MariesRX8

Over in a post about J, K, L and M Flash Explanation (https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...30&postcount=1) it's mentioned that

Have you all found this to be true in experience?

Just curious, as my M-flashed 2004 nearly always starts (cold or warm) within a second.

But every now and then, maybe 1 in 20 starts, it'll take 3 seconds before "firing." There's no struggle, it doesn't misfire or anything during that time, it just cranks over without even trying to start for 3 seconds, then starts easily and instantly. And no real pattern to it, it's happened with both hot and cold starts.

It's a little scary when you're used to 1 second starts, but I'm wondering if that's the built-in "3 second delay?"

My car is perfectly healthy (new engine, plugs, coils, wires), it's just always seemed odd that 1 in 20 starts would take that long for no known reason. Maybe the conditions it senses are more varied than just "cold engine?"

zoom44

if your car is on M flash you have more touble then you think. Mflash was like 5 years ago. maybe more.

but really you are way past it as well since you have a new engine. when they dropped that in they made sure you were on whatever the current appropriate flash was at that time.

MariesRX8

Seriously? There's been more? I realize it's that old, I just always thought that was the last update.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

There was a recall notice sent out after that which updated the PCM programing. I don't remember what the letter designation was.

MariesRX8

Oh yay, must have been 01-013/08 MAZDA SPECIAL PROGRAM (MSP16) - ENGINE LACK OF POWER - PCM REFLASH 3/14/2008.

And here I thought I'd been pretty good about staying on top of things. I don't remember hearing about that one. Ah well, thanks, I'll check for the MSP16 Campaign sticker...

dynamho

My dealer didn't put the MSP16 campaign sticker until I specifically asked for it.
Don't be surprised if you can't find it. However, Mazda should have a log with your VIN number on file, so if you can't find the sticker, check with Mazda.

dynamho

Anyway, back to your original question about the random but infrequent crank crank crank start. I have that too (once in a while), but I'm not worried about it. My 06 car only has a smidge over 10k miles on it FWIW.

zoom44

there has probably been 3 more changes at least since MSP16.

but yes the question is "what about that start hesitation". i wouldn't worry at all about it as long as you are up on plug/coil maintenance etc

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

just keep in mind that if your engine already have problem, no flash can save you.

MariesRX8

Well that's embarassing. Really, I DO try to stay up on things, but MSP16 was the last flash I can find in my receipts (no sticker under hood though), even though it's been to the dealer for a zillion oil changes and things since then. I don't remember seeing any TSBs or recalls about flashes after that one... so how would a customer know?

Thanks, it's amazing what a couple "Me too!"'s can do to help someone relax and stop obsessing

zoom44

they produce flashes all the time for all sorts of things. fix bits of code they foudn wanting. stream line code, change it to look more like some newer code, change it because you've changed a part in the newer production pcms so all of the code need to change to make sure it works on what ever its flashed on........

thats one of the things "we" (me) didnt understand 8 years ago. Just because there wasnt a tsb addressing some specific problem doesnt mean there hasnt been a new flash. at some point they stop fiddling im sure and with production ending im sure they will stop fiddling some time soon

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Heat and fuel pressure.
It is "normal" for some cars (especially those that are essentially stock), but annoying.

zoom44

its why i always to this day just switch the car to on then go about buckling my seat belt and wait for the dash to clear before starting. let the car "initialize" the fuel pump etc etc

MariesRX8

LOL, I thought I was the only one who did that!!! Yes, I always turn the key on, then do other things until all the beeping stops, and only then actually start it.

As for the flashes, I'm assuming then that while there may have been flashes since MSP16, there haven't been any which are critical to engine life?

zoom44

no of course not search "initialize" we've been talking about it since 2003

ASH8

My 09 RX-8 starts quicker than my new 2.0 MZR banger in the MX-5.

First turn the ignition on to build (like Charlie ) up fuel pressure (dash lights start to go out) and turn the key within half a second she fires up...seriously it is that quick..always has.

I think once in 40,000 KMS I have had to re-re-start because it did not fire, and I put that down to the position of Rotors at last stop.

At this stage of engine life I never have to keep cranking...we will see when my mileage has doubled.

Plus the better starters and battery has helped a lot in 09's...and I really believe pre-mix helps.

This one really fails me as to WHY Mazda got this simple step (Ignition Juice) so wrong..like they have been caught out time and time again over the years on many models for skimping with these elementary parts.

dynamho

Ah~ I missed that. Thanks.

ken-x8

That was the last official one. As a Special Program, they were supposed to do it on any RX-8 that came in for any service. I believe it re-mapped the OMP to improve engine life.

The last prior official flash was part of the 4206f emissions recall. That's the one that introduced an anti-flood delay when starting. Fuel does not start to flow until after the engine cranks a few times. Seems to me like 3 or 4 cranks, vs immediately prior to the flash. Not as long as three seconds. I believe 4206f also intruduced the feature of cutting off fuel if you floored it while cranking...so you don't have to pull any fuses if de-flooding.

Ken

ken-x8

As an old timer, I've had too many cars with breaker point ignition to consider letting it sit with ignition on and engine off.

Ken

ASH8

Every Mazda since OBD II has had Fuel Cut when Accelerator Pedal is held Flat to Floor.

zoom44

its not for any length of time. like 5 seconds or something. i put it to on, then put on the belt check the mirrors look back at the kids, adjust my shirt, check that the Christmas tree on the dash has gone off and then start. if you go to on and listen you can hear the intake flap cycling and the fuel pump buzz , a couple relays click etc. i just use that time to do other things before starting, letting the car do its thing.


the first couple of flash levels even shortly into the 2005s i think, did not. in the US at least. i remember when it was addded.

ASH8

Can find a thing about no Fuel Cut..
Initial flashes were about Crank Not Start, MOP, and Cold Weather...

MSP04 Cold Weather
TSB 2/7/2005
TSB 4/18/2008

hornbm

iTrader: (1)

Ever since the S5 RX-7(89-91 FC3S) this has been standard. Long before OBDII.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Unless you own a 2004 model that hasn't been flashed in over 7 years this thread is total BS

zoom44

when i picked up my car in 2003 it was not there. it was only later in the first second/third flash that it was.

yeah i said that in like post 2