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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?
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.
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Copyright © Mazda North American Operations
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.
I'm assuming I do this at the Mazda dealership? Because I would not know how to do this otherwise
Yes, definitely at the dealer.
Any idea how much it'll cost? I have a 2004 so it's not under warranty anymore...Quote:
Originally Posted by Donutz
Sorry, I don't know.
Just found this:
Quote:
Originally Posted by zero2010
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Donutz
^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.Quote:
Originally Posted by mazdabetty
Yeah exactly... you eventually just learn to drive your car differently to accommodate it lol...Quote:
Originally Posted by 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 crazyQuote:
Originally Posted by mazdabetty
True, I noticed it this morning. Shu, have you done the ECU flash update yet?Quote:
Originally Posted by shu5892001
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by htc***
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by colinchrisc
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.
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 itQuote:
Originally Posted by colinchrisc
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMAN
You would have to pay them to perform a TSB.
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by colinchrisc
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by shu5892001