Going over ~19psi, SWAS issues

[adlpb]

I've been in the process of tuning my car with fink for the past month or so. We got to the point where we were making considerably more power than the OTS stg2 map. This is when boost was turned up past 19 (20 to be exact) and timing was played with. We started seeing crazy AFR's. Going lean to the high 12's during the initial WOT run, and then going down to the low 10's. We first thought it was a boost leak/dirty MAF.

Cleaned my MAF, and turned down boost and the issue went away. But after increasing power again, same issues. Per finkle's advice, I unplugged my SWAS sensor and voila, issues gone. Apparently, when I was making more power, the wheelspin was making my steering wheel move so slightly to trigger the SWAS shit sensor.

If your tune is making power past the 300's (mine is in the 330's whp in VD), I highly recommend you disable SWAS. Only downside for 11'+ tech package users is that it will disable AFS, and will have the AFS light blinking in addition to the 2 others that are on for non-tech users. But it makes a world of a difference during turns.

Also, since we have electric power steering pumps, it seems to kill power steering during low speed (parking) turns. But nothing a bit of muscle can't handle.

SWAS disable is also essential for Auto-x ers. Just don't take a turn too fast while giving it gas or you'll understeer like crazy.

EDIT: Some asked me for a picture of the sensor. It is the one that has a red plastic color on the bottom. You will see 3 harnesses on the right side of the area you are working in. Unplug this one.


Photo credit to ckmazdaspeed3

[rfinkle2]

@adlpb,@SLOWHATCH,@kritz,@Broxer,@XLT_66

Thanks to adlpb and @Pedal-Force... (as well as ckmazdaspeed3 for the pic)

how to also install a toggle switch.
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...ml#post1132628

I need to do this asap.

[adlpb]

Originally Posted by rfinkle2 @adlpb.. Thanks to @Pedal-Force... how to also install a toggle switch. http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...ml#post1132628 I need to do this asap.

I was thinking of that during my drive to work this morning. I imagine I "bypass" button/switch from the SWAS to the console wouldn't be too hard to do. Something to work on during the Thanksgiving break for sure. Hey Rob if you get it done before me, take some pics.

[kritz]

I want to pick up a switch from Mazda that will mount next to my DSC disable switch and wire it to the SWAS interupt. Gotta look for the part number. I have to take a look at the DSC sw to see if there is any unused terminals on that sw.

@rfinkle2,@adlpb,@Broxer,@XLT_66

[adlpb]

Originally Posted by kritz I want to pick up a switch from Mazda that will mount next to my DSC disable switch and wire it to the SWAS interupt. Gotta look for the part number. I have to take a look at the DSC sw to see if there is any unused terminals on that sw. @rfinkle2,@adlpb,@Broxer,@XLT_66

I imagine doing something like this guy did with his meth on/off switch.

[adlpb]

@kritz I'm looking for specific buttons to be purchased (ie DSC button) but I can only see the entire assembly being sold in one piece. If you can find individual buttons let me know. Otherwise, the idea of the metal switch on the right (pictured above) is not bad, although it doesn't look very well. I can also suggest a plastic button glued to the under side of the steering wheel if you are concerned about making permanent holes to the side cluster for re-sale purposes.

[kritz]

@adlpb, @rfinkle2

I'll do some searching maybe source it from a salvage yard. I'll let you know and see how many I can find. I would like to have it have an OEM look, perhaps the Canadian sw for heated seats would be another option.

[kritz]

Well just got off the line with Compass Mazda, the heated seat option is a no go, it is not an on/off sw but an adjustable knob type. The other option would be getting a DSC sw assb and surgicaly removing the sw and transplanting it next to the original DSC but that is not an option for you folks with the Tech model. going to look in the Digigkey catalog to see if there is anything there.

@adlpb,@rfinkle2



http://www.digikey.com/?WT.mc_id=Bra...6cfcs506128092

[G26]

Only thing I am concerned about is the loss of power steering. Is that the only thing is affects negatively for non techs?

[adlpb]

Originally Posted by G26 Only thing I am concerned about is the loss of power steering. Is that the only thing is affects negatively for non techs?

That and the 2 lights that are on the dashboard.

To be honest with you, the power steering is there, I only noticed I had to give it a BIT more force during parking, and very minimal. I've driven cars with absolutely no power steering and I can tell you that this is like butter, even with SWAS off. Give it a try for yourself, it literally takes 5minutes to do this mod - all you need is a screwdriver and a 10mm wrench for the battery.

[G26]

Eh, I think I'll wait till a better fix comes out hopefully with the AP.

[Broxer]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm heading out of town for Thanksgiving but I'll definately give this a shot. My previous car had no power steering so we'll see how this goes.

[TsaktuO]

What about using the AFS button for SWAS interrupt (at least for tech pkg guys)?

[2011speed]

vdyno says im just about 300whp, and the only time i had issues with swas was when my wheel was like even 1 degree turned, or if i rip on it shortly after my wheel is turned.

Are you having these issues in third gear aswell?

[adlpb]

Originally Posted by 2011speed vdyno says im just about 300whp, and the only time i had issues with swas was when my wheel was like even 1 degree turned, or if i rip on it shortly after my wheel is turned. Are you having these issues in third gear aswell?

Yeah all my logs are 3rd gear and the issues began happening after my VD recorded >310 ish whp. If you go through a small bump when doing a log and your wheel just turns a slight bit, the SWAS will mess around with your AFR's.

Originally Posted by TsaktuO What about using the AFS button for SWAS interrupt (at least for tech pkg guys)?

Not that I use the button, but I think it would be easier to just make a bypass from the SWAS to an outer source rather than have to rewire both the SWAS and the AFS button at the same time. You would also lose functionality of the button itself. But it's a good idea nonetheless.

[SLOWHATCH]

I barely notice the "loss" of power steering if at all. I noticed it maybe once or twice and I guess now I'm used to it.

I don't think you loose ps completely either. I think the benefits, at least for me, far outweigh the cons. I'm used to the lights by now, they never really bothered me. Plus it's very easy to return to normal if you don't like it or can't deal with the lights.