Consult-II Repair Procedures (ITB00-044A)

CONSULT-II REPAIR PROCEDURES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SERVICE INFORMATION

The CONSULT-II kit is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools at your dealership. The unit should be used carefully and all related components should be protected from damage or loss.

If the CONSULT-II unit does not appear to be working properly, use the service procedure in this bulletin to determine what you should do. Many incidents can be corrected without sending the unit in for repair.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Read through the list below to isolate the condition you may have. Then follow the correct "course of action".

Possible CONSULT-II Malfunctions: 

1. A Vertical Black Line Appears on the Screen When Turning the CONSULT-II OFF: 
   • This is NORMAL.
   • No repairs are needed.
2. CONSULT-II Will Not Turn ON: 
   • To work properly, CONSULT-II batteries require monthly discharge and recharge (conditioning).

   To Discharge and Recharge CONSULT-II Batteries: 

   • Plug in the AC power supply.
   • Go to SUB MODE, Battery Charge  , then Discharge & Charge. 
   • This discharge and recharge process may take several minutes. So it is a good idea to do it at the end of the day and let it run overnight.
3. CONSULT-II Will Not Turn OFF With the Power Button: 
   • Try holding your finger on the screen while turning it OFF.

     OR 

   • Remove the back cover and disconnect the battery.

     THEN 

   • Reconnect the battery after 1 minute.
   • "Restore" the "Resident" software with ASIST as described in step 4.
4. Screen Flashes ON and OFF With a Beeping Sound: 
   • Possible "software" malfunction: Most incidents with CONSULT-II are related to software: Either the CONSULT-II "Resident" (operating) software or the "Vehicle Application" software.
   • Software cards may become "corrupt" and need to be "restored" with ASIST to operate correctly.
   • ASIST may be used to restore: (A) CONSULT-II "Resident" (operating) software, and (B) vehicle application software cards such as:
     1. Red/White 16MB-Diagnostics, (2) Purple-NATS, or (3) Orange or Blue 8MB ECM Reprogramming.
   • To restore CONSULT-II software: "Open" ASIST and then go to Information Toolbox, CONSULT Utilities, CONSULT-II  and Update. 
5. File System Error / Screen Resource File: 
   • One of the vehicle applications software cards is "corrupted".
   • Refer to the last "bullet point" under step 4 (above), to correct this incident.
6. CONSULT-II "Communication" Issues With Vehicles: 
   NOTE: Faulty cables or bent connector pins cause most communication (connection) issues between CONSULT-II and the vehicle.

   Check the CONSULT-II Cables: 

   • First, make sure the red "power" LED is 'ON' at the CONSULT-II Converter Unit. This indicates the converter is receiving power from the vehicle.
   • Second, try the "wiggle test" at the cable ends to confirm the connections are secure.
   • Third, visually check for: cracks in the connectors, cuts or breaks in the wire, bent pins, or other damage to the converter or cables.
   • Fourth, isolate (narrow it down) the incident to one  of the cables in the Converter Set: either the DLC-I or the DLC-II cable.
   • Finally, try using a "known good" old  DLC-II "Y" or "I" cable (the one without  the CONSULT-II Converter and Cable Set), for test purposes ONLY.
     NOTE: Don't bend the connector pins. Use caution  when swapping the 26 pin connector at CONSULT-II to avoid bending the pins.
   • Connect this "known good" old-style cable to a vehicle without  a high speed CAN system.
     IMPORTANT: Vehicles that you can use for this test include any 2003 and earlier model except, FX35 and FX45  . Using a vehicle with the new "CAN" system will send it into fail safe. 
   • Touch 'FORCE EXEC'  on the CONSULT-II screen (see Fig 2). Then touch 'NO'  (see Fig 2).

     Disregard the date shown on the screen.

     Fig 2: Identifying FORCE EXEC On CONSULT-II Screen

     
   • If CONSULT-II works OK with the old cable, the Converter and Cable Set is at fault. Call Tech-Mate @ 1-800-662-2001 to order a replacement Converter and Cable Set. For further information regarding the Converter and Cable Set, refer to ITB02-044a.
   • The converter cable and DLC-II cable can be "pin-tested" with an Ohm meter for opens or shorts.

     Refer to Fig 3 (page 4) for pin testing information.

     Fig 3: Testing Converter Cable And DLC-II Cable For Open Or Short

     
7. CONSULT-II Will Not Enter FTP File Transfer Mode for Update by ASIST: 

   You'll need to update CONSULT-II Resident Software using the Serial Port at the back of your ASIST PC. Here's how: 

   • Exit (close) ASIST if it is currently "running" on your P.C. Also, close all other applications (programs) running on your P.C.
   • Connect your CONSULT-II to the ASIST PC 9-pin, female serial port (see Fig 4). You will use the "SERIAL" cable in the CONSULT-II kit (P/N J-44200-11). It's labeled "VETRONIX 02002498".
     Fig 4: Connecting CONSULT-II To ASIST PC 9-Pin, Female Serial Port

     

   On Your CONSULT-II: 

   • Press and HOLD the Power Button for 5 seconds. This will put CONSULT-II into "boot" mode, and the word "Nissan" should be displayed all over the screen.
   • On your ASIST PC screen, use your mouse to double-click on "My Computer"
   • Double-click on the "c:" hard drive (or whatever "drive" that ASIST is installed on; d:  , e:  , etc.).
   • Double-click the "ASIST" folder
   • Double-click the "CONSULT" folder
   • Double-click "Update"
   • The Update will take a few minutes on your ASIST PC screen. You'll be able to watch the progress.
     NOTE: If you get an error message that reads: "!! ERROR - Not Found !!"  and your ASIST PC has two serial ports (COM 1 and COM 2): try swapping the serial cable to the other serial port at the back of your P.C.
   • After the update is complete, click the X  in the upper corner of the window to close the update program, then restart CONSULT-II.
   • If CONSULT-II does not boot properly, try using a different Vehicle Application software card and reboot again.
   • If CONSULT-II still doesn't boot, contact the ASIST support Hotline at 800-662-3282. Select option 4.
8. Any Other CONSULT-II Malfunctions: 
   • You'll have to send the unit to Vetronix (the repair facility).
   • Follow the "CONSULT-II REPAIR PROCEDURE"  below.
   • Each CONSULT-II unit will be repaired and returned to the dealer.
   • The CONSULT-II Converter and Cable Set will also be tested and faulty parts will be replaced.
   NOTE: There is NO "EXCHANGE PROGRAM" for the CONSULT-II unit.

CONSULT-II REPAIR PROCEDURE

• Make a copy of the attached "CONSULT-II Service Request" and fill it out.
  NOTE: It is important that you fill out the Service Request with enough information so the repair facility knows what is wrong with your unit. If you need a "CONSULT-II Service Request", ask the Specialist (next step below) to fax one to you. Or you can print from this bulletin.
• Call Tech-Mate at 1-800-662-2001 and ask for the Scan Tool Repair Specialist.
• Ask the Specialist for a "Return Material Authorization" (RMA) number. DO NOT ship the CONSULTII unit without an "RMA" number. 
• Ask the specialist for shipping instructions.
• Install the vehicle application software card into CONSULT-II that was in the unit when it malfunctioned.

  These are the cards that are identified by color: red/white, purple, orange, or blue.

• Place the following items in the CONSULT-II storage case:
  • CONSULT-II unit with the software card installed
  • CONSULT-II Converter and Cable Set
  • A copy of the "CONSULT-II Service Request" (see Fig 5)
• Send the storage case (with the above noted items inside) to the repair facility.

Repair "Turn-around" Time: 

Please plan for the following repair time:

• Shipping time to the repair facility plus  repair time plus  return shipping back to your Service Department.
• Once the CONSULT-II unit arrives at the Vetronix repair facility, it will be repaired within 48 hours.

  Then it will be shipped back to you using the same shipping method (Overnight, 2^nd day, UPS Ground, etc.) that was used to ship the unit to the repair facility.

An Example of "Turn-Around" Timing: 

• CONSULT-II Kit is sent on Friday  via Next Day Air. It arrives at the Vetronix repair facility on Monday  .
• The Vetronix repair facility repairs the CONSULT-II unit within 48 hours  .
• The Vetronix repair facility sends the CONSULT-II unit back on Wednesday (via Next Day Air).
• The repaired CONSULT-II unit arrives back at your Service Department on Thursday.