1

Malfunction Idicator Light , basically the check engine icon.

TitaniumRX8MD

Alright guys I just double checked and went to the dealer. They hooked up my car with the WDS computer ( I actually saw it on the screen) and it did verify that I had the most latest version of the PCM, which is the following:

N3H6-18-881L

mdmaclean

Do they put the sticker inside or outside of the fuse box? (and if inside, in the inside fuse box or the one under the hood)?

I did have mine re-flashed a while ago, and don't see any obvious stickers.

mdmaclean

I had my reflash on the 27th of January. Does that mean I probably got the "L" version? My receipt from the dealer does not say what version they reflashed to.

Would it be ok to follow the NV RAM reset procedure from the eccentric shaft replacement bulletin (where the L version sweeps the oil pressure gauge), just to find out if I have it or not?

Eccentric Shaft Plate memory profile TSB

Gyro

Yes....this proceedure in not harmful. Its a good way to see if you have the latest software. Good thinking.

93rdcurrent

They put my sticker on the fuse box in the engine compartment. I wish that they did put it underneath the fuse box and I think, now that you mention it, I will have them move it. I didn't particularly like staring at it when I opened the hood.

racerdave

Ok, another only slightly unrelated question.

If there are cars on a dealer's lot... will they get the reflash too? I know they're supposed to get the TSBs, but I was wondering about reflash.

There's a silver base model sitting at a dealer close to me. I really want sports package for the HIDs, but if they cut a good enough deal on the base model, I'd get it.

That's why I was wondering.

Sea Ray

When I bought I asked and they would check it, if I had not asked, don't know. But if you ask as part of the deal, they shouldn't have a problem doing it.

Oh yea, they are going to have to do the air bag and trans dampner recall, so they will have it in the shop anyways.

Gyro

The dealerships wont reflash old invertory. They will only reflash the PCM if there is a verified problem. This is the root of alot of controversy. Many people (including myself) believe that we shouldn't have to present a problem ( CEL for example) to get the new software. Its not how service departments work. They perform warranty work after a verified problem is found. Its not like going to Nvidia.com and getting new drivers for the sake of having the latest software. There needs to be an existing issue.

This isnt to say you cant tell them you have crappy MPG and rough idle etc. They may just reflash the PCM to get you out the door. most all of the PCM reflashing occured AFTER a consult with the tech hotline.

I believe that the new software is an improvement in many areas. Its just a superior version. period. I believe I deserve the best PCM software version for the 30 grand I paid and shouldn't fight to get it.

I'm going to lobby at the dealership to get this upgrade. Lets see how far i get.

As far as dealership inventory goes, Canzoomer noted that he was seeing the new Mazda maps in vehicles with December build dates. If you buy a new RX8 now, it will have the proper software version.