Reference:

Dat e:

NTB13-022a

June 27, 2013

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
2013 SENTRA COLD IDLE ECM AND TCM REPROGRAM
The SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin has been amended to clarify correct
ECM P/N selection (page 7, step 7). Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

CAMPAIGN ID #: P3212
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2013 Sentra (B17)
Check Service COMM to confirm campaign eligibility.

INTRODUCTION
Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign to reprogram the Engine Control
Module (ECM), and if necessary, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on certain
specific 2013 Nissan Sentra vehicles at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The
reprogramming will prevent a condition in which the vehicle's engine may stop running
under certain unique conditions at cold start. The vehicle still meets and exceeds applicable
safety standards and there is no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Nissan has assigned identification number P3212 to this campaign. This number must
appear on all communications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.

DEALER RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to repair vehicles falling within range of this campaign that enter the service
department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties, vehicles presented by
transient (tourists) owners, and vehicles in a dealer’s inventory.

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REPAIR OVERVIEW
Use Service COMM (campaign ID P3212) to
confirm the vehicle is affected by this campaign.

The vehicle is CVT equipped

The vehicle is MT equipped

Check the ECM and
TCM P/Ns for possible
reprogramming

Check the ECM P/N for
possible reprogramming

Reprogram the ECM
and TCM as they apply

Reprogram the
ECM as it applies

END

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SERVICE PROCEDURE
•

This procedure will require reprogramming of the ECM first, and for some vehicles
the TCM second, which means most steps in this procedure may need to be done
twice.

•

Most instructions for reprogramming with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) are
displayed on the CONSULT PC screen.

•

If you are not familiar with the reprogramming procedure, click here. This will link
you to the "CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus) Reprogramming" general procedure.

Preparation for Reprogramming
•

Take the vehicle for a 10 minute drive in order to
meet the following Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL)
conditions:
¾ Engine coolant temperature: 70 -100°C
(158 - 212°F)
¾ Battery voltage: More than 12.9V (At idle)
¾ Transmission: Warmed up

Figure A

NOTE:
• After ECM reprogramming is complete, you will be required to perform
Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), and
Accelerator Closed Position.
• The above conditions are required for the IAVL to complete.
CAUTION:
•

Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery.
The vehicle battery voltage must stay between 12.0V and 15.5V during
reprogramming, or the ECM/TCM may be damaged.

•

Be sure to turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads.
If a vehicle electrical load remains ON, the ECM/TCM may be damaged.

•

Be sure to connect the AC Adapter.
If the CONSULT PC battery voltage drops during reprogramming, the process
will be interrupted and the ECM/TCM may be damaged.

•

Turn off all external Bluetooth® devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.) within
range of the CONSULT PC and the VI. If Bluetooth® signal waves are within
range of the CONSULT PC during reprogramming, reprogramming may be
interrupted and the ECM/TCM may be damaged.

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1. Connect the CONSULT PC to the vehicle to begin the reprogramming procedure.

2. Open ASIST on the CONSULT PC and start C-III plus.

3. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized / connected.
•

Serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized / connected.

4. Select Re/programming, Configuration.

Step 3: VI is
recognized

Step
4

Figure 1

5. Follow the on-screen instructions and navigate C-III plus to the screen shown in
Figure 2 on the next page.

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6. When you get to the screen shown in Figure 2, confirm this bulletin applies as follows:

A. Find the ECM or TCM Part Number and write it on the repair order.

NOTE: This is the current ECM or TCM Part Number (P/N).
ECM preprogramming must be performed first.

6A: Current P/N

Figure 2

B. Compare the P/N you wrote down to the numbers in the Current ECM (or TCM)
Part Number column in Table A (or Table B) on next page.
•

If there is a match, this bulletin applies. Continue with the reprogramming
procedure.

•

If there is not a match, reprogramming does not apply. Make sure to check
both ECM and TCM for a match.

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Table A (ECM)
MODEL

CURRENT ECM PART NUMBER: 23710-

2013 Sentra
(B17)

3SB0A
3SG2A
3SA0B, 3SA0A
3SA2C, 3SA2B, 3SA2A
3SG3C, 3SG3B, 3SG3A
3SA4C, 3SA4B, 3SA4A
3SA5C, 3SA5B, 3SA5A
3SA6B, 3SA6A

Table B (TCM)
MODEL

CURRENT TCM PART NUMBER: 31036-

2013 Sentra
(B17)

3SR0A
3SG0A
3SH0A

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7. Follow the on-screen instructions to navigate C-III plus and reprogram the ECM (and
TCM, if it applies).

NOTE:
•

In some cases, more than one new P/N for reprogramming is available.
¾ In this case, the screen in Figure 3 displays.
¾ Select and use the reprogramming option that DOES have the message
“Caution! Use ONLY with NTB13-022”.

•

If you get this screen and it is blank (no reprogramming listed), it means there is
no reprogramming available for this vehicle.

Figure 3

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8. When the screen in Figure 4 displays, reprogramming is complete.

NOTE: If the screen in Figure 4 does not display (reprogramming does not complete),
refer to the information on the next page.

9. Disconnect the battery charger from the vehicle.

10. Select Next.

Step
10

Figure 4

NOTE:
•

In the next steps (page 9):
1. For ECM reprogramming you will perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle
Air Volume Learn, Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase.
2. For TCM reprogramming, only DTC erase is needed.

•

These operations are required before C-III plus will provide the final reprogramming
confirmation report.

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ECM/TCM recovery:
Do not disconnect plus VI or shut down Consult III plus if reprogramming does
not complete.
If reprogramming does not complete and the “!?” icon displays as shown in
Figure 5:
•

Check battery voltage
(12.0–15.5 V).

•

Ignition is ON, engine OFF.

•

External Bluetooth® devices
are OFF.

•

All electrical loads are OFF.

•

Select retry and follow the
on screen instructions.

•

“Retry” may not go through on
first attempt and can be
selected more than once.

Figure 5

If reprogramming does not complete and the “X” icon displays as shown in
Figure 6:
•

Check battery voltage
(12.0 – 15.5 V).

•

CONSULT A/C adapter is
plugged in.

•

Ignition is ON, engine OFF.

•

Transmission is in Park.

•

All C-III plus / plus VI cables
are securely connected.

•

All C-III plus updates are
installed.

•

Select Home, and restart
the reprogram procedure
from the beginning.

Figure 6

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11. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the following:
NOTE: For TCM reprogramming, only erase DTCs as needed.
•

Throttle Valve Closed Position.

•

Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL).

NOTE:
¾ Listed below are the conditions required for IAVL to complete.
¾ If IAVL does not complete within a few minutes, a condition may be out of
range.
o Engine coolant temperature: 70 -100° C (158 - 212°F).
o Battery voltage: More than 12.9V (At idle).
o Selector lever: P or N.
o Electric load switch: OFF (Air conditioner, headlamp, and rear window
defogger).
o Steering wheel: Neutral (Straight-ahead position).
o Vehicle speed: Stopped.
o Transmission: Warmed up (ATF TEMP SE less than 0.9V).
•

Accelerator Pedal Close Position Learning.

•

Erase DTCs.

Continue to the next page.

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12. When the entire reprogramming process is complete, the screen in Figure 7 will display.
13. Verify the before and after part numbers are different.
14. Print a copy of this screen (Figure 7) and attach it to the repair order for warranty
documentation.
15. Select Confirm.

Step
13

Step
14

Step
15

Figure 7

16. Make sure you have performed ECM (and if applicable, TCM) reprogramming (ECM
first).
17. Close C-III plus.
18. Turn the ignition OFF.
19. Disconnect the plus VI from the vehicle.
20. Test drive the vehicle and make sure it operates correctly and the MIL is OFF.
•

If the MIL comes ON, go back to ASIST for further diagnostic information.

•

Diagnosis and repairs beyond ECM or TCM reprogramming are not covered by this
campaign bulletin.
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CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Campaign (CM) line claim using the following claims coding:
For ECM Reprogramming only:
CAMPAIGN (CM) I.D. #

DESCRIPTION

OP CODE

FRT

P3212

ECM Reprogram

P32120

0.5 hrs

For ECM and TCM Reprogramming:
CAMPAIGN (CM) I.D. #

DESCRIPTION

OP CODE

FRT

P3212

ECM and TCM Reprogram

P32121

0.9 hrs

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OWNER’S LETTER (example of typical owner’s letter)

Dear Nissan Sentra Owner:
Nissan is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer
satisfaction. We believe that our current and future success depends on your continued
satisfaction with Nissan. With that in mind, we want to bring to your attention important
information regarding your 2013 Nissan Sentra.

REASON FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN
In some 2013 Nissan Sentra vehicles, in cold weather conditions, the engine may stop
running when first shifting out of Park, or at very low speeds (when taking off after a stop or
coasting to a stop). The vehicle’s engine can restart, and this issue does not occur once the
vehicle has warmed up. Reprogramming the Engine Control Modules (ECM), and for some
vehicles, also the Transmission Control Module (TCM) will help prevent this from occurring.

WHAT NISSAN WILL DO
To assure your continued satisfaction and confidence in your vehicle, your Nissan dealer
will reprogram the ECM and on some vehicles, both the ECM and the TCM at no charge
to you for parts or labor. The service should take about an hour to complete, but your
Nissan dealer may require your vehicle for a longer period of time based upon their work
schedule.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Nissan encourages you to contact your Nissan dealer at your earliest convenience in order
to arrange an appointment.
To ensure the least inconvenience for you, it is important that you have an
appointment before bringing your vehicle to the Nissan dealer for service. Please
bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been
sent to your Nissan dealer.
If the dealer fails, or is unable to complete the service free of charge, you may contact the
National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685003,
Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
Thank you for providing us an opportunity to ensure ongoing satisfaction with your Nissan
vehicle.

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