CONSULT?

[jfunk138]

My wife is a brand new 2009 Rogue SL owner but naturally I'll be the one responsible for most of the maintenance and repair.

I'm surprised there's nothing in the FAQ about CONSULT. From what I understand this is Nissan's very expensive diagnostic computer?

Frankly this scares me. There are far too many things on this car that require a dealer visit. Programming a key requires a dealer visit? I have a Mazda6 that also has an engine immobilizer but I can program new keys myself. Programming some new TPMS sensors on a set of winter wheels requires a dealer visit? Both of these items are no more complicated than bluetooth pairing yet they require a very expensive dealer visit? Who knows what else requires a dealer visit that I haven't thought of yet.

Can Check Engine Light (MIL) codes be cleared with a regular OBD-CAN scantool or will I need CONSULT and a dealer visit when she doesn't fully tighten the gas cap?

[takeshi]

Programming a key requires a dealer visit? I have a Mazda6 that also has an engine immobilizer but I can program new keys myself.

Don't see how your Mazda is relevant. On some cars new keys/remotes can be programmed without a dealer visit. On other cars a dealer visit is required. the Rogue is one of the latter. Complain to Nissan America if it's an issue for you. You're just preaching to the choir here.

[Pescakl1]

Can Check Engine Light (MIL) codes be cleared with a regular OBD-CAN scantool or will I need CONSULT and a dealer visit when she doesn't fully tighten the gas cap?

Yes, any OBD-CAN scantool should do the work. I have a scangauge and can check the fault codes and delete them if needed.Now, that is just a theory as in more than a year of ownership and 16.000 miles, I never had a single problem with my car (I don't even remember where the car dealer is ).

[jfunk138]

Don't see how your Mazda is relevant.

It's relevant because it's an example of how things could be done in a more owner friendly manner. It's clear that several design decisions on this car were made in the interest of service revenue (which I thought was a European idea, not Japanese).

Yes, any OBD-CAN scantool should do the work. I have a scangauge and can check the fault codes and delete them if needed.Now, that is just a theory as in more than a year of ownership and 16.000 miles, I never had a single problem with my car (I don't even remember where the car dealer is ).

Good to know at least something is possible without a dealer visit. It's great that the cars are trouble free through the warranty period but when you're planning to keep the car a minimum of 100,000 miles, having the ability to do some service yourself is important.

[philipa_240sx]

Yes, the new CONSULT is a very expensive tool. It's grown from a handheld scan tool to a full blown laptop with the new CONSULT III. It's a necessity with today's cars as they are becoming very automated.

Frankly, it's a non-issue for me as I am not concerned in the least. For example: in the nearly 5 years and 150,000mi I had my '03 Altima, I never had to take it in for any sort of diagnostic 'scan'. Nor did I ever have a fault code that needed to be cleared. And yes, the CONSULT was the only tool that could fully diagnose that car as well. Regular OBDII/CANBUS tools could do the basics, and clear codes only.

The only item that I expect will ever come up with the Rogue will be TPMS sensors. Even then, they should be good for 5 yrs or more before needing replacement.