Issue Flashing stock ECU

[float_6969]

Alright, so I recently aquired an '03.5 MSP #2450. The first time I drove this car, I noticed that there was a flat spot shortly after you got into boost. After reading on the forums, I read about the issues with the stock EMS running rich, which is exactly what it felt like it was doing. But to make sure, I threw new plugs, wires, and coils on it. It made a slight improvement, but not much. So then I took the car to Mazda to get the ECU flashed with the newest tune. But they said they couldn't get it to work. The stock ECU wouldn't communicate. Anybody ever heard of this? I couldn't find anything about it searching.

 

[float_6969]

Would it do this if it's already been updated? I don't see any stickers anywhere, but that doesn't mean a whole lot either.

 

[bwlknsn91]

If I were you, I would just go ahead and replace the ECU with a brand new flashed one from Mazda or buy a non-flashed and do your own programming.

 

[float_6969]

Is there anything that a previous owner could have done that would make it do this? The car runs alright (does have hesitation) and I know that I can hook up a scan tool and read the codes, etc. It seems like the ECU is alright. I'm just wondering if it's already been flashed if they can't do anything with it.

I guess I don't want to buy another ECU if this one is fine. I don't have any major plans for the car, probably a SSAFC, SMIC, hard pipes, CAI, turboback, and maybe a bit more boost (less than 10psi for sure). This is a DD so I'm not gonna get crazy with it.

 

[Spiced MSP]

the dealer probably did something wrong. It's not surprising considering how old the car is and most dealerships don't even remember that the MSP even existed. The ECU is more than likely fine. There is a SSAFC for sale right now for $300

 

[float_6969]

That's kinda what I was thinking. Just bought a new sub to replace the stock one and I need to get my 240sx tuned, so the SSAFC is on hold for now.

 

[bwlknsn91]

That's kinda what I was thinking. Just bought a new sub to replace the stock one and I need to get my 240sx tuned, so the SSAFC is on hold for now.

I just purchased a flashed ECU from Spicyorange about a week ago and I'm glad I did! It cures all hesitation issues making the powerband much smoother, as well as adding a bit more power! It's only $200 for the flashed ECU or $150 if you send him your stock one. I would definitely recommend.

 

[Spiced MSP]

^^^that's another option as well. Spicyorange has been doing it for a while now. Could probably do it better than any dealer could

 

[float_6969]

Hmm, I'll have to check it out.

 

[float_6969]

Is that his SN? Is he in the Marketplace? I'm not finding anything on this. Been searching for the last 15 min. Is it the stock (updated) flash, or is it a custom tune?

 

[bwlknsn91]

Is that his SN? Is he in the Marketplace? I'm not finding anything on this. Been searching for the last 15 min. Is it the stock (updated) flash, or is it a custom tune?

It's here:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123746537-FS-MP3-ECU-150-shipping

And yeah, it's a custom tune to lean out the air/fuel ratio which causes the hesitation.

 

[float_6969]

Awesome, Thanks!

 

[float_6969]

I'm trying to decide if I have a flashed ECU or not. Since you've had before and after, any input on how to tell? I feel like it falls on it's face at about 3-4K rpm and stays that way till around 6K.

The flip side to this is that other ppl that have driven it don't notice anything. I've been tuning for a almost 10 years now, so my butt dyno is pretty accurate.

 

[bwlknsn91]

I'm trying to decide if I have a flashed ECU or not. Since you've had before and after, any input on how to tell? I feel like it falls on it's face at about 3-4K rpm and stays that way till around 6K.

The flip side to this is that other ppl that have driven it don't notice anything. I've been tuning for a almost 10 years now, so my butt dyno is pretty accurate.

Before I had the flashed ECU, when giving it WOT, my car would just bog down and not build any boost until about 4,000 RPM. After installing the new one, my car pulls so much harder and the response is amazing! Boosting is so much smoother now, all the way up until redline.

 

[float_6969]

Well that doesn't sound like what mine does at all. It builds boost fine, but it seems to kind of fall flat at around 3-4K. It still pulls, just not hard. Like the timing is being retarded or it's running too rich. It does that till about 6K, and then it kind of picks back up again.

Do you have a wideband? If so, what are your AFR's like?

 

[bwlknsn91]

Well that doesn't sound like what mine does at all. It builds boost fine, but it seems to kind of fall flat at around 3-4K. It still pulls, just not hard. Like the timing is being retarded or it's running too rich. It does that till about 6K, and then it kind of picks back up again.

Do you have a wideband? If so, what are your AFR's like?

Nah, sure don't (it's another thing on my long list of to-do's)! But it sounds like your WGA could possibly being calling it quits. Try blowing into the vacuum line running from the WGA to the intake manifold and if you can easily feel the air flow through then it's likely it's gone bad! Have the same problem with mine.

 

[float_6969]

I read on here that might be an issue and tried that already. I've got a wideband on my 240sx. I might pull it off and put it on the MSP and see what my AFR's are like. If it's just the stock tune going stupid rich, then I'll prob pick up a SSAFC

 

[bwlknsn91]

I read on here that might be an issue and tried that already. I've got a wideband on my 240sx. I might pull it off and put it on the MSP and see what my AFR's are like. If it's just the stock tune going stupid rich, then I'll prob pick up a SSAFC

That's a start! Keep us up to date!

 

[turbovybez]

if you interested in an AFC I am about to put mine up in the for sale thread....its about time for me to go standalone!

 

[float_6969]

I'll PM you.