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Introduction

I'm really surprised that everyone does not have consult. The consult cable is selling for about 30 plus shipping on ebay. Newer laptops dont have a serial port so you have to find a serial to usb adapter or buy one of the consult cables that have usb connector. Working serial adapters are so expensive and unreliable that it is better to buy the cable with the usb connector if you dont have serial port. You can retrieve and clear self diagnostic codes without touching ecu.

ECUtalk has the best prices: http://www.ecutalk.com/interface.aspx

About $50/$37 US for the the cable . No tax and free shipping.



Discussion on finding a serial to usb adapter (avoid doing this)

http://www.sr20forum.com/rom-e...88270

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:03 AM 5/18/2009

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:11 AM 5/18/2009
Modified by vancouverbc at 2:45 PM 8/25/2009

Software Summary

obd scan tech seems to be best and is free. You can change aac values, turn egr solenoid off and on, turn off cylinders to isolate problem cylinders. Not sure if you can test hicas. Maybe start with ecutalk until you get used to things as it is simpler to download and use.

nissan datascan ($33) - for map tracing, active tests, most thingsecutalk - best for logging if u want to analyse latercalumsult - for rom dumping, real-time graphs

windows:

free:OBD ScanTech Nissan - http://techdiag.co.uk/obdscantech/web/pg002.html

(download version 1.41 and copy the updated exe file 1.51 to program files in window explorer; version 1.29 doesnt have the power balance test)

CalumSult - http://www.calumsult.com/calumsu/CalumSult/-and use the old version for rom dumping (download the full installer, install, then download this exe)

ECU Talk - http://www.ecutalk.comConzult - http://300zx-twinturbo.com/conzult/downloads.htmTECU - http://eccs.hybridka.com/viewtopic.php?t=263srtalk - http://www.zcontrol.net/Default.asp

$$$:Nissan Data Scan - http://www.blazt.biz/products/datascan.php $33 USDatalog Viewer - http://www.blazt.biz/products/dviewer.htm (for datascan logs)

pocket pc:

free:ECU Talk - http://www.ecutalk.com

macConSultan - http://members.cox.net/epooch



http://www.blazt.biz/downloads...0.pdf

Modified by vancouverbc at 9:31 PM 5/2/2009
Modified by vancouverbc at 3:56 AM 5/18/2009

Sample data log from ecutalk. 50 readings per second. car warmed up and idling..

Time, RPM, Timing, Throttle, Air Flow, AAC, O2 Sensor, Injector, Duty Cycle, Speed mph, Water Temp F12:42:47.968, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.98, 30, 0.46, 2.8, 1, 0, 17212:42:47.999, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.03, 30, 0.46, 2.8, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.046, 738, 20, 0.42, 1.03, 30, 0.46, 2.8, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.061, 738, 20, 0.42, 0.99, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.092, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.99, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.108, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.02, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.139, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.99, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.155, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.02, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.186, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.99, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.248, 725, 20, 0.42, 1, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.295, 725, 20, 0.42, 1, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.326, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.01, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.358, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.02, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.404, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.02, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.436, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.02, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.529, 725, 20, 0.42, 1, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.654, 725, 20, 0.42, 1, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.701, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.98, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.748, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.98, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.794, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.98, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.841, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.03, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.872, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.03, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.919, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:48.966, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.03, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.013, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.060, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.060, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.8, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.106, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.106, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.153, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.169, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.216, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.247, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.278, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.294, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.325, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.81, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.340, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.372, 725, 20, 0.42, 0.96, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 17212:42:49.403, 725, 20, 0.42, 1.04, 30, 0.46, 2.82, 1, 0, 172

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:05 AM 5/18/2009
Modified by vancouverbc at 2:46 PM 8/25/2009

What do consult numbers mean?

O2 sensor voltage

During idle,(closed loop) the number does not mean much. the sensor is too cool and reads lean. Go for a drive and heat up the sensor and then idle, should read around .8 volts for a few seconds before it cools down. The idle is supposed to be rich. This is why we have the AIV. The ecu ignores o2 sensor during idle ie closed loop.

Outside of idle, use a gauge display to observe as the needle fluctuates between below .2 volts and above .8 volts. Below .2 volts is lean. Above .2 volts is rich. You want it fluctuating between lean and rich outside of idle.(open loop)

AAC percentage

Basically, an optimal idle target rpm is stored in the ecu memory. The ecu works to maintain this target rpm using the aac valve. The fsm says that the aac should be between 15 and 40 percent during idle. It sometimes helps to clear the ecu memory to reset the idle.

1. 50% seems to be a limp mode value for the aac during idle. This can exacerbate a high idle situation.

2. the ecu likes the aac to be at 10% during base timing or idle mode

3. you can set the idle to anything you like and the ecu will attempt to achieve that target idle(by adjusting the idle screw with tps disconnected)

4. you can set the aac value during idle by adjusting the idle adjustment screw with tps connected. for example, i had an aac value of 28% so I opened up the idle valve a little bit and the aac dropped to 16 %

5. if aac is always at 10% during idle, it could mean that there is too much air and the aac has run out of adjustment room. for example, my idle would not change when I turned on my interior heater because the ecu liked that the idle was dropped by the load. I like to have the aac at least a few percent above 10 percent for this reason.

6. the aac value does not go below 10 percent except in rare instances. 10 percent seems to be the floor.

7. Having the fixed orifice as open as possible seems to set a high floor for the idle and prevents stalling. the fixed orifice is the orifice that you adjust with the idle adjustment screw. this orifice is fixed and is not controlled by the ecu. the aac does idle up significantly though when the throttle is closed.

8. AAC increases when interior heater or lights turned on. AAC increases when you turn steering wheel. If the idle is too high because of vacuum leaks, the ecu wont increase aac when interior heater or lights come on.

throttle position sensor

It should be between .4 and .5 volts. My value was .8 volts and this totally screwed my idle. You loosen the two 7 mm bolts and turn tps to adjust.It's important to clear ecu memory to get rid of old values. (It may be helpful diagnotically to idle with tps disconnect to see if this improves your idle.)

Temperature- this is coolant temperature. Mine was 180 F. I think anything under 200 F is good. You may be able to detect when thermostat opens/closes.

voltage- should be around 14 volts when car is running. Mine drops momentarily when lights come on but goes back to 14 volts.

MAF-tells you how much air you are getting. maf should be between .8 and 1.2 volts at idle. Wiggle the sensor wires to detect intermittent problems.

Power balance test- will disclose leaking injector, faulty ignition wire or sparkplug, leaking piston rings, etc

fuel pump relay- turns fuel pump off to burn off fuel in system so you can work on injectors, fuel line, etc

Injector time/ duty cycle- measure how much fuel is being supplied by ecu

Timing- you need a timing light to set timing. The ecu counts on your timing being right. It has no way of determing this on it's own.

Modified by vancouverbc at 4:15 AM 5/18/2009

Modified by vancouverbc at 10:35 PM 5/18/2009
Modified by vancouverbc at 2:41 AM 5/21/2009

I just want to let you know that I really appreciate all of the info that you typed up. It really helped me understand some of the sensor readings that the computer was telling me. I have a 1990 Q45 and recently got my ECUTalk cable and have been playing around with it on my laptop. I installed OBD Scantech 1.51 and really like how the power balance test feature works and allows me to change the amount of time that it shuts off each injector and also the recover time before the next injector is shut off. I also like how you can shut off multiple injectors at the same time. I went by the firing order and shut off every other cylinder to see how it ran. I figured that this would be nice if you could set it to work this way while cruising. Similar to how GM did with the Cadillac to help get better fuel mileage. Anyway, Have you tried Nissan Datascan? I was wondering if it is any better or has more features then the free OBD Scantech. I don't want to spend the $30 for it if it is basically the same. Thanks again

MattJacksonville, FL
Modified by mattd1979 at 12:04 PM 8/19/2009

I appreciate the kind words. I have not tried datascan. It has a few more features that may or may not be worth paying for . OBD scantech definitely is comparable. ECUtalk also has a great feature for calculating gas mileage instant by instant.

this is datascan documentation:

http://www.blazt.biz/downloads...0.pdf

FYI i was under the impression that cylinder cutoff is ignition cutoff, not injector cutoff. if thats the case, no fuel saving (only worse economy due to more fuel needed for same amount of power if running on less cylinders).

When I use OBD Scantech, it shuts off the injectors. It may shut off the spark also but not sure.

this is the dopest stuff ever, i cant believe ive never seen this

how do u know it shuts off the injectors? (dont believe if it simply says so in the software)

Well , after I read NewKleer's post about the power balance, I decided to go out to the car to do a little experiment and from what I found, it appears that the injectors are not disabled. Instead, it appears that it is the spark plugs that are disabled. That is ashame because you can cause more damage to the engine that way from cylinder wash.

Did the original Nissan Consult shut off the injectors rather then the spark plugs when it performed the power balance test?

Modified by mattd1979 at 1:15 AM 8/25/2009
Modified by mattd1979 at 8:48 PM 8/25/2009

the original nissan consult unit will do the same as the software. because the software is just working off what was learnt/reverse engineered from the original consult unit.

unless of course there was a ignition cylinder cut and injector cylinder cut, but ive never seen more than just the one single thing.

does the 89' have a consult unit too, or did this just start in 91?

im extremely interested in this for testing my random CEL's that pop up occasionaly.

ni

nitsujvg wrote:does the 89' have a consult unit too, or did this just start in 91?

im extremely interested in this for testing my random CEL's that pop up occasionaly.

not for 90/89

ah that sucks, thanks though!

there is a beta of ECUTalk v1.3.5 which adds alerts - define alerts for battery voltage, temperature, injector duty cycle, speed, airflow and RPM, and the gauge will flash (invert colours) and beep if an alert is hit

http://www.ecutalk.com/downloa...a.exe

NewKleer wrote:there is a beta of ECUTalk v1.3.5 which adds alerts - define alerts for battery voltage, temperature, injector duty cycle, speed, airflow and RPM, and the gauge will flash (invert colours) and beep if an alert is hit

http://www.ecutalk.com/downloa...a.exe

good stuff:)

ECUTalk v1.3.5 beta3 which adds proper support for diesel engines, including diesel specific sensors, also update to error codes.

ECUTalk v1.3.5 beta3 - Changes from v1.3.5 beta1 below:

• #105 Add extra sequential index column to logging
• #108 Russian language has trouble changing alert values
• #109 Add basic compatibility for diesels
• #110 Differentiate between petrol/diesel (as some sensors are shared)
• #111 Russian Update error codes (for both petrol and diesel)

v1.3.5 beta3 can be downloaded from latest news post here: http://www.ecutalk.com

ECUTalk v1.3.5 beta6 has been released, which heaps of switch/solenoid sensors.

ECUTalk v1.3.5 beta6 - Changes from v1.3.5 beta3 below:

• #18 Display switch/solenoid etc sensors

Of the added switch sensors, 8 are common to petrol/diesel engines, 39 specific to diesel engines, and 39 specific to petrol engines. Each individual engine only supports a subset of these though, around 10-20 on average. ECUTalk v1.3.5 beta6 can be downloaded from latest news post here: ECUTalk

ECUTalk v1.3.5 final has been released (along with beta 7 before it), which mainly just adds support for Active Suspension control unit (on Q45 Infiniti and similar) amongst other minor changes:

ECUTalk v1.3.5 final - Changes from v1.3.5 beta6 below:

• #113 Make log files .csv rather than .txt
• #114 Provide minimum log update functionality
• #115 Attempt ED connection if EF fails
• #116 Add support for Active Suspension control unit
• #117 Fix 'Code 55' for Diesel to say 'No Errors Detected'
• #118 Remove Flush Wait Time option (still in .ini)
• #119 Support unlisted serial port names via ini file
• #120 Add dec points to Height sensor (inches)/MPG

ECUTalk v1.3.5 can be downloaded from here.

Sorry to bring back a dead thread I have just picked up a consult cable and it is working great. I would like to see if anyone can confirm what software supports HICAS diagnostics on a 91-93 SE.

try OBD Scantech (download from ecutalk consult cable page) i thnk it has HICAS support, never tried it though.