How To - ECU Replacement

Amazing post, thank you OP!!!

I've been dreaming of this kind of thing for years - I hate having to go to the dealer to program keys or ABS modules, etc.

Is the Mazda IDS software the same one where you can change all kinds of "dealer" type options (usually CANBUS type stuff)? Like how many times the Genpu blinks when you actuate the turn signal, or whether all or just one doors unlock when you hit unlock on the remote?

Also, in your searches, have you come across this, and will it do the same thing? The description makes me think it would.
https://www.uobdii.com/wholesale/vxdiag-vcx-nano-for-ford-mazda-2-in-1.html
 
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Can confirm, at least for Gen 1s, you can program keys through the PATS programming module in FORSCAN.

I ordered an ECU from here, with my VIN pre-programmed: https://www.fs1inc.com/2008-mazda-m...tG-yyfYotUIUGKx8HKRRYnQ4XoxCaDJgaAl8yEALw_wcB

Bought this cable from Amazon:

Template public:_media_site_embed_amazon not found. Try rebuilding or reinstalling the s9e/MediaSites add-on.

And did the registration process to get FORSCAN for free for 2 months.

I used a $13 key blank off eBay, that my local locksmith cut for $3.


Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 
Cameron Keyte said:
Can confirm, at least for Gen 1s, you can program keys through the PATS programming module in FORSCAN.

I ordered an ECU from here, with my VIN pre-programmed: https://www.fs1inc.com/2008-mazda-m...tG-yyfYotUIUGKx8HKRRYnQ4XoxCaDJgaAl8yEALw_wcB

Bought this cable from Amazon:

Template public:_media_site_embed_amazon not found. Try rebuilding or reinstalling the s9e/MediaSites add-on.

And did the registration process to get FORSCAN for free for 2 months.

I used a $13 key blank off eBay, that my local locksmith cut for $3.


Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Amazon link broken
 
Oh wow that's cheap. So you didn't end up using the Mazda IDS software, right? I am not familiar with FORSCAN (what a great acronym btw), but curious if it has other functionalities related to CANBUS. Have you looked at any other functionalities? I'm poking around the forscan site but curious if you already looked into it.
 
I haven't really tried anything else. From the YouTube videos I watched, Ford guys use it to change tire size to correct the speedo, or locking sequences, etc.

It can also datalog every PID an AP can. Not sure useful for most of us, but it's there...

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 
Cameron Keyte said:
I haven't really tried anything else. From the YouTube videos I watched, Ford guys use it to change tire size to correct the speedo, or locking sequences, etc.

It can also datalog every PID an AP can. Not sure useful for most of us, but it's there...

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Tire size fix would be nice, wonder why AP and VT never implemented anything like that.
 
What would be nice is rev match downshifting. The newer Camaro have it and it's awesome. With TBW systems it isnt hard to implement
 
Sorry for the ridiculously late reply, been moving and changing jobs and haven't had time for mazda things :( @takotomo nailed it, Forscan is useful for some things but not this procedure.

I recently purchased a ford focus rs and started using Forscan there to program things like seatbelt chime, door chime, navigation while in motion, things like that. I haven't tried anything in PATS on the ford though it's there. I have not tried plugging into the mazdaspeed yet but the program itself scans your bus protocol(s) and will list out all of the available computer modules on your can network. I'll give it a shot here soon and update with what is available if anything looks worthwhile.
 
@jcolton I need your help! I’ve watched a million YouTube videos and read a ton of forums until I finally came across your ECU/PCM post. Here’s my situation. I have a 2011 Mazda CX-7 and the PCM is on its last leg. I only have one key for the car. I purchased a PCM online that has been preprogrammed with my cars VIN. I also purchased two new key fobs (blanks with transponders in them). I also purchased a Ford/Mazda VCM II with the IDS program files but I’ve tried everything to get it to work on my laptop with no success. I’m wondering if the issue is because I’m running Windows 10 (I’ve read conflicting info on whether or not it’s possible to load and run using Windows 10). What would you do? I’m wondering if I can keep the old PCM in the car, get 1 or 2 new keys cut (and maybe programmed?) so they all work on my old PCM. Then, put in the new PCM and run through the key cycle instructions that came with the new PCM. Here are those instructions: insert one new key and turn it to ignition on position for 3 seconds then remove the key. Insert second new key and turn it to ignition on position for 3 seconds then remove the key. You can now start the motor with either new key (the cars original key will no longer work). If this process does actually work, I’m wondering if I should have the 2 new fobs I bought online cut but not programmed to the original PCM or have them cut AND programmed to the original PCM before I put in the new PCM. I’m reaching out to you because you’ve obviously done a ton of trial and error and I love your attention to detail. Ive already spent $225 on the new PCM, $35 for the two new key Fobs, $135 for the VCM II, and looking to spend $80 each to have the new keys cut (and possibly programmed to the old OR new PCM). I could drive the car to a locksmith with the original PCM and my original key and then put in the new PCM and see if they could get it working? I don’t know what to do. Please help!! -Mike
 
Hey there Mike sounds like a whole lot of not fun!; Unfortunately you cannot just drop the new ECU in there after doing the key procedure as you mentioned, as the HEC would then no longer be able to communicate with the new ECU without adding it to the car with IDS. Unfortunately I think windows 7 is the answer....I think your best bet is to either get a throwaway laptop to run windows 7 on (my Mazda laptop is a Dell d630 with no enter key if that tells you anything haha cost like 20 bucks) or try firing windows 7 up in a virtual machine using VirtualBox, as that allows USB device passthrough from the host OS down to the VM which is what you would need. You can do the same with hyper-v though you have to pass the entire USB 3.0 (doesn't work with 2.0) controller down to the VM with PowerShell which is not easy or intuitive.

Good luck sir, once you get the software going the rest is no problem. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
 
jcolton said:
Hey there Mike sounds like a whole lot of not fun!; Unfortunately you cannot just drop the new ECU in there after doing the key procedure as you mentioned, as the HEC would then no longer be able to communicate with the new ECU without adding it to the car with IDS. Unfortunately I think windows 7 is the answer....I think your best bet is to either get a throwaway laptop to run windows 7 on (my Mazda laptop is a Dell d630 with no enter key if that tells you anything haha cost like 20 bucks) or try firing windows 7 up in a virtual machine using VirtualBox, as that allows USB device passthrough from the host OS down to the VM which is what you would need. You can do the same with hyper-v though you have to pass the entire USB 3.0 (doesn't work with 2.0) controller down to the VM with PowerShell which is not easy or intuitive.

Good luck sir, once you get the software going the rest is no problem. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
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That was very helpful. I’m gonna do whatever I can to get a system with Windows 7 and see how it goes. Thank u so much for the quick response!!
 
jcolton said:
Hey there Mike sounds like a whole lot of not fun!; Unfortunately you cannot just drop the new ECU in there after doing the key procedure as you mentioned, as the HEC would then no longer be able to communicate with the new ECU without adding it to the car with IDS. Unfortunately I think windows 7 is the answer....I think your best bet is to either get a throwaway laptop to run windows 7 on (my Mazda laptop is a Dell d630 with no enter key if that tells you anything haha cost like 20 bucks) or try firing windows 7 up in a virtual machine using VirtualBox, as that allows USB device passthrough from the host OS down to the VM which is what you would need. You can do the same with hyper-v though you have to pass the entire USB 3.0 (doesn't work with 2.0) controller down to the VM with PowerShell which is not easy or intuitive.

Good luck sir, once you get the software going the rest is no problem. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
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So you were right. I dug up an old laptop that has windows 7 and had no problem loading the IDS program and using the OBD2. Here’s where I’m stuck and praying u can help me. As I’m going through IDS, I get to the part where I need to enter the PCM Part Number, Calibration Number, or Tear Tag number. The sticker on my PCM is gone and I’ve searched all over the engine bay looking for this tear tag. Actually, I don’t even know if Mazda’s have them cuz all the videos I’ve watched only talk about Fords (and I know Fords have them). I’ve gone on all sorts of sites trying to use my VIN to identify one of these numbers but no luck. Any advice or guidance?!?!
 
matt_krebs said:
Does anyone know of other trusted retailers for the VCM II? It appears that the shop referenced in the video you provided is out of stock. Also, I am blown away by this write-up. I didn't know pairing the ECU and HEC was in the scope of an end-user!
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Autonumen i have done business with them for 3 yrs now..
 
jcolton said:
Here's a video clip of the car idling and me mashing the gas a little bit. I still had two step set up at this point so you hear it break up a bit just shy of 3k but you get the idea on the rest hahaha. Good luck man
https://photos.app.goo.gl/v7mBwcbjJUZAAf7r5
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Hey brotha got a question im stuck trying to get an updated ids for mazda,,i got the ford but cant get a legit updated one i have a current version of 122.0 ids ,, but couldnt pass thru getting it connected to mazda.a newer version is what it wants..or im just really fucking up here..having the car goin thru all the diagnose and shit,all it was truly was immo system.fccccckkk. Didnt realize it coz both key still unlock and lock...do u happen to have access to get thru MSDr system? Thanks in advance
 
Hey question does this work if I have to replace the modules for the rke system?
Having a hell of a time getting my remote keys program and working with keyless ignition and keyless entry. I swear it's just one of them antennas but there is no way to tell which is bad if there is no code for it.

The dealer said I might have to replace the security system. I wonder if push comes to shove if I can just replace the rke module and program it to the car.

I can program keys to the car using forscan pats and 1 of my fobs works with unlock and lock but not with keyless entry and ignition
 
Easter Bunny said:
If you don't have two working keys you need the dealer to reprogram them
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nope. with forscan you can add new keys to the system without having 2 keys.
with both the rke and pats system.
i added a new maser key that i had cut with it,
if i had a new oem key i can program it

though if the rke module is crappingg out id have to replace the thing similar to the ecu replacement.
thats why wondering if this method works with any modules
 
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