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ECU/PCM "flash" Info/questions

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Old 11-08-2004, 07:48 PM
  #626  
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Unhappy Pcm Flash

What Does The Pcm Flash Do For The Rx8?
Old 11-08-2004, 07:54 PM
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read the MSP04 bulletin. it describes what the flash is for.
Old 11-09-2004, 06:23 PM
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Ok , since we are on this , I bought my car 3 weeks ago ....there is a sticker from when they did the update in June ....BUT there is NO sticker for the damper OR the air bag... so I take it into my local dealership ( I bought the car out of town) , they have my car for 6 hours . I work right across the street , so I call to see how much longer so I can plan my lunch ..he said it was ready , that it had already been done . So I said " they did the work but didn't put the stick on it" he said it was done "at the port". I told him no way ...it was built in Aug of '03 , the TSB came out in '04 ... he said "well, it has been done already , your car is ready" I was totally pissed off ...they know they are the only dealer in town and know I bought it elsewhere .....what should I do or what course of action? Contact Mazda? I'm afraid if I **** them off they will screw up my car ... Thanks, DrR
Old 11-09-2004, 06:24 PM
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Oh , and PS .... I did the brake thing ...no sweep of the oil pressure gauge ...I think the dealership I bought it from just put the sticker on it and charged Mazda for it ...
Old 11-09-2004, 06:26 PM
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get the service writer to show you with the wds what pcm level you are at and compare that against the number in the MSP04.
Old 11-09-2004, 06:31 PM
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What number am I looking for in the MSP04?
Old 11-09-2004, 08:35 PM
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Thanks alot, I had it done today.
Old 11-10-2004, 12:56 PM
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Talking

Ok, let me see...First we had to fight to get the "L", which then was changed to "m", and now they call the "L" the "Z"...

So now we have a Z instead of an 8?

Better go look at my front tires...
Old 11-12-2004, 08:57 AM
  #634  
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So Mazda sends me a letter.....

Telling me to get my ECU reflashed. This was something I have avoided since getting the "L" flash done.

Since getting the update done a couple of days ago, I have noticed that my fuel economy has dropped and it feels like there is NO power in the motor below 6rpm's

time to sell.......
Old 11-12-2004, 10:13 AM
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It's ok... I don't think Mazda will even send me a letter. What you are saying about being NO power below 6k has been described as "a smoother power band".
Old 11-12-2004, 10:17 AM
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I use to get 23 mpg on the highway and now it's 17.

I just drive my car to work and the route never changes nor does my driving style. I have never gotten below 20.

They can keep the kinder, gentler powerband. If I wanted a car that had to stay in the 6k range to drive it, I would have gotten a Honda s2000.
Old 11-12-2004, 05:47 PM
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M- flash and different octane gas

Yes, I tired a search and didnt see what I wanted to see. If I missed a similar post please direct me to it.
So heres the question. I got the M flash a couple weeks ago and I lost about 50 to 60 miles of my total range. I was getting right under 300 miles a tank but now its down to 250 or a little less. I had been using 93 octane before the flash but on the way home filled up with 89. I was surprised how poor the mileage was and attributed it to the computer relearning my driving style (?). However 2 tank later and it remains the same. Any ideas what is going on? Any thoughts are welcomed
Old 11-12-2004, 06:33 PM
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Mine got worse also. I lost about the same.
Old 11-12-2004, 07:07 PM
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I have found that M flash + 89 Chevron + CZ Airflow 2% from 2000-3750 rpms has changed my MPG from 15 to 18 without changing my driving routine. The exhaust sounds throatier too :D
Old 11-12-2004, 07:24 PM
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im on mflash and have been for several road trips now. i get anywhere from 320 to 340 miles range wise and 23-25 mpg on the highway during those trips. go back to your other gas.
Old 11-12-2004, 07:47 PM
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Wow, I went on a 250 mile trip the other day. I only made 17mpg on nothing buy interstate miles. I was averaging about 70mph in 6th gear the whole time.. Was using 94oct gas
Old 11-12-2004, 08:04 PM
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^ you have a problem^ on one leg of one trip i was going at least 20mph faster than that( and upwards of 30+mph faster at times) for a whole tank in 6th and still got like 19.8 mpg. are you sure you were in 6th?
Old 11-12-2004, 08:24 PM
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yup, i am absolutely sure. The dealer has looked at it and cannot figure it out. My only thought on the matter is I have one of those cars that runs unusually rich. With may be why I only dyno 177 (184 with the CZ turned on) with all my mods.. look at the sig to see.
Old 11-13-2004, 05:05 AM
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The "kinder, gentler powerband" takes out the power drop before 6K rpm. It should accelerate smoother.

But, frankly, if you were worried about getting 17MPG versus 23MPG, you should have gotten a Civic. The Accord Hybrid is out now/soon. Take a look at that. The RX-8 isn't the best choice for a daily driver, by a very very very long stretch.

You did buy a car that works best in the 6K RPM range. Sorry.
Old 11-13-2004, 05:27 AM
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samsonite1, it is clear from many of your posts you are unhappy with your decision to buy this car. Maybe it's time to bite the bullet, take the lose and move on, why continue to suffer.

Last edited by brothervoodoo; 11-13-2004 at 06:03 AM.
Old 11-13-2004, 10:15 AM
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Thanks guys good to know im not the only one. I envy those who get over 20 mpg. Would be nice to get kinda close to what mazda advertised.
Old 11-13-2004, 10:22 AM
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Yeah, I average 12mpg in city driving.. I would be happier than a pig in sh#@ if I could get at least 15
Old 11-13-2004, 01:50 PM
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How come I only get 180 miles a tank? Before and after the M flash...
Old 11-13-2004, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by robe619
How come I only get 180 miles a tank? Before and after the M flash...
Hey man, I'm right there with you. I'm getting worse milage with the M flash. I'm lucky if I get 180
Old 11-13-2004, 05:48 PM
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By chance are people with the hotter burning spark plugs those that are getting the better fuel mileage?

I still cant break the 17.9 barrier around town, no matter how I drive or what type of gas I use.


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