I have a 2011 G37 and will be looking to set up consult III+ and am looking for advice to ensure I get what is required. I will not need it to make keys - it will just be used for testing, analysis and resetting body control, such as the convertible top, etc.(that is the main reason)
I do not need this for anything other models or years, just that car. I will not generally have internet access where this will be located, I am looking at purchasing an early version of the software that does not require an internet connection/ subscription. I am not sure which versions require an online account, but I believe version 73 is one of those versions that does not. I would rather pay for an older version than a recurring subscription or per use.
I have not seen anything that breaks out the versions or the differences among them, but If I get version 73, am I missing anything critical? It seems like the version number after 75 then jumps to 211.
For the actual connection to the car, can anyone recommend an inexpensive cable or connection device that will let me meet my needs (above). It appears the following could be used (I am just not sure which will do what I need: pcmtuner, vxdiag vcx se, open port, J2534

I also have been told that the early versions are for windows 7 and 8 32 bit, but I wonder if the connector drivers will be compatible.

Thanks.

 

If you're referring to the Consult III that Nissan dealerships use, you'd be looking at a $15K+ bill with a link to Nissan Technical Support. The Consult 3 that's sold online is just another code reader that's sold commercially. The two are not even remotely the same and your goals are unlikely to be met.

 

Why do you need a Consult III platform?

 

The short answer - Nissan intended it to be that way for many of the issues and maintenance that previously would not require such a platform on your average vehicle. They have setup the car to require a dealer visit for many simple functions so that even many hobbyist mechanics will have to turn over the work to the disappearing Infiniti dealerships, instead of the "garage mechanic hobbyists" getting a sense of accomplishment for maintaining and fixing the car.

More detail - dkmura pretty much stated it in his comment - "The Consult 3 that's sold online is just another code reader that's sold commercially. The two are not even remotely the same and your goals are unlikely to be met". Many of the required functions (such as resetting the convertible mechanism, clearing the forced "go visit the dealer" top error code (even if the mechanism is reset) and other tasks require more than a "reader". I have heard that the generic tools that are such "code readers" do not do this. Thus I am looking at the various tools and configurations to accomplish this.

As I noted, I have a great, but limited life expectancy, convertible. Unfortunately, the geniuses who designed the convertible top mechanism made sure to include plastic gears that fail and cause the top to error out (typically around 50 - 60k miles from what forums are saying). That pretty much guarantees a convertible becomes a cash cow for Nissan. When it fails at the wrong time (it will be miles away from home or shelter, probably at the start of rain), you will need to tow the car to the dealership if there are any left in the area (Murphy's Law). Then "they" will need to replace the mechanisms for $1700 each (plus additional charges) for more plastic (but I also heard they no longer make them, so there is that . . . ). There are work arounds if you break their "rules" and rebuild yours with aftermarket metal gears (which you know they are not rooting for). But you still need to get it home, in the partial open condition (wind during towing will not hurt it, will it?

I actually do not need the latest platform that pushes all the extra features for the Nissan/Inifintis after 2011 (I only have one G37!) but I do need "a tool" for fix it yourself tasks like the body control throttle resets and many other tasks. As a car hobbyist, have always done all my maintenance on my vehicles and intend to continue - that is a critical part of my enjoyment of my car hobby. Sadly I am the exact opposite of who Nissan wants (and that direction and quality drop with plastic, locked out repair functions, etc. is partly why this brand is becoming scarce.)

Anyway, I find it very hard to believe there is no affordable alternative that does the required maintenance and upkeep tasks, but that appears to be the corner this car is intentionally painted into. Better known in marketing as "built in obsolescence". 14 year old well maintained cars are cars do not make money typically. And each means an "New" car is not being sold to replace it.

However, If anyone knows of the correct setup to do what I need, let me know here. I will share what I find as I have seen that I am not the only one frustrated by this car and the sad drop in value that has resulted. It is a wonderful car while it remains working.

I have my 2001 Mustang convertible as well, but I worry that my ability to maintain that will outlive my ability to keep my G37 ongoing long term. . . . The Infiniti was supposed to eventually supersede my Mustang. As a hobbyist, I have a responsibility to ensure the preservation of these cars for the long term.

 

I am sure you can understand our reticence to this subject. The right software/setup in the wrong hands and these cars are ripe for the picking. Hell, they are already ridiculously vulnerable without the "official" package. That said, the software is the easy part. It is finding the right Vehicle Interface (VI) that will work is the major pain in the bum. I have tried several over the years with different "versions" and "cracks" to no avai. No matter what I do the software is fine but it just will not connect to any of the damned VI's and I finally just gave up.

Unfortunately, the only company that sold a known clone that actually worked was cnautotool.com. Several members purchased through them to diagnose/ reset/ work on the RHT system with good results. Last I checked most of their C3+ packages were listed as "out of stock." You could, perhaps, send them a query as to future availability. Do NOT bother with any of the "Renault/ Nissan 'CAN Clips'" as I have never seen one of those things actually work worth a nickel. Perhaps they are for "code reading" but even that is a stretch, IMO.

Then there is always fleaBay. Occasionally used, "official" C3+ packages come up for sale but that comes with its own risk.

Best advice, keep searching. There are other forums (mhhauto.com comes to mind) that might have more specific, detailed information about what works and what doesn't. Believe me, I understand the frustration of being able to work on your car. Even with these "right to repair" laws (EU) manufacturers' are putting more reliance on electronic diagnostic tools and software that is 'proprietary" and making it impossible for us DIY'ers. Nissan is bad enough but BMW, Crikey they take it a whole new level.

Good luck!

 

Correct. And being the third new member in as many weeks with one of their initial posts related to the sensitive topic, motive has to be established.

 

Your perspective is odd... you are saying a 14 year old car has "built in obsolescence"... no, that just may be the life expectancy, depending on how it was taken care of.
Also, Nissan Consult isn't needed for "the required maintenance and upkeep tasks"... the maintenance schedule is well documented and there are no "upkeep tasks" that require Consult.
Even the "idle air volume learning" can be done without Consult.

 

Many products have built in obsolesce - some worse than others. The age is irrelevant as this has been a garaged kept car with only 46k miles. Many cars today can easily surpass 200k. They could have used metal gears and they could have not "required" the use of the "tool that we do not speak of". But take a look over on the MyG37 Convertible forum as well as other forum sites and see the frustration with the fact that 46k is around the time the G37 top fails. Yes, if you do not use the roof it will last longer, by my belief is, if you have a convertible you should pretty much use that function every day unless it it is very cold or it is raining out. You certainly pay for it with the less performance and weight increase - so owners should use it.
Yes - hand raised - my perspective may be "odd", but that is the odd way I enjoy my cars - I want the ability to fix anything that comes up because you don't get the luxury of choosing what will fail and when - you had better be ready to learn and fix (unless you have deep pockets). The reality is if you do you own maintenance (properly) to keep costs down and you take care of a car - they can last quite a long time if there is not some barrier or diversion to stop you from the fix. How "expensive" or attainable that is will depend on your access to parts that fail and your ability to do what is needed to calibrate / set / measure and enable whatever surprises come up over the time you have it.

Thank you - please point me to the tool/ procedure for clearing the body module error that will come after the failure - everywhere it seems to state that Nissan/Infiniti CONSULT III is needed to perform a relearn process (and clear the beeping and related error code), which is often necessary after a reset or power interruption. That is all I (and the other convertible owners) are seem to be looking for (though work arounds for every thing else would be good for when they do break and mention resetting is needed. All except the security / key creation which I said several times I have no need for. The tool I need does not NEED to be the one we do not speak of - it just needs to work. Every tool I look into seems to have a bunch of stuff . . . except what I am looking for.

But - as noted about security concerns above - I get it. Just say "Nissan wants the $$$ and will does not want us or third party tools to have that access, no one here does unfortunately and no one here uses a consult like tool - most are regulars at the Infiniti Stealership because we would potentially have a security issue on our hands" I get it. I respect the desire to not post links which I have not asked for or information that would circumvent the car security- which I have not asked for - and to not discuss the additional tools required for the keys and immobilizer - again which I have not asked about nor have a need for - I trust that Nissan will continue to provide my key fob in 40 years (I expect that , given their hold on them).

So Let's close this - I have a need for a tool that will do the features I mentioned including body module and convertible top - I appreciate any guidance if anyone has it. Any concerns or tools for hacking security - I am not asking for and am requesting not to be shared in this forum- "For everyone's protection"

Thank you for reading and for responses from all angles. Forum members who take the time to reply with any opinion or advice collectively make this a great forum.

 

RWD Nissans have always been approachable from a maintenance and tuning perspective as many of the parts are interchangeable and the ECU itself straightforward. Many of us have been here for a minute helping others figure out issues and I rarely see instances where the consult platform was needed. On the flip side, I see a half dozen or so instances per month where its abused and leveraged for criminal activity.

Based on the state of today PSA security standards, I think Nissan needs to create some form of secure root of trust that’s immutable and cannot be tampered. Being know as the car that’s on the list of easiest cars to steal is terrible for the brand.

 

For the most part the G37 is super easy to work on and in most cases a simple OBD code reader is all that is needed. Additionally, there are tons of apps that can read codes and provide "real time" data using a simple OBD "dongle" and are much easier to use than C3/3+ at a fraction of the cost.

However, it is the RHT system, which I "believe" is what OP is "intending" to use the C3/3+ for, where said tool is practically mandatory. It is the same with BMW (no surprise as the RHT's for both platforms are by the same designer) in that you need the proprietary software (ISTA for BMW) to properly diagnose, reset, and repair the myriad of switches, sensors, valves, and other gizmos that compose the symphony.

At least with BMW you are able to "buy a "license" ($32 via TIS) for 24-hours and download the "official" software (requires registration of course) but even then a lot of the functionality has been stripped/ blocked. But, at least it is a option direct from BMW official. I am sure Nissan, and likely other car brands can/ do offer the same ability. However, with the proliferation of Chinese cloned hardware and cracked software on the markets these days that likelihood is next to moot. But, let's be real, most car owners these days do not have the attention span for such and just "take it the dealer" or "trade it in."

As the old saying goes, when there's a will there's a way. Perhaps tools from Foxwell and Autel can interface with the RHT system. That is where I would search/ query.

For me, end of discussion... Good luck.

 

Fun times - ask me why I bother keeping my V6 mustang going when there is "zero" collectible value since it is not a V8. it is the same with this car - not the "fastest", but there is an "odd" sense of accomplishment with maintaining them (and knowing you know how) regardless Thanks for all the info and feedback.