Class ification:

Refere nc e:

Date :

EC13-022

ITB14-002

January 13, 2014

PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE FOR BLANK ECMS
APPLIED VEHICLES:

All Infinit i vehicles using replacement “Blank” ECMs

SERVICE INFORMATION
Replacement Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for many newer Infiniti 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 M/Y and newer 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.

Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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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Blank ECM Programming Procedure (details)

NOTE:
•

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

Step 14 Verify

Step
15

Figure 5
16. Select Confirm.

Step
16

Figure 6

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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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19. Select Before Replace ECU.

Step
19

Figure 9
20. Select Save.

Step
20

Figure 10

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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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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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27. Select Programming.

Step
27

Figure 14

28. Select After Replace ECU.

Step
28

Figure 15

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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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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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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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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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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.