Classification:

Reference:

AT14-003b

Date:

NTB14-033b

May 10, 2016

NISSAN; PROGRAMMING BLANK TCM
This bulletin has been amended. The Applied Vehicles have been updated and information/steps
for obtaining a TCM software part number have been changed.
Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES:

2004-2015 Titan (A60)
2004-2015 Armada (TA60)
2005-2016 Frontier (D40)
2005-2015 Xterra (N50)

APPLIED TRANSMISSION

RWD 5 speed A/T

2005-2012 Pathfinder (R51)
2012-2016 NV (F80)
2003-2008 350Z (Z33)
2004-2009 350Z Roadster (Z33)

SERVICE INFORMATION
Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and
replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with “blank” Transmission Control
Modules (TCMs).
Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and
then configured after they are installed.
When ordering a replacement A/T or control valve, use the Nissan electronic parts
information systems to obtain the correct software program part number
This bulletin contains details for:


Saving and copying information from the old (current) TCM and applying it to the
new (replacement) A/T assembly or valve body blank TCM



Obtaining and installing program information into the new A/T assembly or valve
body blank TCM when it cannot be copied from the old TCM

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 TCM Programming Procedure (summary)
Below is a summary of the steps for blank TCM programming. For details, go to page 3.
NOTE: Erase any stored DTCs and perform DTC related repairs before starting the
programming procedure in this bulletin. Refer to ASIST and the ESM as needed.

For vehicles where the old/current TCM can be accessed (TCM P/N can be read)
with C-III plus:
a. Connect and launch C-III plus:
 From the C-III plus home page, Select Re/Programming, Configuration.
 Proceed to Re/programming.
 Select Programming (not reprogramming).
b. Select Before Replace ECU.
c. Save the current TCM P/N and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
d. Replace the 5-speed rear wheel drive A/T assembly or control valve with a new one
that contains a blank TCM.
e. Select vehicle model and year, and then select Confirm.
f. Select After Replace ECU.
g. Select Start (to begin programming).
h. Once programming has completed, configure the new TCM and erase DTCs.
i. Close C-III plus.

For vehicles where the old/current TCM cannot be accessed (TCM P/N cannot be
read) with C-III plus:
a. Replace the 5-speed rear wheel drive A/T assembly or control valve with a new one
that contains a blank TCM.
b. Use the Nissan electronic parts information systems to obtain the correct software
program part number.
c. Connect C-III plus, navigate to the screen that shows the selection Programming,
and then select Programming.
d. Select After Replace ECU.
e. Select the P/N from the list that matches the one obtained from the electronic parts
information systems.
 Double-check and make sure the correct P/N has been selected.
f. Select Start (to begin programming).
g. Once programming has completed, configure the new TCM and erase DTCs.
h. Close C-III plus.

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NTB14-033b

Blank TCM Programming Procedure (details)

NOTE:


Always enter the VIN into the electronic parts catalog (FAST or equivalent), when
ordering (looking up) a replacement A/T assembly or control valve.



Do not replace/install the new A/T or control valve, with blank TCM, until told
to do so in the SERVICE PROCEDURE.

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

NOTE: To determine if the old TCM can be accessed with C-III plus: Select
Diagnosis (One System) > Transmission, and then read the TCM P/N.
Can the TCM P/N be accessed and read?

YES – go to PROGRAM BLANK TCM (when old TCM is accessible with C-III plus)
on the next page.
If the vehicle’s old/current TCM can be accessed with C-III plus, its current
internal P/N can be saved and then applied to the new blank TCM.

NO – go to PROGRAM BLANK TCM (when old TCM is NOT accessible with
C-III plus) on page 22.
If the old/current TCM cannot be accessed with C-III plus, the software program
P/N to be programmed into the blank TCM will need to be determined by using
the Nissan electronic parts information systems.

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NTB14-033b

SERVICE PROCEDURE

PROGRAM BLANK TCM (when old TCM is accessible with C-III plus)

NOTE:


Do not remove the old A/T or control valve until told to do so in the SERVICE
PROCEDURE.



Use this procedure if the vehicle’s old/current TCM can be accessed with C-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 TCM 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.
NOTE: After programming is complete, you will be required to perform write
configuration and DTC erase.

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NTB14-033b

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
TCM 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 TCM may be
damaged.

3. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle battery:


GR-8 (Battery and Electrical Diagnostic Station) set to ECM power supply.
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 TCM may be
damaged.

4. Turn OFF all external Bluetooth® devices (e.g., cell phones, printers, etc.) within range
of the CONSULT PC and the plus 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 TCM may be damaged.

5. Turn the ignition ON (engine OFF).


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

6. Turn OFF all vehicle electrical loads such as exterior lights, interior lights, HVAC, blower
fan, 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 TCM may be damaged.

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NTB14-033b

7. Open / start C-III plus.


You will be accessing the vehicle’s old TCM.
NOTE: All C-III plus screens throughout this bulletin are examples. Actual C-III plus
screens on your CONSULT PC may vary slightly.

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

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

Step 8:
plus VI is
recognized

Figure 1
9. Select Re/programming, Configuration.

Step
9

Figure 2
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NTB14-033b

10. Use arrows (if needed) to view and read all precautions.
11. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
NOTE: The box cannot be checked until all precautions in step 10 have been
viewed and read.
12. Select Next.

Step
10

Step
11

Step
12

Figure 3
13. Select Nissan, Vehicle Name, Model Year, and then Select.
 If the screen in Figure 4 does not display, skip to step 14.
XXXXXX

This works, too

Step
13

Step
13

Step
13

Figure 4
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NTB14-033b

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

Step
14

XXXXXX

Step
15

Figure 5

16. Select Confirm.
XXXXXX

XXXXXX

Step
16

Figure 6

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NTB14-033b

17. Select TRANSMISSION.

Step
17

Figure 7
NOTE: If the old TCM cannot be accessed with C-III plus, go to page 22,
Program Blank ECM (When ECM is NOT Accessible With C-III plus).

18. Select Programming. Do not select Reprogramming.

Step
18

Figure 8

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NTB14-033b



If the screen in Figure 9 appears, select Next.
XXXXXX

Figure 9

19. Select Before Replace ECU.

Step
19

Figure 10

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NTB14-033b

20. Select Save.

TA60

TRANSMISSION
31020-XXXXX
TA60 ARMADA
TA60

Step
20

2014/01/13 19:05:20

Figure 11

21. Select Next.

TA60

TRANSMISSION
31020-XXXXX
TA60ARMADA(4WD)
TA60

Step
21

2014/01/13 19:05:35

Figure 12

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NTB14-033b

22. Make sure the VIN in the Saved Data List (Figure 13) 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 TCM information.

Step
22

5N1AA0NC9ANXXXXXX
TRANSMISSION
31020-XXXXX
350Z
5N1AA0NC9AN XXXXXX
13/1/2014 7:06 PM

Step
23

Figure 13
24. After Confirm is selected in step 23, the screen in Figure 14 will display. Select Home.

Step
24

Figure 14

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NTB14-033b

25. Replace the old A/T assembly or control valve with a new one (with blank TCM)
now:


Refer to the appropriate section in the ESM for A/T or control valve removal and
installation.



If the CONSULT PC is removed from the vehicle for any reason, make sure
the saved data is not erased.

26. After the A/T or control valve has been replaced:
a. Open / start C-III plus.
b. Make sure the ignition is ON (engine OFF).
 The engine must not start during the programming procedure.
c. Make sure the GR8 / battery charger is connected.
NOTE: All C-III plus screens throughout this bulletin are examples.
Actual C-III plus screens on your CONSULT PC may vary slightly.
27. Wait for the plus VI to be recognized.
 The serial number will display when the plus VI is recognized.

Step 27:
plus VI is
recognized

Figure 15

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NTB14-033b

28. Select Re/programming, Configuration.

Step
28

Figure 16

29. Use arrows (if needed) 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 17

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NTB14-033b

32. Select Nissan, Vehicle Name, Model Year, and then Select.
 If the screen in Figure 18 does not display, skip to step 33.
XXXXXX

Step
32

This works, too
Step
32

Step
32

Figure 18

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

Step
33

5N1AA0NC9ANXXXXXX
ARMADA
2010

Step
34

Figure 19
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NTB14-033b

35. Select Confirm.
NOTE: If there is only one data file saved on C-III plus, it will automatically be selected.
If there is more than one, select the data file for your vehicle, and then select Confirm.

NOTE

5N1AA0NC9ANXXXXXX
TRANSMISSION
32010-XXXXX
ARMADA
5N1AA0NC9ANXXXXXX
13/1/2014 7:06 PM

Step
35

Figure 20

36. Select After Replace ECU.

Step
36

Figure 21

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NTB14-033b

37. Use arrows to view and read all precautions.
38. Check the box confirming the precautions have been read.
39. Select Next.

Step
37

Step
38

Step
39

Figure 22

40. Select Next.

Step
40

Figure 23

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NTB14-033b

41. Select Next.

32010-XXXXX
32010-XXXXX
ARMADA
5N1AA0NC9ANXXXXXX
TRANSMISSION

Step
41

Figure 24
42. Make sure OK is highlighted green (battery voltage must be between
12.0 and 15.5 Volts).
43. Select Next.
IMPORTANT: Optimum battery voltage operating range for programming is
12.0-13.5V. Battery voltage must stay between 12.0 and 15.5 Volts during
programming or TCM programming may be interrupted and the TCM may be damaged.

Monitor battery
voltage here

Step
42

Step
43

Figure 25

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NTB14-033b

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 TCM. Allow programming to complete.
44. Select Start.

Monitor battery