Nissan Consult 2: diagnostics, firmware and secrets of working with the scanner

Nissan Consult 2 is not just a diagnostic scanner, but a full-fledged tool for in-depth analysis of electronic car systems Nissan, Infiniti and parts of models Renault. With its help you can not only read and reset errors DTC, but also to adapt control units, update firmware, and also gain access to hidden functions of the on-board computer. However, working with this device requires an understanding of diagnostic principles and accuracy - incorrect actions can lead to serious failures in the car’s electronics.

Unlike universal scanners like ELM327 or Launch X431, Consult 2 developed specifically for the concern's cars Nissan-Renault, which makes it indispensable for owners of Japanese cars. In this article we will look at how to properly connect the device, what functions are available to the user, and What mistakes do beginners most often make? when working with him. You will also learn how to update the firmware Consult 2 and which car models are 100% supported.

What is Nissan Consult 2 and what is it for?

Nissan Consult 2 (or Consult-II) is a second generation diagnostic interface released by Nissan in the early 2000s. It replaced the outdated version Consult 1 and has become the standard for the brand’s service centers. The main difference from its predecessor is support CAN-bus, which made it possible to work with modern cars equipped with electronic control units ECU new generation.

With Consult 2 you can:

• 🔍 Read and erase errors DTC in all vehicle systems (engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, etc.)
• 🔧 Adapt and calibrate sensors (for example, throttle or steering angle)
• 📥 Update firmware of control units (ECU, automatic transmission, immobilizer)
• 🔑 Activate hidden functions (for example, turning on the display of tire pressure or oil temperature)
• 📊 View system operation parameters in real time (Live Data)

However Consult 2 is not a universal solution. It works only with Nissan, Infiniti and some Renault vehicles (For example, Megane II, Scenic II). Other brands will require different diagnostic tools, such as Tech2 for Opel or VCDS for Volkswagen.

⚠️ Attention: Connection Consult 2 to cars of other brands (for example, Toyota or Honda) may damage electronic systems. Always check compatibility before starting work!

Compatibility of Nissan Consult 2 with car models

One of the most frequently asked questions from owners is is Consult 2 suitable for their car?. The device supports most models Nissan And Infiniti, released since 1996 to 2015. However, there are nuances:

Car model	Years of manufacture	Consult 2 support	Notes
Nissan Qashqai (J10)	2006–2013	Full	Including hybrid versions
Nissan X-Trail (T31)	2007–2014	Full	Exception: models with system CarWings require software update
Nissan Juke (F15)	2010–2019	Partial	Does not support system diagnostics NissanConnect
Infiniti FX35/FX45 (S50)	2003–2008	Full	Requires an adapter to connect to the connector OBD-II
Nissan Almera (N16)	2000–2006	Full	For models with engine QR20DE need firmware Consult 2 version 1.2+

For cars newer than 2015 (For example, Nissan Ariya or Qashqai J11) is already required Consult 3 or Consult 3 Plus. It is also worth considering that some functions (for example, immobilizer firmware) may be blocked for independent use and require access to the server Nissan.

How to connect Nissan Consult 2 to a car: step-by-step instructions

Connection Consult 2 to the car consists of several stages. It is important to follow the instructions to avoid connection errors or damage to electronic systems. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔌 Diagnostic cable Consult 2 (usually included)
• 💻 Laptop with installed software Nissan DataScan II or Consult 2 Plus
• 🔋 Power supply 12V (you can use a cigarette lighter or an external battery)
• 📋 Diagnostic guide for your car model (optional but recommended)

Now let's move on to the connection:

1. Turn off the car's ignition and turn off all energy consumers (headlights, radio, etc.).
2. Connect the diagnostic connector Consult 2 to the port OBD-II car (usually located under the steering wheel).
3. Connect the cable to the laptop via USB or COM port (depending on the device version).
4. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) and wait for the connection to initialize.
5. Launch the software Nissan DataScan II and select your car model.

⚠️ Attention: Never connect Consult 2 to a car with the engine running! This may cause malfunction ECU and the appearance of false errors.

If the connection is successful, a menu with available systems for diagnostics will appear on the screen. If the connection is not established, check:

• 🔌 Correct cable connection (connector OBD-II must be inserted until it clicks).
• 🔋 Availability of 12V power (the indicator on the device should light green).
• 💻 Compatibility of the software version with your car model (for example, for Nissan Teana J32 need version DataScan II 1.4+).

Diagnosis of errors using Nissan Consult 2: reading and resetting DTCs

One of the main functions Consult 2 - reading and resetting errors DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). These codes help identify faults in various vehicle systems. The diagnostic process includes several steps:

1. After connecting, select the section in the program menu Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

2. Specify the system to check (for example, Engine, Transmission, ABS).

3. Click Read DTC — the program will display a list of active and saved errors.

Error codes consist of 5 characters (for example, P0300 — misfires). The transcript can be found in service manual or databases like Nissan DTC Database. Here are examples of common mistakes:

• 🔥 P0171 — lean fuel mixture (possible reasons: air leaks, faulty oxygen sensor).
• 🔧 P0700 — transmission malfunction (requires additional diagnostics AT).
• ⚡ U1000 — loss of communication with the control unit (check the wiring or connectors).

After troubleshooting, errors can be reset:

1. Select the desired code from the list.
2. Click Erase DTC.
3. Confirm the action (in some cases you will need to enter the immobilizer PIN code).

ECU firmware via Nissan Consult 2: risks and recommendations

One of the most powerful, but also dangerous functions Consult 2 — possibility of updating the firmware of electronic control units (ECU). This may be required for:

• 🔄 Elimination of software errors (for example, “glitches” of an automatic transmission).
• 🚀 Improved engine performance (chip tuning).
• 🔑 Adaptation of the new control unit after replacement.

However firmware via Consult 2 has a number of risks:

• 💥 Incorrect firmware can “kill” the ECU, after which the unit will require flashing at the stand.
• ⚡ Interruption of the process (for example, due to a power outage) will result in the vehicle being inoperable.
• 🔒 Some firmware requires authorization through the server Nissan, which cannot be done without dealer access.

If you still decide to update the firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the website Nissan TechInfo (subscription required).
2. Save the current firmware (Backup ECU) in case of a rollback.
3. Connect Consult 2 and select a section Reprogramming.
4. Follow the program's instructions (usually confirmation is required at each step).
5. After completion, do not turn off the ignition for 5 minutes - the units perform a self-test.

What to do if the firmware is interrupted?

If the firmware process is interrupted (for example due to a power failure), the ECU may stop responding. In this case you will need:

1. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.

2. Try flashing the firmware again using emergency mode (Emergency Mode in Consult 2).

3. If the unit does not respond, contact the service for flashing the programmer.

⚠️ Attention: Immobilizer firmware (NAT/IMMU) without the original PIN code will block the engine from starting! Make sure you have access to the donor code or key.

Hidden functions of Nissan Consult 2: activation and configuration

In addition to standard diagnostics, Consult 2 allows you to activate hidden car functions that are not accessible through the regular menu. For example:

• 🔦 Enable display tire pressure (for models with sensors TPMS).
• 🌡️ Conclusion oil temperature on the dashboard (for Nissan Skyline or 350Z).
• 🔊 Activation sound signal when speeding (customizable threshold).
• 🚗 Unlock "Sport" mode for automatic transmissions.

To activate hidden functions:

1. Connect Consult 2 and select a section Customize or Special Function.
2. Find the option you need (for example, TPMS Display for tire pressure).
3. Activate the function by following the program prompts.
4. Save the settings and restart the on-board computer (turn off/on the ignition).

Some features may require additional calibration. For example, after activating the tire pressure display, you must manually enter the values for each wheel via the menu TPMS Initialization.

Common mistakes when working with Nissan Consult 2 and how to avoid them

Even experienced diagnosticians sometimes make mistakes when working with Consult 2. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them:

Error	Reason	Solution
No communication with ECU	Incorrect cable connection or lack of power	Check the connector OBD-II and voltage 12V on the device
Error "No Response from ECU"	Incompatible software version or damaged control unit	Update DataScan II or check the ECU power supply circuit
Program freezes when reading errors	Conflict with antivirus or damaged software files	Add the program to your antivirus exceptions or reinstall it
Can't reset error U1000	Loss of communication between control units	Check the circuit CAN-bus (open or short circuit)

If Consult 2 does not recognize your car model, try:

• 🔄 Update software database.
• 📋 Manually select a similar model (for example, for Nissan Terrano sometimes the profile fits X-Trail).
• 💾 Install a patch to support new models (available on forums like NissanClub).

If the problem persists, check program logs (file Consult2.log in the software folder). There may be details about the communication error.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Consult 2

Can Consult 2 be used for chip tuning?

Yes, but with reservations. Consult 2 allows you to load modified firmware into ECU, however:

• Requires firmware files from trusted sources (for example, from EcuTek or Cobb Tuning).
• Not all control units support flashing via Consult 2 (For example, HR16DE in Nissan Juke requires direct access to solder contacts).
• The risk of “killing” the ECU with incorrect firmware remains high.

For serious tuning it is better to use specialized tools like KTAG or Kess V2.

Where can I download the official software for Consult 2?

Official software Nissan DataScan II distributed through dealerships or service Nissan TechInfo (subscription required). Alternative sources:

• Forums NissanClub.ru or InfinitiOwners.com (patched versions are posted there).
• Torrent trackers (but be careful of viruses!).
• Diagnostic equipment stores (sometimes sell licensed discs).

Please remember that using pirated software may lead to blocking access to Nissan servers.

How to update the firmware of Consult 2 itself?

To update the device firmware:

1. Download the latest version of the software from the official website (for example, Consult2_Update_v2.0.exe).
2. Connect Consult 2 to the computer via USB.
3. Run the update file and follow the instructions.
4. Once completed, disconnect and reconnect the device.

If the update fails, check:

• Compatibility of your device version (there should be markings on the case Consult-II R2010+).
• Disabling the antivirus (it may block writing to the device).

Does Consult 2 work with Nissan Leaf (electric car)?

Partially. Consult 2 can read errors DTC from the main systems Nissan Leaf (For example, VCM — car control unit), but:

• Does not support high voltage battery diagnostics (LBC).
• Cannot update inverter or system firmware CHAdeMO.
• For a complete diagnosis you need Consult 3 Plus or a specialized scanner Leaf Spy.

Can Consult 2 be connected to a smartphone or tablet?

No, official software Nissan DataScan II only works under Windows XP/7/10. However there are workarounds:

• Use a Windows emulator on Android (for example, ExaGear or Wine).
• Connect Consult 2 to a Windows mini PC (for example, Intel Compute Stick).
• Use adapter OBD-II → Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and alternative software like Torque Pro (but the functionality will be greatly reduced).

For full-fledged work, a laptop with COM port or USB.