mp3 ecu upgrade for p5.!!!
July-9th-2002, 03:57 AM
#1
Protege Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Omaha NE
Posts: 125
mp3 ecu upgrade for p5.!!!
I just read on protegetech.com on the message board that techs at a mazda dealership have computers that can reprogram your ecu. This guy said that all you need is a mp3 to go w/ you to the service tech and have him reprogram it. I'll quote his post:
The Computer is reprogramable. Go to Mazda's service department and ask to speak with a tech, no one else. Most Mazda Dealerships have a computer designed to reprogram ECU's.
You will need: MP3, (the actual car), the computer from the dealership, and about an hour. You have to start running premium gas but most are already. There is a def, differance, you would not be disappointed. I got mine for free but thats because of a connection, talk to the tech, he shouldn't charge more than $50.The new program will advance the timing and increase the fuel output.
Will this work????
The Computer is reprogramable. Go to Mazda's service department and ask to speak with a tech, no one else. Most Mazda Dealerships have a computer designed to reprogram ECU's.
You will need: MP3, (the actual car), the computer from the dealership, and about an hour. You have to start running premium gas but most are already. There is a def, differance, you would not be disappointed. I got mine for free but thats because of a connection, talk to the tech, he shouldn't charge more than $50.The new program will advance the timing and increase the fuel output.
Will this work????
July-9th-2002, 12:05 PM
#5
P.A.C.T / P.A.APC Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Smyrna, GA
Posts: 269
It should work fine. Most car companies use only a few different computers. When they need to replace one they install it in the car and 'flash' the appropriate software to it. That same system can be used to reprogram your standard P5 or Sedan ECU with the MP3 program. You shouldn't need a donor car as the dealer should already have the software in their ECU programming equipment.
Last edited by rodslinger; July-9th-2002 at 12:08 PM.
July-9th-2002, 12:46 PM
#6
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 109
Originally posted by rodslinger
It should work fine. Most car companies use only a few different computers. When they need to replace one they install it in the car and 'flash' the appropriate software to it. That same system can be used to reprogram your standard P5 or Sedan ECU with the MP3 program. You shouldn't need a donor car as the dealer should already have the software in their ECU programming equipment.
It should work fine. Most car companies use only a few different computers. When they need to replace one they install it in the car and 'flash' the appropriate software to it. That same system can be used to reprogram your standard P5 or Sedan ECU with the MP3 program. You shouldn't need a donor car as the dealer should already have the software in their ECU programming equipment.
July-9th-2002, 04:11 PM
#7
Who's yo daddy
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Miami
Posts: 197
ecu
Hey i just called my local dealer and talked to about three different techs and they all said it could be done with the proper MP3 ECU software and Flash support tool. Rodslinger was correct.I was just curious i dont need it done anyway i have Haltech now.
July-9th-2002, 04:25 PM
#8
Trogdor!
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Posts: 327
Wait a minute, why the heck hasn't someone did this before? I mean, it should be about a 10hp gain for less than 100 bucks? WTF? Do I just ask to have the optional hp from the tech? This is nuts, once I hear of someone doing this (on this board), I will be down there in a flash. I just don't understand why this hasn't been revealed until now, when the faq talks about how you would have to buy a completely new chip. I gots to know. 
July-9th-2002, 04:40 PM
#10
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 109
Called my dealership:
Me: Can you reprogram ECUs?
De: Yes, for drivability issues we can reprogram them.
Me: Well, I was looking to reprogram my ES to the MP3 Software.
De: I don't know if that's possible.
Me: Well, I've heard of a couple people who said you can do it.
De: Well, blah blah, it's not designed to...blah blah... void your warranty....blah blah...probably some aftermarket shop....blah blah... I wouldn't recommend it.
Me: Okay, thanks. *click*
If I can find a place to do it in Washington, I will give it a try. Seems an awful lot like they might not want to do it because of warranty issues. I guess you have to show up in person and talk to one of the mechanics yourself.
Me: Can you reprogram ECUs?
De: Yes, for drivability issues we can reprogram them.
Me: Well, I was looking to reprogram my ES to the MP3 Software.
De: I don't know if that's possible.
Me: Well, I've heard of a couple people who said you can do it.
De: Well, blah blah, it's not designed to...blah blah... void your warranty....blah blah...probably some aftermarket shop....blah blah... I wouldn't recommend it.
Me: Okay, thanks. *click*
If I can find a place to do it in Washington, I will give it a try. Seems an awful lot like they might not want to do it because of warranty issues. I guess you have to show up in person and talk to one of the mechanics yourself.
Last edited by zeriak; July-9th-2002 at 04:50 PM.
July-9th-2002, 06:04 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 109
I will see if this can be done. I called my friend at the Ford dealership and he said he is going to ask a couple guys at work if they know any Mazda techs who might want to do such a thing. I still have to call some of the local dealerships. I called Lee Johnson Mazda and they well, I quoted most of the conversation earlier.
July-9th-2002, 07:15 PM
#13
Certified Sick Individual
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 1,141
Legally the dealership cannot. They are severely altering your emissions status when they use the MP3 code in your car.
Anyway I brought this up before as I have equipment that can copy data from flashed chips and flash new ones. So if the Protege had a modular ECU at all, or someone was daring enough to desolder the chip, you could get the code off of it. More likely than not they are using a common flash chip that was speced for automotive purposes by the manufacturer. Oh well. If I get daring or bored I might take mine apart and look.
Anyway I brought this up before as I have equipment that can copy data from flashed chips and flash new ones. So if the Protege had a modular ECU at all, or someone was daring enough to desolder the chip, you could get the code off of it. More likely than not they are using a common flash chip that was speced for automotive purposes by the manufacturer. Oh well. If I get daring or bored I might take mine apart and look.
July-9th-2002, 08:29 PM
#15
Fire Trucks Rock
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Philly (Yo)
Posts: 302
if anybody does this
guys post the dealerships that are willing to work with us instead of giving us $hit. We need to reward the ones that understand and work with us with our business and support!!