OBD2/Consult Tools for Y34?

[MaxBolus]

So my M has been running a bit rough, sometimes hunts wildly for idle point on startup. Changed plugs and ran some BG44K thru it to no avail.Finally gave in and called the dealer for a diagnostic check today..I have no issue with my dealer, just can't get used to the idea of them telling me what they *think* the problem is. Maybe it's my engineering background, or that it frequently seems to end up a random rip'n'replace until the problem goes away, something I can do that a lot cheaper myself. (And I'm just getting over a bad and *very* expensive experience with my other car and the VW dealer )Anyway..I started to look at aftermarket/3rd party OBD tools, and some PC software exists that supposedly emulates the Nissan Consult system (still need to buy or build the appropriate cable). I did not find anything that lists compatibility with the Y34, though. So, does anyone have experience with this? Any recommendations?It looks like you can get a cable and software for about the cost of one dealer diagnostic, so might be worth the investment.

[maxnix]

Use only OEM recommended NGK plugs.

Study the FSM.

Any decent mid to higher level OBD II reader should work well with it.
Modified by maxnix at 9:36 AM 12/29/2008

[ronez82]

If you are getting a check engine light you can go to any local auto parts store and they will scan it for free and give you the code. With a little searching you can find what the code means and then take care of the problem yourself. Good luck.

[F1SportsFan]

I'd be interested in this also. There are a lot of things that require the CONSULT tool, hopefully someone will have more info.

[MaxBolus]

Use only OEM recommended NGK plugs.

Study the FSM.

Any decent mid to higher level OBD II reader should work well with it.

Modified by maxnix at 9:36 AM 12/29/2008

- Thanks maxnix, I did use stock plugs (forget the number offhand), and I browse the FSM regularly Kind of recreational reading for me, lol.

btw, no engine light to this point.

Also reading the FSM is what kind of makes me want my own OBD tool..I have looked at handhelds, but it seems the CONSULT app provides more info. Anyway, I'll see how much of a dent today's dealer visit puts in my budget, will maybe have some left over to try one of these units.

thanks!

[szh]

The Consult is too darn expensive for us mortals, unfortunately. Keeping up with the programming on it costs a fair bit of annual money too.

Z

[MaxBolus]

Well, the dealer looked it over and found: nothing. The diagnostics showed no stored codes, but they did agree (kind of) that the engine is running rough. It did not exhibit the very rough startup while there, of course, so they 'cleared the memory' and basically said I'd have to wait for a hard failure of whatever is causing the problem.Best guess is it's one or more of the ignition coils..they quoted somewhere around $190 apiece, total around $2k with labor to replace all 8. We laughed and laughed. Also recommended one of those pressurized intake cleaning treatments, which I may go for.On the other hand, they did not charge me a cent for the diagnostics, a pleasant surprise. So maybe I'll used the unspent cash to try out one of the OBD kits- if it helps me identify a bad coil I'll be way happy..cheers!

[maxnix]

If the dealer could not find a code stored, then any OBD II reader will not help.

Odd they said engine is rough, but could not diagnose a cause. Bad coilpack would certainly throw a cylinder misfire code.

Do you know about the wonderful valve cover gasket design for the VQ35DE?