Consult-II Repair Procedures (NTB00-057A)

Possible CONSULT-II Malfunctions:

1. A Vertical Black Line Appears on the Screen When Turning the CONSULT-II OFF: 
   • This is NORMAL.
   • No repairs are needed.
2. CONSULT-II Will Not Turn ON: 
   • To work properly, CONSULT-II batteries require monthly discharge and recharge (conditioning).

   To Discharge and Recharge CONSULT-II Batteries: 

   • Plug in the AC power supply.
   • Go to SUB MODE, Battery Charge, then Discharge & Charge  .
   • This discharge and recharge process may take several minutes. So it is a good idea to do it at the end of the day and let it run overnight.
3. CONSULT-II Will Not Turn OFF With the Power Button: 
   • Try holding your finger on the screen while turning it OFF.

     OR 

   • Remove the back cover and disconnect the battery.

     THEN 

   • Reconnect the battery after 1 minute.
   • "Restore" the "Resident" software with ASIST as described in step 4.
4. Screen Flashes ON and OFF With a Beeping Sound: 
   • Possible "software" malfunction: Most incidents with CONSULT-II are related to software: Either the CONSULT-II "Resident" (operating) software or the "Vehicle Application" software.
   • Software cards may become "corrupt" and need to be "restored" with ASIST to operate correctly.
   • ASIST may be used to restore: (A) CONSULT-II "Resident" (operating) software, and (B) vehicle application software cards such as:

     (1) Red/White 16MB-Diagnostics, (2) Purple-NATS, or (3) Orange or Blue 8MB ECM Reprogramming.

   • To restore CONSULT-II software: "Open" ASIST and then go to Information Toolbox, CONSULT Utilities, CONSULT-II and Update. 
5. File System Error / Screen Resource File: 
   • One of the vehicle applications software cards is "corrupted".
   • Refer to the last "bullet point" under step  4 (above), to correct this incident.
6. CONSULT-II "Communication" Issues With Vehicles: 
   NOTE: Faulty cables or bent connector pins cause most communication (connection) issues between CONSULT-II and the vehicle.

   Check the CONSULT-II Cables: 

   • First, make sure the red "power" LED is 'ON' at the CONSULT-II Converter Unit. This indicates the converter is receiving power from the vehicle.
   • Second, try the "wiggle test" at the cable ends to confirm the connections are secure.
   • Third, visually check for: cracks in the connectors, cuts or breaks in the wire, bent pins, or other damage to the converter or cables.
   • Fourth, isolate (narrow it down) the incident to one of the cables in the Converter Set: either the DLC-I or the DLC-II cable.
   • Finally, try using a "known good" old DLC-II "Y" or "I" cable (the one without the CONSULT-II Converter and Cable Set), for test purposes ONLY.
     NOTE: Don't bend the connector pins. Use caution when swapping the 26 pin connector at CONSULT-II to avoid bending the pins.
   • Connect this "known good" old-style cable to a vehicle without  a high speed CAN system.
     IMPORTANT: Vehicles that you can use for this test include any 2003 and earlier model except, 350Z, or Murano. Using a vehicle with the new "CAN" system will send it into fail safe. 
   • Touch 'FORCE EXEC'  on the CONSULT-II screen (see Fig 2 ). Then touch 'NO'  (see Fig 2 ). Disregard the date shown on the screen.
     Fig 2: Identifying Consult-II Screen

     
   • If CONSULT-II works OK with the old cable, the Converter and Cable Set is at fault. Call Tech-Mate to order a replacement Converter and Cable Set. For further information regarding the Converter and Cable Set, refer to NTB02-076 .
   • The converter cable and DLC-II cable can be "pin-tested" with an Ohm meter for opens or shorts. Refer to Fig 3 for pin testing information.
     Fig 3: Cable Pin Testing Information

     
7. CONSULT-II Will Not Enter FTP File Transfer Mode for Update by ASIST: 

   You'll need to update CONSULT-II Resident Software using the Serial Port at the back of your ASIST PC. Here's how: 

   • Exit (close) ASIST if it is currently "running" on your P.C. Also, close all other applications (programs) running on your P.C.
   • Connect your CONSULT-II to the ASIST PC 9-pin, female serial port (see Fig 4 ). You will use the "SERIAL" cable in the CONSULT-II kit (P/N J-44200-11). It's labeled "VETRONIX 02002498".
     Fig 4: Connecting Consult-II To Asist PC 9-Pin, Female Serial Port

     

   On Your CONSULT-II: 

   • Press and HOLD the Power Button for 5 seconds. This will put CONSULT-II into "boot" mode, and the word "Nissan" should be displayed all over the screen.
   • On your ASIST PC screen, use your mouse to double-click on "My Computer"
   • Double-click on the "c:" hard drive (or whatever "drive" that ASIST is installed on; d:, e:  , etc.).
   • Double-click the "ASIST" folder
   • Double-click the "CONSULT" folder
   • Double-click "Update"
   • The Update will take a few minutes on your ASIST PC screen. You'll be able to watch the progress.
     NOTE: If you get an error message that reads: "!! ERROR - Not Found !!"  and your ASIST PC has two serial ports (COM 1 and COM 2): try swapping the serial cable to the other serial port at the back of your P.C.
   • After the update is complete, click the X  in the upper corner of the window to close the update program, then restart CONSULT-II.
   • If CONSULT-II does not boot properly, try using a different Vehicle Application software card and reboot again.
   • If CONSULT-II still doesn't boot, contact the ASIST support Hotline at 800-662-3282. Select option 4.
8. Any Other CONSULT-II Malfunctions: 
   • You'll have to send the unit to Vetronix (the repair facility).
   • Follow the "CONSULT-II REPAIR PROCEDURE"  below.
   • Each CONSULT-II unit will be repaired and returned to the dealer.
   • The CONSULT-II Converter and Cable Set will also be tested and faulty parts will be replaced.
     NOTE: There is NO "EXCHANGE PROGRAM" for the CONSULT-II unit.

Repair "Turn-around" Time:

Please plan for the following repair time:

• Shipping time to the repair facility plus repair time plus return shipping back to your Service Department.
• Once the CONSULT-II unit arrives at the Vetronix repair facility, it will be repaired within 48 hours. Then it will be shipped back to you using the same shipping method (Overnight, 2^nd day, UPS Ground, etc.) that was used to ship the unit to the repair facility.

An Example of "Turn-Around" Timing:

• CONSULT-II Kit is sent on Friday via Next Day Air. It arrives at the Vetronix repair facility on Monday.
• The Vetronix repair facility repairs the CONSULT-II unit within 48 hours.
• The Vetronix repair facility sends the CONSULT-II unit back on Wednesday (via Next Day Air).
• The repaired CONSULT-II unit arrives back at your Service Department on Thursday.

Fig 5: Identifying Consult-II Service Request