Transmission Jerk / Reflashing ECU

[colinchrisc]

Hi guys, I drive a 2004 GT Automatic and the car/transmission jerks when switching from 1st to 2nd gear. I did a transmission fluid flush but didn't help.

After searching the forums people are saying "Reflashing the ECU" might fix this problem and there might even be a TSB which I can't find. I called the dealership and they have never heard about this problem even though it seems to be common.

I'm just curious, have any of you had this problem and were you able to fix it by reflashing the ECU?

[Donutz]

TSB: 05-010/05
2004-2005 MAZDA3 - 1 - 2 SHIFT SHOCK
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2004 2005 Mazda3 (Automatic transmission only)

DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent shift shock during 1-2 upshift. The symptom is due to improper PCM calibration. A revised PCM calibration is now available to correct this issue.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Reboot the WDS PTU to clear memory before reprogramming.
2. Using WDS B39.11 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure.
NOTE:

Always update the WDS PTU first, then install the needed calibration file that WDS shows during PCM reprogramming. Go to "WDS Calibration" on ESI and download the "update" file. If the PTU is not updated to the latest WDS calibration level, the calibration file will not install into the PTU.

It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the WDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the WDS reprogramming procedure.

WDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.

Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of WDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.

When reprogramming a PCM, WDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.

When performing this procedure, if the WDS PTU is not docked and connected to 115V-120V, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it will damage the WDS PTU. Also the external battery power supply cable should be connected to the vehicle battery and the PTU.

3. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:

If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.

After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).

4. Fill out an "Authorized Modifications" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new PCM calibration information, your dealer code, and today's date.


5. Place the "Authorized Modifications" label on the "A" pillar below the tear tag in the driver door jamb.


CALIBRATION INFORMATION


Engine
Transmission
Spec.
Model Year
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name

2.3L

A/T
Fed
2004
L3S3-18-881D
SW-L3S3ED030.HEX

Fed
2005
L3S3-18-881D
SW-L3S3ED030.HEX

Calif
2004
L3S8-18-881D
SW-L3S8ED030.HEX

Calif
2005
L3S8-18-881D
SW-L3S8ED030.HEX




Engine
Transmission
Spec.
Model Year
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name

2.0L

A/T
Fed
2004
LFG6-18-881D
SW-LFG6ED030.HEX

Fed
2005
LFG6-18-881D
SW-LFG6ED030.HEX

Calif
2004
LFH8-18-881D
SW-LFH8ED000.HEX

Calif
2005
LFH8-18-881D
SW-LFH8ED000.HEX



NOTE: The PCM Calibration Part Numbers listed above are provided for PCM reprogramming purposes only. These are not necessarily the same Mazda part numbers used to order an actual PCM through the Mazda Parts System. It is not necessary to order a PCM as part of this repair procedure.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:

This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the Warranty Wizard for warranty term information.

Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.



Warranty Type
A

Symptom Code
26

Damage Code
9W

Part Number Main Cause
5555-05-026A

Quantity
0

Operation Number / Labor Hours:
XXB217FX / 0.4 Hrs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © Mazda North American Operations

[mazda lover]

The fact the dealer has never heard of this issue would make me consider a different dealer for service. Haven't they heard of the internet, can't play stupid anymore.

[colinchrisc]

I'm assuming I do this at the Mazda dealership? Because I would not know how to do this otherwise

[Donutz]

Yes, definitely at the dealer.

[colinchrisc]

Yes, definitely at the dealer.

Any idea how much it'll cost? I have a 2004 so it's not under warranty anymore...

[Donutz]

Sorry, I don't know.

[Donutz]

Just found this:

thanks guy for the help, I called MOT today and they said it could be any kind of problem, however if you want to get the PCM flashed it would cost 110 + taxes.....

[colinchrisc]

Just found this:

I called Downtown Mazda and it costs $50 to check if my ECU is updated and if not, $100 for the update. It'll suck if mine is already updated.

[mazdabetty]

^Just an FYI, this might not actually work... Mine seemed okay for a while after getting it done but feels like it's getting worse again over time. It jerked particularly hard this morning going into 2nd (most likely because it was cold and damp out though)... you might just have to get used to it if it doesn't work, unfortunately.

[colinchrisc]

^Just an FYI, this might not actually work... Mine seemed okay for a while after getting it done but feels like it's getting worse again over time. It jerked particularly hard this morning going into 2nd (most likely because it was cold and damp out though)... you might just have to get used to it if it doesn't work, unfortunately.

Yah I think I may pass. When I warm up the car for a couple minutes, the jerk isn't that bad. It's only when I start the car and drive right away.

[mazdabetty]

Yah I think I may pass. When I warm up the car for a couple minutes, the jerk isn't that bad. It's only when I start the car and drive right away.

Yeah exactly... you eventually just learn to drive your car differently to accommodate it lol...

[shu5892001]

Yeah exactly... you eventually just learn to drive your car differently to accommodate it lol...

I find that if you step on the gas a bit harder and harder as 1st shift into 2nd, the problem is gone... but if you ease off the gas as it shift, it will jerk like crazy

[colinchrisc]

I find that if you step on the gas a bit harder and harder as 1st shift into 2nd, the problem is gone... but if you ease off the gas as it shift, it will jerk like crazy

True, I noticed it this morning. Shu, have you done the ECU flash update yet?

[htc***]

Disconnect your battery for 5 min or more to reset your ECU, it might help your problem.

[colinchrisc]

Disconnect your battery for 5 min or more to reset your ECU, it might help your problem.

I'll try that right now! Do I just disconnect the black cable?

[htc***]

I'll try that right now! Do I just disconnect the black cable?

I think it doesn't matter as long your car doesn't have any electric current. Last time, I disconnected the red one, if you do then be careful, do not touch any car frame/metal.

[stevenma188]

From what I understand, disconnecting the battery will only reset the engine ECU, but has no effect on the transmission. I remember reading this somewhere. Just FYI, but there really is no harm in trying it I guess.

[shu5892001]

True, I noticed it this morning. Shu, have you done the ECU flash update yet?

The dealer wouldn't do it to me because the recall is based on VIN number, and my VIN number is not on the recall list... I tried agincourt and MOT, I guess i just have to live with it

[TheMAN]

the shift shock issue does not apply to any particular VIN range, and it's a TSB, NOT a recall... there's a big difference between them!
the latest flash will also take care of any rough idling/stalling issues

[shu5892001]

the shift shock issue does not apply to any particular VIN range, and it's a TSB, NOT a recall... there's a big difference between them!
the latest flash will also take care of any rough idling/stalling issues

sorry for my ignorance.. do you know what I would have to say to them to make them do the TSB to my car?

[stevenma188]

You would have to pay them to perform a TSB.

[colinchrisc]

I just want to let everyone know that I did the ECU update and the transmission jerk between gears 1 and 2 is now gone. It cost $100 for the update but definitely worth it if it stays this way; I guess only time will tell.
This might not work for everyone though so do it at your own risk.

[shu5892001]

I just want to let everyone know that I did the ECU update and the transmission jerk between gears 1 and 2 is now gone. It cost $100 for the update but definitely worth it if it stays this way; I guess only time will tell.
This might not work for everyone though so do it at your own risk.

If you don't mind me asking, which dealer did you go to? what did you say to them? like what service was this?

[colinchrisc]

If you don't mind me asking, which dealer did you go to? what did you say to them? like what service was this?

I went to Downtown Mazda. I asked them to update my ECU. They are aware of the problem we are getting, it's called a Shift Shock.

[rocky.singh]

I'm still new to this forum ..so don't mind my ignorance.

This shift shock, does it only occur on the Manual cars? I drive a 2007Mazda3 GX and I often switch to the optional manual mode. When shifting gears I keep accelerating, so no shock.

I had a friend drive a similar Mazda3 and he said to get the boost in acceleration right away, its better to let go of the gas, shift gear and then speed up again. My car is in the garage, so I haven't had a chance to try this, but is my friend's scenario, when the Shift Shock occurs?

Rocky

[Donutz]

Automatic only. Read the TSB I posted on the previous page for more information.

[colinchrisc]

It's for Automatic Transmission only, but maybe you're talking about Tiptronic. The "shock" happens between 1st and 2nd gears in regular automatic mode but this problem was fixed for me when I updated the ECU by going to the dealership. ~$100. May not work for everyone.

[rocky.singh]

It's for Automatic Transmission only, but maybe you're talking about Tiptronic. The "shock" happens between 1st and 2nd gears in regular automatic mode but this problem was fixed for me when I updated the ECU by going to the dealership. ~$100. May not work for everyone.

Yes, you're right I meant Triptronic (had to google this to figure out what you meant ...still a total newbie ^^). I haven't had this problem with my '07. Was this problem fixed in the later years? I just want to know if I should be looking out for this.

Rocky

[colinchrisc]

I think it's only for 04 - 05. You can easily check by starting your car and driving to see if there's a jerk before it goes into 2nd gear. You should be fine.

[mazdabetty]

LOL there's nothing to "look out for". It's really not a big deal, relax. ;)

[rocky.singh]

LOL there's nothing to "look out for". It's really not a big deal, relax. ;)

Glad you're on my side mazdabetty ;)

[Get-Me]

Ok its now Feb 2011.

Did an Update on my Transmission and FLASH yesterday from Markham Mazda. They said there was a new Update, they did it free since Im did a Tranny flush as they said fluid smells something is burning.

Still same problem after FLUSH and Update. Any other Idea's?

[mazdabetty]

Any other Idea's?

Yeah, get used to it. Cuz it's not going away any time soon ;)

[gabbygenier]

heres another idea. sell ur car and get a standard :P

[STeeLy]

heres another idea. sell ur car and get a standard :P

except if they suck at driving standard... it's gonna be even more jerky..