Classification:

Reference:

EC12-023a

Date:

NTB12-091a

January 13, 2014

PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE FOR BLANK ECMS
This bulletin has been amended. Several changes have been made.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: All Nissan vehicles using replacement “Blank” ECMs

SERVICE INFORMATION
Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Nissan vehicles are now
“Blank” ECMs.
Blank ECMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) before
they will function.
When ordering a replacement ECM, the electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent) will
list the part number for a Blank ECM if it is available for the vehicle you are working on.
•

All 2014 and newer M/Y vehicles, that use an ECM, have Blank ECMs available as
replacements.

•

Blank replacement ECMs are being phased in for 2013 to 2009 vehicles.

This bulletin contains details for:
•

Saving / copying information from the old/current ECM and applying it to the
new/replacement Blank ECM.

•

Obtaining and installing program information into the new/replacement Blank ECM
when it cannot be copied from the old/current ECM.

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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Blank ECM Programming Procedure (summary)
Below is a summary of the steps for Blank ECM programming. For details, go to page 3.
For vehicles where the ECM can be accessed (ECM P/N can be read) with C-III plus:
a. Connect and launch C-III plus:
¾ From the C-III plus home page, Select Re/Programming, Configuration.
¾ Proceed to Re/programming.
¾ Select Programming (not reprogramming).
b. Select Before ECM Replacement.
c. Save the current ECM P/N and VIN.
d. Replace the ECM with the new Blank ECM.
e. Select Programming.
f. Select After ECM Replacement.
g. Select Program ECM.
h. Once programming has completed, perform Throttle Valve Closed Position,
Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase.
i. Verify the VIN is registered.
j. Close C-III plus.

For vehicles where the old/current ECM cannot be accessed (ECM P/N cannot be
read) with C-III plus:
a. Obtain the ECM software P/N by using the VIN in the electronic parts catalog.
When using the VIN, the parts catalog will display both the Blank ECM part number
and the part number for the software program.
b. Install the replacement Blank ECM in the vehicle.
c. Connect C-III plus, and then get to the screen that shows the selection Programming
and select Programming.
d. Select After ECM Replacement.
e. Type in the VIN.
f. Select the P/N from the list that matches the one taken from the parts catalog.
¾ Double-check and make sure the correct P/N has been selected.
¾ Confirm that the description matches the vehicle’s system applications i.e. ABS,
CVT, ASCD, etc.
g. Select Program ECM.
h. Once programming has completed, perform Throttle Valve Closed Position, Idle Air
Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and DTC erase.
i. Verify the VIN is registered.
j. Close C-III plus.

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NTB12-091a

Blank ECM Programming Procedure (details)

NOTE:
•

Always enter the VIN into the Nissan electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent),
when ordering (looking up) a replacement ECM.

•

The first five digits of a replacement Blank ECM’s P/N will start with 23703-xxxxx.

•

Do not replace/install the new ECM until told to do so in the Service
Procedure.

Can the old/current ECM (the one that will be replaced) be accessed with C-III plus?

NOTE: To determine if the old/current ECM can be accessed with C-III plus: Select
Diagnosis (One System) > Engine, and then read the ECM Part number. Can the
ECM part number be accessed and read?

YES – go to Program Blank ECM (When ECM is Accessible With C-III plus)
on the next page.
If the vehicle’s old/current ECM can be accessed with C-III plus, its current internal
Part Number (P/N) and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be saved and then
applied to the Blank ECM.

NO – go to Program Blank ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus)
on page 18.
If the vehicle’s old/current ECM cannot be accessed with C-III plus, the software
program P/N to be programmed into the Blank ECM will need to be determined by
entering the VIN into the Electronic Parts Catalog (FAST or equivalent). When using
the VIN, the parts catalog will display both the Blank ECM part number and the part
number for the software program.

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NTB12-091a

PROGRAM BLANK ECM (When ECM is Accessible With C-III plus)

NOTE:
•

Do not replace/install the new ECM until told to do so in the Service
Procedure.

•

Use this procedure if the vehicle’s old/current ECM can be accessed with
CONSULT-III plus.

IMPORTANT: Before starting the program procedure, make sure:
•

ASIST on the CONSULT PC has been freshly synchronized (updated).

•

All C-III plus software updates (if any) have been installed.
NOTE: The CONSULT PC automatically gets applicable ECM programming data
during ASIST synchronization.

•

A screen print for Warranty documentation can be done from the CONSULT PC
during this process while still connected to the vehicle.

•

If possible, take the vehicle for a 10 minute drive in order to meet the following
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 programming is complete, you will be required to perform Throttle Valve
Closed Position, Idle Air Volume Learn (IAVL), Accelerator Closed Position, and
DTC erase. The above conditions are required for the IAVL to complete.

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NTB12-091a

1. Connect the C-III plus Vehicle Interface (plus VI) to the vehicle.
• Make sure to use the correct VI for C-III plus (plus VI).
CAUTION: Make sure the plus VI is securly connected to the DLC. If the plus VI
connection is loose during programming, the process will be interrupted and the
ECM may be damaged.

2. Connect the AC Adapter to the CONSULT PC.
CAUTION: Be sure to connect the AC Adapter. If the CONSULT PC battery voltage
drops during programming, the process will be interrupted and the ECM may be
damaged.

3. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery:
• Set the battery charger at a low charge rate.
NOTE: The GR-8 (Battery and Electrical Diagnostic Station) set to “Power Supply”
mode is recommended.
CAUTION: Be sure the battery charger is connected securely to the battery. Make
sure the battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V during programming. If the
battery voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be
damaged.

4. Turn off all external Bluetooth® devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.) within range of
the CONSULT PC and the VI.
CAUTION: Make sure to turn off all external Bluetooth® devices. If Bluetooth® signal
waves are within range of the CONSULT PC and the plus VI during programming,
programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged.

5. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF / Not Ready).
•

The engine must not start or run during the reprogramming procedure.

6. Turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads such as exterior lights, interior lights, HVAC,
blower, rear defogger, audio, NAVI, seat heater, steering wheel heater, etc.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads. Make sure the
battery voltage stays between 12.0V and 15.5V during programming. If the battery
voltage goes out of this range during programming, the ECM may be damaged.

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NTB12-091a

7. Open / start C-III plus.
•

You will be accessing the old/current ECM.

8. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.
•

The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.

plus VI is
recognized

Figure 1
9. Select Re/programming, Configuration.

Step
9

Figure 2

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NTB12-091a

10. Use arrows (if needed) to view and read all precautions.
11. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
12. Select Next.

Step
10

Step
11

Step
12

Figure 3
13. Select Nissan, Vehicle Name, and then the correct Model Year.
•

If the screen in Figure 4 does not display, skip to step 14.

Step
13
Step
13

Example

Figure 4

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NTB12-091a

14. Make sure VIN or Chassis # matches the vehicle’s VIN.
15. If the correct VIN is displayed, select Confirm.

Step 14

Step
15

Figure 5

16. Select Confirm.

Step
16

Figure 6

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NTB12-091a

17. Select ENGINE.

Step
17

Figure 7
NOTE: If the old/current ECM cannot be accessed with C-III plus, go to Program
Blank ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus) on page 18.

18. Select Programming. (Do not select Reprogramming.)

Step
18

Figure 8

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NTB12-091a

19. Select Before Replace ECU.

Step
19

Figure 9

20. Select Save.

Step
20

Figure 10

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NTB12-091a

21. Select Next.

Step
21

Figure 11
22. Make sure the VIN in the Saved Data List (Figure 12) matches the vehicle’s VIN.
•

If the VIN is not correct, select Delete and then start over from the C-III plus Home
screen.

23. If the VIN is correct, select Confirm.
•

This step will save the vehicle’s existing ECM information.

Step
22

Step
23

Figure 12
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NTB12-091a

24. After Confirm is selected in step 23, the screen in Figure 13 will display.

Figure 13

25. Replace the ECM now:
•

Leave C-III plus turned ON (it should continue to display the screen in Figure 13
while replacing the ECM).

•

Make sure the CONSULT PC A/C power supply is connected.

•

Turn the ignition OFF.

•

Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for ECM replacement information.

26. After the ECM has been replaced (Blank ECM is now installed).
a. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF / Not Ready).
•

The engine must not start during the programming procedure.

b. Make sure the GR8 / battery charger is connected.

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NTB12-091a

27. Select Programming.

Step
27

Figure 14

28. Select After Replace ECU.

Step
28

Figure 15

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NTB12-091a

29. Use arrows to view and read all precautions.
30. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
31. Select Next.

Step
29

Step
30

Step
31

Figure 16

32. Make sure OK is highlighted green (battery voltage must be between 12.0 and 15.5
Volts).

33. Select Next.
IMPORTANT: Battery voltage must stay between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts during
programming or ECM programming may be interrupted and the ECM may be damaged.

Monitor battery
voltage here

Step
32

Step
33

Figure 17

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NTB12-091a

NOTE: In the next step, the programming process will begin when Start is selected.
CAUTION: DO NOT stop programming after selecting Start, doing so may damage the
ECM. Allow programming to complete.
34. Select Start.

Monitor battery
voltage here

Step
34

Figure 18
35. Wait for both progress bars to complete.

Step
35

Figure 19

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NTB12-091a

36. When the screen in Figure 20 displays, programming is complete.
NOTE: If the screen in Figure 20 does not display (programming does not complete),
refer to the information on the next page.

37. Disconnect the GR8 / battery charger from the vehicle.

38. Select Next.

Step
38

Figure 20

39. Go to After Programming has Completed on page 33.

NOTE: Additional steps / operations are required before C-III plus will provide
the final programming confirmation report. Go to After Programming has
Completed on page 33.

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NTB12-091a

If programming does not complete and the “!?” symbol displays as shown in
Figure 21:
•

Check battery voltage (12.0 –
15.5V).

•

The ignition is ON and the engine
is OFF.

•

External Bluetooth® devices are
OFF.

•

All electrical loads are OFF.

•

Select Retry and follow the on
screen instructions.
NOTE: Retry may not go through on
the first attempt. It can be selected
more than once.

Figure 21

If programming does not complete and the “X” symbol displays as shown in
Figure 22:
•

Do not disconnect the plus VI
or shut down C-III plus if
reprogramming does not
complete.

•

Check battery voltage (12.0 –
15.5V).

•

The CONSULT A/C adapter is
plugged in.

•

The ignition is ON and the engine is
OFF.

•

The transmission is in Park.

•

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

•

All C-III plus updates are installed.

•

Select Home, and then restart
the program procedure from the
beginning.

Figure 22

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NTB12-091a

PROGRAM BLANK ECM (When ECM is not Accessible With C-III plus)

NOTE: Use this procedure if the vehicle’s old/current ECM cannot be accessed with
CONSULT-III plus.

IMPORTANT: Before starting the program procedure, make sure:
•

ASIST on the CONSULT PC has been freshly synchronized (updated).

•

All C-III plus software updates (if any) have been installed.
NOTE: The CONSULT PC automatically gets applicable ECM programming data
during ASIST synchronization.