2014 Activematic Manual Mode Shifting Problems

wasabi · Postby **wasabi** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 2:39 pm

See how you go I guess. Completely understand where you are coming from by the way... It's really annoying when you discover little quibbles like this which may have actually effected your opinion when purchasing.

I'd keep on Mazda & see hopefully they'll be able to sort the problem via software... Failing that (They won't care about all the government stuff by the way, it'll likely get laughed at as the both the dealership & Mazda clearly don't see it as an issue), I'd start talking to some tuners to see what they can & can't control via their software. It may be able to solve your issue & gain you greater drivability etc as well.

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:18 pm

Thanks. I will keep you all posted. I agree the guys on the helpdesk and in service won't give a flying crap and would be lol, but the bean counters will.

I run a business myself, if I had to give a 50k~ refund and then have a second hand car on my hands I wouldn't be too happy about that. Much easier to fix the problem and keep the customer happy.

Also, as I'm sure Mazda know social media is a powerful tool. Companies need to be seen as doing the right thing, people google, search and research before spending this kind of money. When you do have a problem, its how the company responds that matters.

I'm sure its just a software setting, but from what I researched its modification of the TCM not the ECU. Tools like ECUTek won't fix it.

Google "MX5 activetmatic" and you get this thread on the first google page. It would be great for this to have a positive ending for me and Mazda. It's a great opportunity for Mazda to show how well they treat their customers, or maybe you are right and they won't give a crap. This is why we have the ACCC and other forms of action.

wasabi · Postby **wasabi** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:42 pm

I'm a business owner as well & completely agree with your train of thought as it's logical. Sadly, my experience with car companies is far from that. Guess it will come down to how much noise you are willing to make over the issue, which more than anything will come down to how much time you are prepared to spend on it. Even how much money you want to spend on it if you really want to get serious.

Could never understand why control of the gear box ECU wasn't possible. I mean, Holdens & Fords can have all sorts of gear box related items manipulated, including torque converter lock up / slip, clamping pressures, etc... Surely there must be a way for the same thing to be possible with a Mazda.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:48 pm

If the ACCC accept your complaint (if), they will have no chance of understanding the problem (they're not mechanics or engineers, they're all pen pushers).

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:55 pm

We will have to wait and see. I hope they will do the right thing.

wasabi wrote:Could never understand why control of the gear box ECU wasn't possible. I mean, Holdens & Fords can have all sorts of gear box related items manipulated, including torque converter lock up / slip, clamping pressures, etc... Surely there must be a way for the same thing to be possible with a Mazda.

I'm sure it's possible, but I'm not an expert in this area. Anyone have any ideas?

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:12 pm

bruce wrote:If the ACCC accept your complaint (if), they will have no chance of understanding the problem (they're not mechanics or engineers, they're all pen pushers).

Yep like all forms of law you make it a pen pushing issue related to the law. Going tit for tat on technical base arguments is the wrong path IMHO.

1. The Law states you have to provide the vehicle as per the owner manual (as well as other host of other conditions), no buts no if's. (insert correct documentation).
The customer has the option for 1) Refund 2) Exchange or 3) Fix the problem. They can also provide evidence which refutes the claim then its up to the ACCC to rule, but as per my previous post they might have a hard time doing that. I hope it wont come to that at all.

The ACCC laws are very clear on this and often side with the consumer, you just need to know how to play that game and how to document and keep good records.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:56 pm

justinsane wrote:I'm sure its just a software setting, but from what I researched its modification of the TCM not the ECU. Tools like ECUTek won't fix it.

The gearbox is not controlled by the Traction Control Module. While all things like TC, ABS, gearbox and engine all are interlaced to work with eachother, the ECU is the main controller of the engine and gearbox.

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:08 pm

project.r.racing wrote:
justinsane wrote:I'm sure its just a software setting, but from what I researched its modification of the TCM not the ECU. Tools like ECUTek won't fix it.
The gearbox is not controlled by the Traction Control Module. While all things like TC, ABS, gearbox and engine all are interlaced to work with eachother, the ECU is the main controller of the engine and gearbox.

Sorry I meant Transmission Control Model (TCM) or Transmission Control Unit (TCU).
When I look at the ECUTek website it looks like they don't support any Transmission modifications expect for Nissan. I'm I wrong about this, I hope so.

Any help would be appreciated.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:38 pm

You'd need to look at JDM or USDM tuners for Miata mods. Doubtful though they will have auto mods as the logical option for racing and more usable power is manual.

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 4:20 am

No response from Mazda or the dealer yet. I'm going to give them 1 week to respond.

After this I will attempt to reach out to them one last time by paying them a visit and camping reception.

I'm sure nothing is more off putting then an unhappy customer walking around the showroom floor.

I can also fill the car with lemons and park it right out the front of the dealership.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/motoring/article-1190340/Rovers-revenge-Furious-driver-dumps-50-000-Range-Rover-outside-showroom--emblazoned-list-faults.html

Otherwise, I will lodge a complaint with the ACCC and Consumer Affairs Victoria.

The step after that will be VCAT.

This makes me sad.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:06 am

You tell them tiger.. They will be shaking in their boots.

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Wed Nov 05, 2014 5:38 pm

I had a call from Mazda today in response to my letter. They seem to be taking the matter seriously, which is great.
They did say 'technically' this is by design, but do agree the car is not performing as per the manual/specification.

They also seem to understand my position and my reasons behind the complaint, and understand how this can be misleading given I wasn't advised of this behavior at time of sale.

Reading between the lines, they know, that I know, that they have obligations under consumer law in Australia.

They stated they will be sending a senior technical field officer to review the car and they are also reviewing the matter internally.

We both agreed it was most likely a setting in the computer that needs to be changed which would simply resolve this matter. / endof Storm in a tea cup.
I expect the manual to be updated, and better training for the sales team.

So far we are headed in the right direction.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:19 am

Sounds great.

justinsane · Postby **justinsane** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 11:18 am

Just found out that this problem can not be fixed via an ECU mod.
It is hard coded in the Transmission Control Unit.
Also been informed that only Japan can make mods to the code.

wasabi · Postby **wasabi** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 2:21 pm

That's surprising.

Sounds like they should be obtaining a modified one to replace the current unit... That seems like it would be the easiest fix to keep everything in line.