ECM Reprogramming For NISSAN Vehicles (NTB00-006D)

ECM REPROGRAMMING FOR NISSAN VEHICLES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SERVICE INFORMATION

• In-vehicle ECM reprogramming is available to update the ECM of certain 1999 vehicles (listed in Applied Vehicles above), and all 2000 and later vehicles.
• This reprogramming allows the vehicle ECM to be upgraded to the latest operating specifications without removal or replacement of the ECM.
• When an ECM has been reprogrammed it will display a new P/N on the CONSULT-II screen.
  NOTE: ECM reprogramming will not affect NATS.
• ECM reprogramming requires the use of ASIST 8.0 or higher, and CONSULT-II with the ECU Reprogramming Software Card (orange color).
• Use the Service Procedure steps to transfer ECM reprogramming data from the ASIST PC to CONSULT-II, and from CONSULT-II to the vehicle ECM.
• Refer to the ECU Reprogramming Software Operations Manual (in ASIST) for additional information on using CONSULT-II for ECM reprogramming.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

ECM reprogramming involves two general steps:

• Download (transfer) data from ASIST into CONSULT-II.
• Download new data from CONSULT-II into the vehicle (Reprogram ECM).

Before beginning the reprogramming procedure, use CONSULT-II and the Diagnostic Card (red/white one) to retrieve any stored DTC(s). Additional repairs may be necessary if there are DTC(s) not associated with a Reprogramming bulletin. Refer to the appropriate TSB or Service Manual.

SETTING UP: 

1. Install the Reprogramming Card into CONSULT-II.
   • The Reprogramming Software Card is the "orange" Card.
   • Use slot A-top slot (see Fig 1).
     Fig 1: Installing Reprogramming Card Into CONSULT-II

     Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
2. 1. Connect the AC power supply to CONSULT-II.
   2. Connect CONSULT-II to the ASIST PC with the special Ethernet cable (P/N 02002554 is printed on the cable).
      • Connect one end to CONSULT-II at the "PC port".
      • Connect the other end to the ASIST PC at the "Ethernet card" connection port.
3. Confirm the CONSULT-II date and time are correctly set as follows:

   (This is necessary to provide a valid print-out for warranty claims.)

   1. With the Reprogramming card in slot A, turn "ON" CONSULT-II.
   2. Touch SUB MODE  .
   3. Touch SET DATE  (see Fig 2).
      1. If the date is not correct, touch the MONTH  , DAY  or YEAR  as needed. Then adjust it by using arrow keys. Once done, press SAVE  , press BACK  , and go to step D.
      2. If the date is OK, press BACK  and go to step D.
         Fig 2: Display CONSULT-II - Sub Mode

         Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   4. Touch SET TIME  (see Fig 2).
      1. If time is not correct, touch the HOUR  , MINUTE  or AM/PM  as needed. Then adjust it by using arrow keys. Once done, press SAVE  , press BACK  and go to step 4.
      2. If time is OK, press BACK  and go to step 4.
4. Set the Ethernet (IP) Address of the ASIST PC and CONSULT-II as follows:
   NOTE: If your ASIST terminal has been used to perform ECM Reprogramming before, you may skip steps "A" through "I" below and proceed to step  5.

   If you are unsure whether your ASIST terminal has been already set up for ECM Reprogramming, proceed to step "A" below. 

   1. On the ASIST PC, click "START", "SETTINGS", "CONTROL PANEL"  , and then select "NETWORK"  .
   2. When the "Network Configuration" screen appears (see Fig 3) select "TCP/IP".  Then select "PROPERTIES"  .
      Fig 3: Display CONSULT-II - Ethernet (IP) Address Of ASIST PC And CONSULT-II

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   3. Compare Fig 4 with the "TCP/IP PROPERTIES" screen on the ASIST PC.
      • If the "IP ADDRESS" and "SUBNET MASK" appear EXACTLY as shown in Fig 4, click "CANCEL"  and close the "CONTROL PANEL" box. Now continue to step "D".
      • If the "IP ADDRESS" and "SUBNET MASK" do not match EXACTLY as shown in Fig 4, change the numbers so that they do. Click "OK",  reboot the computer to save the new IP Address, and continue to step "D".
        Fig 4: Display CONSULT-II - TCP/IP PROPERTIES

        Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   4. On CONSULT-II Touch CONFIGURE ETHERNET  .
   5. Check that the Ethernet (IP) Address is 192.168.001.002 and the Mask is 255.255.255.000 (see Fig 5).
      • If the Ethernet (IP) Address already matches the address listed in step "E" above, press COPY  to print the Address for future reference, turn off CONSULT-II and proceed with step  5 below.
      • If the Ethernet (IP) Address does not match the address listed in step "E" above, proceed with step "F" below to correctly set the CONSULT-II Ethernet (IP) address.
        Fig 5: Display CONSULT-II - Ethernet Address

        Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   6. To change, touch the Address number on the CONSULT-II screen (titled "Configure Ethernet"). A numeric keypad will appear (see Fig 6).
   7. Use the keypad to change the Address and Mask to the correct number.
   8. Touch SAVE  and then press COPY  to print the Address for future reference.
   9. Turn off CONSULT-II to allow the new address to be saved in memory, then proceed with step 5.
      Fig 6: Display CONSULT-II - Numeric Keypad

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

   DOWNLOAD (TRANSFER) DATA FROM ASIST INTO CONSULT-II 

5. From the ASIST PC main menu screen, select "CONSULT UTILITIES"  (see Fig 7).
   Fig 7: Display ASIST PC Main Menu Screen - Consult Utilities

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
6. From the "CONSULT UTILITIES"  screen, select "ECM / TCM DATA"  (see Fig 8).
   Fig 8: Display CONSULT UTILITIES Screen - Select ECM/TCM Data

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
7. Select the "ECU REPROGRAMMING DATA"  (see Fig 9) as follows:
   Fig 9: Display ECU Reprogramming Data Screen

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
   1. Select vehicle model and model year.
   2. Select the correct reprogramming data:
      1. Locate the specific "Model Configuration" (Example: VQ35 4A/T ASCD).
         NOTE:

         • Model Configuration may include items like engine type, transmission type, and vehicle options such as ASCD TCS, ABS, etc.
         • Vehicle configuration can be verified using the "Current ECM P/N" chart. This will be shown in the TSB that told you to reprogram the ECM.
      2. Select (click on) the "To" number.
         NOTE: The "To" number reads: 23710-XXXXX.
      3. Write the "To" number on the Repair Order. You will need it later in the reprogramming process.
   3. Click on the "Add" button to add data to the "File(s) selected" list. This list is on the right side of the screen.
   4. Click the "CONTINUE"  button to proceed with CONSULT-II setup.
8. Turn "ON" CONSULT-II as shown in Fig 10.
   Fig 10: Turning On CONSULT-II Screen

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
9. Select TRANSFER files via LAN  (see Fig 11).
   NOTE: If you accidentally choose a menu option other than "Transfer Files via LAN" turn CONSULT-II "OFF", and then back "ON" as shown in Fig 10 above.
   Fig 11: Selecting Transfer Files Via LAN

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

   Set the CONSULT-II unit down for now and go to your ASIST PC. 

10. Transfer (download) data from ASIST into CONSULT-II.
    1. On the ASIST screen, click on "Transfer"  (see Fig 12).
       Fig 12: Transferring (Download) Data From ASIST Into CONSULT-II

       Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
       • Data transfer will take about 15 seconds per file.
       • Transfer progress is displayed on the ASIST screen (see Fig 12).
    2. Wait until the data transfer is complete (see CAUTION below).
    CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE ETHERNET CABLE UNTIL "COMPLETE" IS DISPLAYED AS SHOWN IN  Fig 12 . 

    • If the cable is disconnected before "Complete" is displayed, you MUST  restart the transfer (download) procedure; otherwise ECM damage can occur.
    • If the cable is disconnected during the transfer; wait for ASIST to display an "error" message, then click on "OK". Select "Backup", then return to step  6.
      Fig 13: Display File Transfer Complete Message

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
11. When transfer is complete (see Fig 13):
    1. Select (click on) "Okay",  then "MAIN MENU"  .
    2. Turn "OFF" CONSULT-II.
    3. Disconnect the AC power cord and the Ethernet cable from CONSULT-II.

    DOWNLOAD NEW DATA FROM CONSULT-II INTO THE VEHICLE (REPROGRAM ECM) 

    CAUTION:

    • Perform this operation in four (4) sections. DO NOT SKIP any of these sections.
    • They must be performed in order, 1 through 4.

    Section 1: Connect a battery charger and CONSULT-II to the vehicle.

    Section 2: Confirm the vehicle battery voltage and CONSULT-II "Charger Input".

    Section 3: Perform ECM Reprogramming.

    Section 4: Perform ECM Reprogram Confirmation.

    Section 1: Connect a battery charger and CONSULT-II to the vehicle. 

12. Confirm the ignition switch is "OFF".
13. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery.
    1. Set the charger at a low charge rate (trickle charge).
    IMPORTANT: Do not perform ECU reprogramming without connecting a battery charger to the vehicle's battery. Permanent ECU damage can occur.
    Connecting a vehicle battery charger will maintain:
    

    • Proper CONSULT-II power supply during reprogramming-very important if the CONSULT-II battery is low.
    • Vehicle battery voltage level-especially on late model vehicles where the cooling fans come on during reprogramming.
14. Connect CONSULT-II to the vehicle using the DLC-II cable with black Converter Box (see Fig 14).

    VERY IMPORTANT: 

    • Make sure the DLC-II is straight and fully plugged in to the vehicle.
    • Make sure all other DLC-II cable connections shown in Fig 14 are connected properly.
      Fig 14: CONSULT-II And DLC-II Cable

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    CAUTION:

    • Nissan requires the use of essential tools shown in Fig 14 when performing ECM reprogramming.
    • J44200-10 "Pigtail" should not be removed from the CONSULT-II DDL Port. This "Pigtail" allows use of the stronger "quick disconnect" cable set.
    • If cables are very often changed at the DDL Port (base) of the CONSULT-II unit, cable connector pin damage may result.
    • If there is connector pin damage, ECM reprogramming may fail. Permanent ECU damage can occur.
15. Turn "ON" the ignition switch (do not start the engine).
    • CONSULT-II will turn "ON" automatically (see Fig 15).
    • Confirm that all electrical loads* (except for the ignition) are "OFF".

      * Headlights, defroster, A/C, Audio (radio), and cellular telephone, etc.

      Fig 15: Display CONSULT-II - Electronic Control Unit Reprogramming

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
16. Roll down the driver's window part way, exit the vehicle, close the door, and hang the CONSULT II unit on the outside of the window (see Fig 16).
    • This step is necessary to ensure the CONSULT-II and DLC-II cable will not be disturbed during reprogramming.
      Fig 16: Hanging CONSULT II Unit

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      CAUTION: DO NOT connect the CONSULT-II AC power supply for Steps 17, 18, and 19.

    Section 2: Confirm the vehicle's battery voltage and CONSULT-II "Charger Input" 

17. Press SUB MODE  (see Fig 17) then:
    1. Press DOWN  4 times.
    2. Select BATTERY CHARGE  .
       Fig 17: Display CONSULT-II - Charger Input Reading

       Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
18. Check the CONSULT-II's "Charger Input" reading (see Fig 17).
    NOTE:

    • "Battery Voltage"  is the voltage level of CONSULT-II's battery.
    • "Charger Input"  is the voltage level of the vehicle's battery. (It must be above 12 volts  ).
19. The "Charger Input" reading MUST  be above 12 volts (see Fig 17).
    • A reading above 12 volts confirms;
      1. The DLC-II is properly connected to the vehicle,
      2. The vehicle battery voltage is sufficient for ECM reprogramming, and
      3. CONSULT-II has a sufficient power supply to perform ECM reprogramming.
    • If the vehicles battery voltage ("Charger Input") is below 12 volts, one or more of the following may be the cause:
      1. The battery charger you hooked up in section 1 is not charging the battery (poor connection or it is not working).
      2. The DLC-II does not have a good connection to the vehicle (not straight).
      3. The DLC-II cable may have a malfunction (damaged wire or pins).
      4. The CONSULT-II Converter (J44200-50 / black box) is not working correctly (see Fig 14).
    CAUTION:

    • Do not attempt ECU reprogramming if the vehicle's battery voltage is below 12 volts.
    • Permanent ECU damage can occur if the vehicle battery does not maintain the minimum voltage during ECU reprogramming.
    • If "Charger Input" is above 12 volts, power from the vehicle battery will keep CONSULT-II's power supply at the correct level during reprogramming. (see Fig 17).

    Section 3: Perform ECM Reprogramming 

20. Press INITIATE ECU REPROGRAM  (see Fig 18), then
    1. Press ECM 
    2. Review the precaution
    3. Press NEXT 
       Fig 18: Display CONSULT-II - Initiate ECU Reprogram

       Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
21. Press CHECK ECM P/N  to "confirm" (take note of) the current ECM part number (see Fig 19).
    NOTE: This is the vehicle's ECM part number BEFORE reprogramming.
    Fig 19: Display CONSULT-II - Vehicle ECM Part Number

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
22. Press COPY  to print the current ECM part number for future reference.
23. Press BACK  to return to the main menu.
24. Select the ECM program to install (see Fig 20).
    Fig 20: Display CONSULT-II - Select ECM Program

    Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
25. The "REPROGRAM START"  window should appear (see Fig 21).
    • NOTE: If you get an error message, refer to the ECU Reprogramming Software Operations Manual.
      Fig 21: Display CONSULT-II - Reprogram Start Window

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

      CAUTION DURING REPROGRAMMING: 

    • Do not unplug CONSULT-II from the vehicle during reprogramming. PermanentECM damage can occur.
    • Do not open any door or the trunk during reprogramming.
    • On some vehicles, the cooling fans may come on during reprogramming. This is a normal condition. Do not disconnect the cooling fans. Forgetting to reconnect them may cause severe engine damage. A vehicle battery charger is needed* to maintain the battery voltage level during reprogramming.

      * You should have hooked up a battery charger in Section 1

26. Press START  .
    • After a few seconds, the window shown in Fig 22 will appear.
    • CONSULT-II will now turn "OFF" its screen backlight.
    • When the screen backlight goes "OFF", ECM reprogramming has started.
      NOTE: This process will take from 10 to 20 minutes.
      Fig 22: Display CONSULT-II - ECM Reprogramming Screen

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      CAUTION: You must leave the vehicle and the CONSULT-II unit "undisturbed" (don't touch) until reprogramming is complete.
      NOTE: If CONSULT-II screen gives you an error message "Unmatch of Vehicle Data":

      • You tried to reprogram with an incorrect data file, or
      • You are trying to reprogram with a file that is already in the ECM.
27. When the reprogramming is complete, CONSULT-II will "beep", turn the screen backlight back "ON" and automatically print out a report (see Fig 23).
    • Remember it may take up to 20 minutes.
    1. Attach the print-out to the repair order for future reference.
       Fig 23: ECM Reprogramming Report

       Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    CAUTION: If CONSULT-II prints "REPROGRAMMING UNEXPECTEDLY TERMINATED":
    

    • The ECM has been permanently damaged and will require replacement.
    • In this case, perform steps A through G. Refer to PROGRAMMING UNEXPECTEDLY TERMINATED .

    
    Do not start the engine with the damaged ECM installed. 
28. Press END  to return to the main menu.
29. Turn the ignition switch "OFF" and CONSULT-II "OFF".
30. Wait more than 10 seconds, then turn the ignition switch "ON" for 1 second. Then, turn the ignition switch "OFF" again for 10 seconds (see  Fig 24 ). 
    • This will reset ECM self learned Data.
      Fig 24: Ignition Switch Timing Chart

      Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    Section 4: Perform ECM Reprogram Confirmation. 

31. Start the engine.
32. Check engine idle speed.
    • If idle speed is too low, perform IAVL (Idle Air Volume Learning). See the appropriate Service Manual (ESM) for this procedure.
      NOTE: If the engine will not idle, hold the engine RPM at about 2000, then slowly bring it down to an idle. IAVL can now be performed.
33. Confirm the engine is operating normally.
34. Make sure the "Check Engine Light " (MIL) is not "ON".
    • If necessary, use CONSULT-II and the Diagnostic (red/white) Card to erase any DTC's that may have stored during the reprogramming procedure.