MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service FAQ

MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service^®

only $299.00

Will the AccessPORT work with my particular car?

Starting from the MazdaManiac HOME page, you can access the individual application pages. At the top of each page, there is a listing in LARGE RED TYPE that indicates all of the supported models. If your vehicle is NOT listed there, it probably isn't supported. If your model is not supported because you are not in one of the listed regions, your only option is to have your PCM reflashed with a factory calibration from one of the supported markets. This can be done with any J2534-compliant pass-through programming tool or at a Mazda dealership.

I live in a country outside the United States. Will the AccessPORT work with my application?

Starting from the MazdaManiac HOME page, you can access the individual application pages. At the top of each page, there is a listing in LARGE RED TYPE that indicates all of the supported models. If your vehicle is NOT listed there, it probably isn't supported. There are several countries and regions where the AccessPORT does work and they are enumerated there in the application listing. Many places import their vehicles from outside their region and it is always possible that your car is supported despite not living in a listed area. (For instance, most vehicles in the Arabian peninsula are imported from Europe.) There is no easy way to know for sure and you assume the risk in purchasing an AccessPORT if you live in those locations.

I live in a country outside the United States. Can I use the calibrations that are pre-installed on the AccessPORT from Cobb?

The calibrations that come pre-installed on the AccessPORT when it is activated during installation are designed to work on North American 4-port (HiPower), manual transmission-equipped applications. If your vehicle is of any other configuration, these calibrations MAY NOT WORK ON YOUR APPLICATION AND MAY CAUSE THE FLASHING PROCESS TO ABORT OR LOCK-UP. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
If the unit does lock up or go into recovery mode without the option to uninstall the unit, you will have to return the unit to Cobb Tuning to be repaired.
Please read the section below titled "My AccessPORT has stopped working"

How can I sign up for the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service and how much does it cost?

If you want to purchase the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service separately or for an AccessPORT that you already own, go to the MMCCS page and select the add-to-cart link there.

Everyone is telling me that they no longer make the AccessPORT for the RX-8. Do you still have them?

Unfortunately, the Cobb AccessPORT application for the RX-8 is no longer available.
MazdaManiac had the World-Wide EXCLUSIVE rights to provide the RX-8 application of the Cobb v2b AccessPORT to the market.
Cobb has moved on to the v3 AccessPORT (which is NOT available for the RX-8).

I want to subscribe to the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service. What forms of payment do you accept?

At this time, the most convenient way to purchase the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service is through the MazdaManiac shopping cart, which uses PayPal for transactions.
If you need to make payment via some other means, you can contact me via e-mail: jeff@mazdamaniac.com
I can accept cashiers checks, money orders and credit cards directly (for an additional fee).
All forms of payment must clear before I can ship your purchase.

When does my subscription expire?

MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service subscriptions are scheduled to expire 6 months from the time of original purchase. In reality, the actual expiration date is usually tied to the date of your first submission through the service, provided that submission is entered by the original purchaser and within 3 months of placing the original order.

How do I get my custom calibration?

First of all, you must be a current subscriber to the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service. You can achieve this by either adding the MMCCS to your purchase when you buy a new AccessPORT from MazdaManiac or you can subscribe to the service separately by clicking the "ADD TO CART" link at the top of the page or HERE.
Once you have subscribed and have your AccessPORT in-hand, you must follow the instructions provided at the time of purchase. These instructions are reproduced at the "INSTRUCTIONS" link at the top of this page or HERE for your convenience but note that this WEB version does not contain the password for the Base Calibration Library that you will need to access to start your subscription. This is ONLY provided in the downloaded PDF instruction set you get when you first purchase your subscription.
The MMCCS is fulfilled completely online via Google Hangouts at the times shown on the MMCCS calendar which can be reached from the the "SCHEDULE" link at the top of this page or from HERE.
You must follow the instructions provided exactly or you will not receive your customized calibration.
Please be sure to read those instructions thoroughly as well as the remainder of this FAQ.

I downloaded the PDF of the instructions for the MMCCS when I made my purchase, but none of the links work.

Make sure you are using the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader and have the "LINKS" option turned on in "Preferences".
You can also access the instructions here:

MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service Instructions

What are the "11 Deadly Questions"?

The "11 Deadly Questions" were originally called "deadly" because if you did not include the correct answer to every single question, every single time you attempted to contact MazdaManiac for any reason about your Custom Calibration Service, your submission or contact request would be denied, ignored and deleted.
Fortunately, through modernization of the order tracking system, we are able to relax that requirement a bit.
However, this does not change the fact that the answer to those questions are very, very important and should be included at every opportunity. In fact, the answer to most of those questions are the only way we have any idea who you are, when you purchased your AccessPORT and what information is specific to your particular car. Without that info, it is very difficult to impossible to service your needs.
So, whenever you are e-mailing us or sending messages via Google Hangouts or Facebook, start by including the "11 Deadly Questions" so we can know exactly who you are and get started immediately on what you need.

Here are the "11 Deadly Questions" reprinted from the Instructions and in their entirety:

The "11 Deadly Questions"

1) Real Name
2) Google Hangouts User Name
3) E-mail address you used when purchasing your AccessPORT
4) Year of manufacture of your vehicle (as indicated on the AccessPORT install screen)
5) Model (M/T, A/T)
6) Location (USDM-California or Federal, EUDM, AUDM, JDM, etc.)
7) Induction (normally aspirated, turbo, supercharger)
8) Fuel injectors (if different from stock)
9) MAF/intake setup (custom, aftermarket, OE, home-made, etc.)
10) Other relevant mods (ignition, oiling system, exhaust, etc.)
11) AccessPORT Serial Number (from the back of your AccessPORT)

Where are the base calibrations?

The Base Calibration Download Area is accessed through the link at the top of the Calibration Service instructions. You will need the password that is printed at the top of the version of the instructions you downloaded at the time of purchase to access the base calibrations. This is the ONLY place where that password is available.
The AccessPORT is not shipped with any calibrations on it other than the few "off the shelf" calibrations for the 6-port, 6-speed provided by Cobb.

Where can I download the AccessPORT Manager software?

The AccessPORT Manager software - which allows you to load calibrations onto your AccessPORT and download log files to your computer - can be downloaded here:

Accessport Manager

What tuning is included in the base calibration?

Almost none. The base calibration is essentially a stock calibration with a few parameters "flattened" to make tuning easier and datalogs more uniform. There are no performance enhancements in the Base Calibration and all CELs are still enabled.

Can you turn off the CEL?

Yes. There are several "typical" CEL triggers that are turned off at the time you receive your first update. Most of the catalyst and evaporative system checks are turned off as well as most checks for other emissions equipment. Any other CELs that the user might want turned off can be addressed during the live tuning sessions. If you have replaced your CAT with a "test" pipe or have deleted other emissions equipment, the checks in the PCM for those items can be turned off and the light will go out and the checks for those pieces of equipment will not be part of the OBD-II "checklist" once the readiness flags are set during normal drive-cycles. Understand that by Federal law, your vehicle will no longer be legal for highway use and these actions constitute "off-road" legality only.

How much power will a customized calibration make?

That depends on MANY interdependent factors. The fact is not all cars are the same and not all modifications are always properly implemented. There are almost ALWAYS mechanical issues with modified cars that are often ignored or misdiagnosed. TUNING WILL NOT FIX A MECHANICAL ISSUE. It will, at best, only mask it. That said, if the car is mechanically sound, the gains can be anywhere from 5 to 30 HP on a naturally aspirated application to as much as 100 HP on a turbo application. The fact is, there is no set answer and your goals can be realistically assessed and addressed during the live tuning sessions.

I have X exhaust, Y intake and X ignition system. How much power will I make?

What is a "non-OEM boosted application"?

A non-OEM boosted application is any car that is currently equipped with a turbo or supercharger that didn't come equipped with one from the factory.

What is a "non-standard MAF housing"?

A non-standard MAF housing is a MAF mounting tube that is of a different internal diameter than the factory MAF mounting tube. If you fabricated (or had fabricated for you) a MAF mounting tube that has a different internal diameter than the one that the car came with from the factory, you have a non-standard MAF housing. Further reading: The Mass Airflow Sensor.

I have an aftermarket intake. Do I need a specialized base calibration to start or can I use one of the base calibrations provided in the download link?

A "modified or non-standard MAF housing" means something totally custom, not a commercially available, aftermarket intake like the AEM, Racing Beat, HKS or K&N. If you have cobbled something together out of stuff from Home Depot or if your MAF housing is some other inside diameter than the OEM intake tube, you will probably have to submit for an altered base calibration before you can do anything else. Almost ALL commercially-available aftermarket intakes are based on the same internal diameter as the factory original MAF tubing, so you will not need a modified base calibration before starting the tuning process. Further reading: The Mass Airflow Sensor.

If I change my intake after we have started the process, do I need to start the process over?

Yes. The entire foundation of the tune relies on how the PCM meters air and in almost ALL applications, this is heavily dependent on the relationship of the MAF to its surroundings, which is greatly altered by installing an aftermarket intake. All tuning that was done prior to this change will not be relevant after you have changed intakes, so the process must start over again.

If I change my exhaust, do I need to start the process over?

No. The exhaust system is not "metered" in any way, so the PCM will simply see the increased amount of airflow through the system and adjust according to the tuning that is already in place. No specialized adjustments will be necessary.

If I change my clutch/flywheel, do I need to start the process over?

No. The drivetrain is not part of the fueling feedback loop in any way, so the PCM will not notice any changes in mass or RPM deltas. No specialized adjustments will be necessary.

Can I use the "Stock Style" or "Stage 1" calibration that came with my AccessPORT?

Only on the North American spec 6-port, 6-speed and only if the vehicle is completely unmodified in any way. If you have made ANY changes - intake, exhaust, ignition, etc. - the "Stock Style" and "Stage 1" calibrations will not work correctly and you risk the possibility of SIGNIFICANT mechanical damage to the engine. This is especially true if the vehicle has an aftermarket forced-induction setup.
You must have a customized calibration for your vehicle if you have modified it in any way.

Can I use the "Stock Style" or "Stage 1" calibration that came with my AccessPORT to provide the datalogs?

Absolutely not. You MUST use the base calibration that is downloaded from the Base Calibration Database or your submission to the Calibration Service live tuning session will be rejected.

I just installed the base calibration and the car won't idle? What happened and what should I do?

Most vehicles develop a significant amount of fuel trim over time, especially if you have installed modifications of any sort to the intake system. When you flash a new calibration, those trims are reset and the engine might be a little (or a LOT) grumpy initially. Without abusing the motor, you should try to allow the motor to "settle" for a while while it readjusts the fuel trims by holding the throttle open slightly and then drive carefully realizing that the car will not perform well initially. You should then try to complete the datalogging process to the best of your ability so the next calibration can be adjusted with these trim values compensated out. If the car simply wont run correctly at all, uninstall the calibration and go back to the previous version. If this solves the issue, we can address the possible solutions during the next live tuning session.

I just installed my first updated calibration and the car won't idle. What should I do?

You should revert to the previous version and see if it runs significantly better right away. If it does, bring up the issue at the next scheduled live tuning session. Understand that aftermarket forced-induction setups will take several iterations before they are running well (and safely) in the boosted ranges, so it is not unusual for such setups to idle well but not cruise smoothly or accelerate smoothly after the first update.

What does "WOT" mean?

WOT = Wide Open Throttle. That means pushing the accelerator pedal down as far as it can go. It is sometimes somewhat nerve-wracking to do this - especially on an aftermarket forced-induction setup that is just being sorted out. You should still try to get to WOT when instructed to do so, remembering that your safety and the safety of your motor are dependent on your best judgment, so use WOT responsibly.

I just bought a used AccessPORT from someone that said that the unit has MazdaManiac calibrations already loaded on it. Can I use those calibrations?

No. Every calibration is built specifically for the vehicle that it was initially installed into and will not provide proper operation of another vehicle, no matter how similar. Also, all calibrations remain the property of MazdaManiac and are licensed for use by only the original purchaser. Calibrations cannot be transmitted, permutated or otherwise modified for use in any other manner other than by that proscribed by the original purchase agreement.

I just bought a used AccessPORT from someone that said that the unit has MazdaManiac calibrations already loaded on it. Do I need to subscribe to the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service if I want updates?

Yes. The MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service contract agreement is only intended for the original purchaser. You must start the process over from the beginning.

I just bought a used AccessPORT from someone and it says that it is "installed" and I cannot install it on my car. What can I do?

This means that the previous owner did not uninstall the AccessPORT from their car before they sold it to you, effectively making it unusable.

My AccessPORT has stopped working. What can I do?

Please follow the instructions below if you are experiencing any difficulties with your AccessPORT. COBB Tuning would be more than happy to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing, but it would be greatly appreciated if you followed the following steps in order to reach a resolution:

Step 1: Read the Trouble Shooting section of your AccessPORT User Guide. There is a lot of good information in there, so please take advantage of it. Also be sure to check the Cobb forums for possible solutions.
Step 2: If the above suggestions do not yield a resolution, give the Cobb Tuning Customer Service dept a call. The support number is: 866-922-3059, hours are from 9 AM - 6 PM CST.
Step 3: Obtain a Ticket Number if the item needs to be returned for service, repair, or replacement. You will need to clearly print this number on the outside of the box. (NOTE: If you do not have a Ticket Number on the outside of the package, it will take longer to process or may be refused.)
Step 4: Once you have the Ticket Number, you will need to print the Service Form (link below), include all the required information (Please fill out the form thoroughly, forms lacking information cannot be processed in a timely manner), and send the form with the item.

Download the Service Form Here

COBB Tuning
Attn: Service Dept. Ticket #: ______
2311 W Rundberg Suite 500
Austin, TX 78758

Can I just get a calibration that turns off my CEL without having to subscribe to the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service?

No. Any adjustments to your AccessPORT calibration will only be completed via the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service. There are no "freebies".

Can I use an AccessPORT that is installed on another vehicle on my own car to read codes or datalog?

No. Once an AccessPORT is installed on a vehicle, it will not function at all on another vehicle until it is uninstalled from the first vehicle.

Can I just get a base calibration for my car without purchasing the Custom Calibration Service?

No. Any adjustments to your AccessPORT calibration will only be completed via the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service. There are no "freebies".

What does "forced induction" mean? Do I have that?

Forced-induction means a device that is added to the intake system that adds significant increases in flow/pressure through the engine. This is a turbocharger or a belt-driven supercharger. This does NOT mean nitrous or ram-air. If your car does NOT have a turbo or a supercharger, your car is NOT a forced-induction application.

How many sessions will it take before my car is completely tuned?

That depends on how heavily modified your vehicle is and if there are any mechanical issues that must be addressed along the way. Typically, a mostly-stock vehicle is ready to go in 3 to 6 sessions, whereas a heavily modified vehicle with aftermarket forced-induction can take 12 or more sessions to get is "right". A lot of this is dependent on the diligence of the customer and in following the instructions exactly along the way.

My schedule is such that I cannot make time to attend the live, on-line sessions via Google Hangout. Are there other ways we can complete the calibration process?

I offer a few options for those that can't make the regularly-scheduled tuning sessions:

Specially-scheduled online sessions for you that fit your availability.

There is a minimum 2-week advance notice for scheduling.

A one-time specially-scheduled session where you bring the car to a dyno operator near you and we perform the entire tuning regimen in a single live, online session. This option has a duration limit of 5 hours and is priced at $400. This option can also be scheduled for almost any day, 24 hours a day (of course that is limited by the availability of your dyno shop and operator). There is a minimum 2-week advance notice for scheduling.

A live, 8-hour tuning session where I calibrate your car in person at a dyno facility that you designate. This is priced at $1200 for anywhere in the contiguous 48 states and $2300 anywhere else in the world that will accept my US passport. All costs are included in this fee, minus the fees charged by the dyno operator. There is a minimum 4-week advance notice for scheduling.

All of these special options require that you are already a current MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service customer. If not, the regular $299 fee must be paid prior to making arrangements for the specially scheduled session.

Feel free to contact via jeff@mazdamaniac.com

I live in Arizona - just down the street from you, in fact! Will you tune my car for me?

Yes. Feel free to ask about this during the online sessions or via jeff@mazdamaniac.com. There is an additional cost for this service and you must already be a current MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service customer or sign up for the MMCCS concurrently with the scheduling of the local session..

Is it possible to extend the time of the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service contract beyond 6 months or to renew the contract?

Yes. Feel free to ask about this during the online sessions or via jeff@mazdamaniac.com

My car will be out of commission for several months for one reason or another. Is it possible to suspend my MMCCS contract and restart it or use the remaining time at a later date?

Under certain circumstances, yes. Feel free to ask about this during the online sessions or via jeff@mazdamaniac.com

My friend has an AccessPORT for his car. Can I use it on my vehicle?

The AccessPORT can only be used on one car at a time. If you wish to use an AccessPORT on a second car, it must first be uninstalled from the first car. AccessPORTs are also model-specific, so an AccessPORT that was shipped for use on a Subaru STi wont work on a MazdaSpeed 3, for instance. Additionally, the custom calibrations are licensed for one use and one user only and cannot be shared across multiple vehicles. These calibrations are locked and cannot be altered and are specifically tailored for the on which vehicle they were created. Using the calibration from one car on another may cause permanent, catastrophic damage.

What time are the live, online tuning sessions? I am having a hard time converting Arizona time or GMT/UTC to my local time.

Arizona doesn't observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so our local time stays the same year 'round. When DST is NOT in effect, we are on Mountain Time. When DST is in effect (March 10th to November 3rd), we are effectively on Pacific Time. The sessions are scheduled from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Arizona time. So, If you live on the East coast of the US, that is effectively 7:00pm until 9:00pm during the winter and 8:00pm until 10:00pm in the summer. If you live in the UK, the session starts at midnight the following day until 2:00am during the non-DST dates and 1:00am until 3:00am the following day during DST. If you live in Eastern Australia, the times are 9:00am until 11:00am the next day from the scheduled date in non-DST times and an hour later during DST. Really, the easiest thing to do is to Google "Arizona Time".

What parameters can you adjust on my Vehicle? (i.e. - Can you increase the {insert your parameter here}?)

There are literally hundreds of parameters that can be adjusted on each model for which the AccessPORT is available. If the PCM controls it, there is probably an adjustable value for it.
The big things like fuel and spark can be controlled by more than a dozen different tables each with overlapping interactions for just about any input you could imagine.
Even seemingly simple things like idle speed have a range of adjustments for different operating conditions.
Some of the simpler things may have a single value or a few selections for a range of operation.

Conversely, things that are NOT part of the normal operation of the engine - like anti-theft, TPMS or supplemental restraints - are not going to be addressed though the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration service for a multitude of reasons.

I read on a forum that the best setting for my ignition timing is X and my coil dwell should be Y and the target AFR is Z.

I've tuned more than 1600 (that's one thousand, six hundred) RX-8s over the last 9 years since the AccessPORT was introduced for this application, including GrandAM teams, SCCA and NASA racers and daily-drivers who are naturally aspirated, supercharged and turbo. When someone - ANYONE -on a forum has matched that feat, we'll have that discussion. There is no shortage of people that want to deconstruct what I've accomplished and there is a LOT of misinformation about what works and what does not and why and how. If you trust what they say over what I do for a living, then I suggest that you have them tune your car instead.

I want to tune my AccessPORT myself. Can I have a base calibration for my application?

No. The MazdaManiac Base Calibrations are proprietary and are the result of years of work. They are only available through the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service and are LOCKED to prevent unauthorized use and abuse.

Call up the Coca Cola Company and tell them you want to make your own soda and need their recipe for Coke to get started. Let me know how well that goes.

I want to tune my RX-8 AccessPORT myself. Can I get a copy of the software used for generating calibrations for my application?

There are two versions of the Cobb software for AccessPORT calibration generation and editing. The single-user, non=professional suite called AccessTUNER RACE and the multi-license, professional version called AccessTUNER PRO. AccessTUNER RACE is no longer available. AccessTUNER PRO is only offered to professional tuners in the Cobb eTuner network at a significant price. At this writing, I am unsure if Cobb is still offering licenses for the RX-8 application. AccessTUNER PRO is the only way to tune the other available applications.

I want to tune my MazdaSpeed 3, MazdaSpeed 6 or Ford Focus AccessPORT myself. Can I get a copy of the software used for generating calibrations for my application?

There are two versions of the Cobb software for AccessPORT calibration generation and editing. The single-user, non=professional suite called AccessTUNER RACE and the multi-license, professional version called AccessTUNER PRO. AccessTUNER RACE is available free of charge directly from Cobb Tuning. AccessTUNER PRO is only offered to professional tuners in the Cobb eTuner network at a significant price. You can contact Cobb directly to inquire about pricing and availability of the PRO version of the software.

I ordered an AccessPORT but I've decided I no longer want it. Can I have a refund?

Every AccessPORT for the RX-8 application is built-to-order by Cobb Tuning. Once you click "PAY NOW" you are committed to your purchase. As it says in the purchase agreement that you were presented with at the time of your purchase and to which you are bound once you press the order button: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO RETURNS, NO REFUNDS

I purchased the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service along with my AccessPORT more than 6 months ago but never used it. Can I have my calibrations now?

MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service subscriptions are scheduled to expire 6 months from the time of original purchase.
If you purchased your subscription more than 6 months ago and never used it at all, you will need to re-subscribe in order to receive a customized calibration.

I have a whole bunch of questions but I am way too lazy to read this entire FAQ. Can I just call you?

No.

In fact, if you are too lazy to read and understand the information in this FAQ, I'd rather you not subscribe to the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service at all.

I purchased the MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service along with my AccessPORT but never used it. Can I have my money back?

Once you are granted access to the download area of the Custom Calibration Service base calibration file library, you have taken possession of the actual licensed portion of the service. You can't put that genie back in the bottle, so to speak. The MazdaManiac Custom Calibration Service is a subscription service, just like cable TV or something similar. You can't call your service provider some time after you have subscribed and ask them to give you your money back just because you haven't turned your TV on. And, as it says in the purchase agreement that you were presented with at the time of your purchase and to which you are bound once you press the order button: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO RETURNS, NO REFUNDS.