Software Upgrades and Tampering 2010
 

Hi ,

I have a Mazdaspeed 3 2010, bought in the US (new.)

I am always a little paranoid when I bring my car to service..

Two-three questions:

1) Today (June 2015) the authorized dealer did a software upgrade.. (he said they get updates like this from Mazda Japan quite frequently.. ) Is this true? is this normal?

2) How would/could someone detect "tampering" in the car.. What could one do (that is feasible and worth the risk..) for instance, could they switch parts or a "turbo" for an older one, or other parts in my car.. or of inferior quality and what not.. Am I paranoid a little (which I am ) or is this a reasonable question?

Given my VIN, would I be able to detect if anything like this has happened?

What could someone check firstly and easily?

3) Also it seems that my heater/A/C fan is failing.. starts or stops at will. is this something common.. ? could this be covered by warranty? mind you , i hardly use this car (!!) less than 20,000 mi.

THANKS a lot!
Leo

1. I have not heard of any software updates for the MY2010s+, but that doesnt mean it couldnt happen. Ask the dealer what is updated, if they service guy cant tell you (or it sounds like BS) ask for someone who knows.

2. Are you concerned that the dealer is going to steal your used parts, and replace them with something else? That is illogical, and just plain wacky. To detect tampering, inspect the under the hood.. Look for things that have been..tampered with.

3. AC should be covered under warranty, unless someone or a shop (other than the dealer) has worked on it.

Dafaq I just read?

I doubt your AC is still covered under warranty at 5 years old.