I know that you arent supposed to upload new firmware to the MS without unplugging directly driven coils, but are 2nd Gen coils considered directly driven? The MS does directly control them, but its on a logic level, so I wasn't sure.

 

You definitely want to disconnect coil power when flashing. There are a couple of ways that the coils can be in an "on" state as default after a new flash and before you load the new .msq. The Mazda coils may in fact time out and/or go into a thermal protection mode when that happens but personally I just pull the coil fuses. That way I'm sure nothing bad will happen. Cheap insurance!

 

I don't unplug anything.... I've never blown a coil.......

 

I would recommend unplugging the coil connectors when reflashing. I do it myself if I have to reflash on the car.

The problem isn't really the when you're reflashing, it's after the flash is over when the LEDs will be off. The whole time they're off you're charging your coils. I'm pretty sure this isn't good for them even if they don't break immediately.

Better safe than sorry.

Most of the time I just take the MS inside and reflash it on the bench.

Ken