Nissan Consult 2 is a professional diagnostic scanner, without which it is impossible to imagine car servicing Nissan, Infiniti, Renault and some models Mitsubishi. This tool not only allows you to read and reset errors OBD-II, but also to carry out in-depth diagnostics of electronic systems, program keys, adapt sensors and even update the firmware of control units. However, its functionality often remains a mystery even to experienced car owners.
Unlike universal OBD scanners (like ELM327 or Launch CReader), Consult 2 works according to its own protocol Consult, which gives access to hidden service functions not available through the standard OBD-II connector. For example, only with its help can you configure NAT (Nissan Anti-Theft) after replacement ECU or reset automatic transmission adaptations Jatco. But here lies the main difficulty: without proper software and driver settings, the scanner turns into a useless “box with wires.”
In this article we will figure out how to connect Nissan Consult 2 to the car and the computer, what errors it can diagnose, and also reveal the secrets of working with control unit firmware - from ECM (Engine Control Module) up to BCM (Body Control Module). We will pay special attention compatibility with specific models (from Nissan Qashqai J10 to Patrol Y62) and typical problems that users encounter.
What is Nissan Consult 2 and why is it needed?
Nissan Consult 2 (or Consult-II) is a second generation diagnostic interface, Released in 2000 as a replacement for the outdated Consult-I. It is designed to work with vehicle electronic systems Nissan And Infinitireleased after 1996. Unlike universal scanners, Consult 2 uses K-Line protocol (for older models) and CAN-bus (for new ones), which allows:
- 🔧 Read and erase fault codes (including
P-, C-, B-, U-errors) - 🔄 Carry out adaptation and calibration sensors (such as throttle or steering angle)
- 🔑 Program immobilizers and keys (including NAT And Nissan Intelligent Key)
- 📊 View real time parameters (e.g. fuel pressure, catalyst temperature)
- 🔧 Update control unit firmware (ECU, TCM, ABS, BCM etc.)
Main advantage Consult 2 ahead of analogues - support Nissan specific functions, such as:
- 🔹
Self-Diagnosis— automatic testing of systems upon request - 🔹
Active Test— forced activation of actuators (for example, a cooling fan or fuel pump) - 🔹
Relearn Procedures— training procedures after replacing components (e.g. CVT boxes or turbines)
However, there are also limitations. For example, Consult 2 doesn't work with Nissan Leaf (it is used there Consult 3+) and some hybrid models. Also it doesn't support LIN bus, which can create problems when diagnosing individual sensors.
- Consult 2
- ELM327/OBD-II
- Launch X431
- Autel
- Other
Equipment and versions of Nissan Consult 2
Original Nissan Consult 2 consists of three main components:
- Adapter Consult 2 — main unit with a connector for connecting to the car and a USB/COM port for communication with a PC.
- Cable
OBD-II → Consult— adapter for connecting to the vehicle diagnostic connector. - Software — Nissan DataScan II or Nissan Consult 2 Plus (for new models).
There are several versions of adapters on the market:
| Version | Protocol support | Compatibility | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consult 2 (original) | K-Line, CAN |
Nissan/Infiniti until 2010 | Requires Nissan DataScan II |
| Consult 2 Plus | K-Line, CAN, UDS |
Nissan/Infiniti after 2010 | Support Pathfinder R52, Qashqai J11 |
| Clone (Chinese) | K-Line, CAN (partially) |
Limited (depending on firmware) | Often requires driver modifications |
| Consult 3/3+ | CAN, DoIP, LIN |
Leaf, Ariya, new X-Trail | Not compatible with Consult 2! |
Important: Chinese clones often sold with outdated firmware and may not support newer models. For example, for Nissan Navara NP300 (2015+) required Consult 2 Plus with updated software. Before purchasing, check compatibility with your model on the website Nissan TechInfo.
⚠️ Attention: Original adapters Consult 2 cost from 500$, while clones can be found for 50-100$. However, cheap versions often do not supportCAN busat speed500 kbps, which leads to block reading errors TCM (gearbox) or ABS.
Connecting Nissan Consult 2 to the car and PC
The connection process consists of three stages: physical connection, driver installation And software setup. Let's look at each step in detail.
1. Physical connection
First connect the adapter to the car:
- Find the diagnostic connector
OBD-II(usually located under the steering wheel or in the glove compartment). - Connect the cable
OBD-II → Consultto the car connector. - Connect the adapter Consult 2 with cable and USB/COM port of a computer.
Older models (pre-2005) may require 14-pin connector instead of standard OBD-II. In this case, use an adapter 14-pin → OBD-II.
2. Installing drivers
Original Consult 2 requires drivers FTDI (for USB version) or Prolific PL-2303 (for COM version). Download them from the official website:
Clones may require manual driver installation through Device Manager. If Windows doesn't recognize your device, try:
1. Откройте Диспетчер устройств (Win + X → Диспетчер устройств).2. Найдите "Неопознанное устройство" в разделе "Порты (COM и LPT)".
3. Обновите драйвер вручную, указав путь к скачанным файлам.
3. Software setup
To work with Consult 2 two main programs are used:
- 📌 Nissan DataScan II — official diagnostic software (supports models up to 2010).
- 📌 Nissan Consult 2 Plus — updated version for new cars (requires a license).
Alternative solutions:
- 🔧 Nissanscan — a free utility for basic diagnostics (limited functionality).
- 🔧 EcuFlash — for flashing control units (requires knowledge
HEX editing).
Install FTDI/Prolific drivers|Connect the adapter to the OBD-II connector|Launch Nissan DataScan II|Select the car model in the software|Check the connection (the indicator on the adapter should be green)-->
⚠️ Attention: When you first connect to Nissan Juke (2011+) or Qashqai J11 the program may request VIN code car. If you are using a clone, enter the VIN manually in the formatJN1AZXXXXXXXXXXXX(whereX- numbers/letters of your car). Incorrect VIN will result in an error"No Communication".
Diagnosing errors using Nissan Consult 2
Main task Consult 2 - reading and decoding fault codes. Unlike universal scanners, it shows not only standard P-errors (engine), but also:
- 🔧
C-errors— chassis (ABS, suspension, steering) - 🔧
B-errors— body (airbags, central locking) - 🔧
U-errors— network problems (CAN bus, connections between blocks)
Diagnostic algorithm:
- Run Nissan DataScan II and select your car model.
- Go to section
Self-Diagnosis→Read DTC. - Wait for scanning (may take up to 2-3 minutes).
- Decipher the codes using a database (for example, OBD-Codes.com).
An example of deciphering common errors:
| Error code | Description | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
P0300 |
Multiple misfires | Faulty spark plugs, coils, fuel injectors | Check Live Data (cylinder parameters) |
C1130 |
ABS sensor error | The wire or the sensor itself is damaged | Test the circuit with a multimeter |
B2100 |
Immobilizer error NAT | Key mismatch ECU | Key programming via Immobilizer → Registration |
U1000 |
Lost connection with ECM | Problems with CAN bus or power supply |
Check fuses and ground ECU |
To resolve errors, use the function Erase DTC, but remember: some codes (for example, B2100) will return if the reason is not eliminated. For example, after replacing ECU on Nissan X-Trail T31 will be required immobilizer binding via menu NAT System.
If after resetting the error P0420 (catalyst malfunction) it appears again, check not only the catalyst itself, but also lambda probes And misfire - they may be the root cause.
Firmware for control units via Nissan Consult 2
One of the most requested features Consult 2 — firmware update control units. This may be required for:
- 🔧 Elimination of factory bugs (for example,
CVT problemson Nissan Juke) - 🔧 Adaptations after block replacement (for example, ECU on Nissan Teana J32)
- 🔧 Settings chip tuning (for example, firmware EcuTek for GT-R R35)
The firmware process consists of the following steps:
- Download the firmware from an official source (for example, Nissan TechInfo or forum Nissan Club).
- Connect Consult 2 and run Nissan DataScan II.
- Select block for firmware (for example,
ECMorTCM). - Start the process via menu
Reprogramming.
Important: the firmware takes 15-40 minutes, and her can't be interrupted. A power outage or communication failure will result in ECU lock, which will require recovery through Boot Mode (for this you need J2534 programmer).
What to do if the firmware is interrupted?
If the firmware process is interrupted, the control unit (ECU/TCM) may stop responding. In this case:
1. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.
2. Connect Consult 2 and try to run Reprogramming again.
3. If the unit does not respond, you will need recovery via Boot Mode (need J2534 or KTAG).
4. For Nissan Almera N16 And Primera P12 sometimes it helps flashing via K-Line at low speed (9600 baud).
Example of successful firmware TCM (gearbox) on Nissan Qashqai J10:
1. Скачать прошивку с номером31307-4M50B(для CVT RE0F10A).2. Подключить Consult 2 и выбрать
Transmission → Reprogramming.3. Следовать инструкциям на экране (не выключать зажигание!).
4. После завершения выполнитьTCM Initialization.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware BCM (body control unit) on Nissan Patrol Y62 may lead to reset all settings (windows, mirrors, climate control). Before the procedure take a photo of all the settings or use the function Configuration Backup in Nissan DataScan II.
Compatibility of Nissan Consult 2 with Nissan models
Consult 2 supports most models Nissan And Infiniti, released since 1996 to 2015. However, there are nuances:
- ✅ Full support: Qashqai J10, X-Trail T30/T31, Teana J31/J32, Almera N16, Primera P12.
- ⚠️ Partial support: Juke F15 (required Consult 2 Plus), Navara D40 (problems with TCM).
- ❌ Not supported: Leaf (need Consult 3+), Ariya, GT-R R35 (requires J2534).
To check compatibility, use the table:
| Model | Years of manufacture | Consult 2 support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Qashqai J10 | 2007–2013 | ✅ Full | Supports ECM, TCM, ABS |
| Nissan X-Trail T31 | 2007–2013 | ✅ Full | For CVT required Relearn after flashing |
| Nissan Juke F15 | 2010–2019 | ⚠️ Partial | Need version Consult 2 Plus for CAN |
| Nissan Patrol Y62 | 2010–2020 | ✅ Full | For BCM Settings backup required |
| Nissan Leaf | 2010–present | ❌ No | Required Consult 3+ or J2534 |
For new models (after 2015) it is often required J2534 programmer (For example, MongoosePro or Tactrix OpenPort), since they use DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) instead CAN.
If your vehicle is not supported Consult 2, check the possibility of using J2534 - many new models (for example, Nissan Kicks or Ariya) require this particular standard.
Typical problems and their solutions
When working with Nissan Consult 2 users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones:
1. "No Communication" (no connection with the car)
Causes and solutions:
- 🔌 Incorrect connection — check the cables and connector
OBD-II. - 🔧 Drivers are missing - reinstall
FTDIorProlific. - 🚗 Incompatible model - for Nissan Murano Z51 (2015+) needed Consult 2 Plus.
- 🔋 Low battery voltage - the charge must be at least 12.5 V.
2. Error "DTC Not Found" (codes cannot be read)
Possible reasons:
- 🔧 Control unit blocked (for example, after unsuccessful firmware).
- 🔌 Problems with
CAN bus(check fusesECUAndBCM). - 📋 Incorrectly selected car model in software.
3. Freezing during firmware
If the firmware process freezes at 0%:
- 🔌 Check it out USB cable (must be original, without extensions).
- 🔋 Turn off all energy consumers (headlights, stove).
- 📋 Try it different software version (For example, Nissan DataScan II 1.0 instead of 2.0).
To diagnose problems with CAN bus use multimeter:
- 🔹 Pin 6 (
CAN-High) → voltage 2.5 V (relative to mass). - 🔹 Pin 14 (
CAN-Low) → voltage 2.5 V. - 🔹 Resistance between
CAN-HAndCAN-L— 60 ohm.
If Consult 2 doesn't see TCM on Nissan Navara D40, try connecting via K-Line (speed 9600 baud) instead CAN. To do this, in the software settings, select Protocol: ISO9141.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use Nissan Consult 2 for chip tuning?
Yes, but with reservations. Consult 2 allows download modified firmware into control units, but for this you need:
- 🔧 Firmware file in format
.binor.hex(for example, from EcuTek or UpRev). - 🔧 Knowledge of HEX editing (for manual editing of calibrations).
- 🔧 Backup original firmware (in case of a rollback).
For Nissan GT-R R35 or 370Z more often used J2534 or KTAG, since they support Boot Mode.
How to reset throttle adaptations on Nissan?
To reset throttle adaptations (Throttle Relearn) through Consult 2:
- Connect the scanner and launch Nissan DataScan II.
- Go to
Engine → Active Test → Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning. - Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to press the gas pedal all the way down and release).
- Once completed, run
Idle Air Volume Learning.
For Nissan Almera N16 And Primera P12 may be required ECU reset (disconnect battery for 10 minutes).
How is Consult 2 different from Consult 3?
Consult 3 (and its updated version Consult 3+) is the next generation of diagnostic scanners for new models Nissan (after 2015). Main differences:
| Parameter | Consult 2 | Consult 3/3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Supported protocols | K-Line, CAN |
CAN, DoIP, LIN |
| Compatibility |