Can you actually purchase the Consult II diagnostic device that is used to service your car? If so, how much? Also, I remember somone mentioning a software product that you run on a PC and hook up to the diagnostic port. I am guessing that would be equivalent to the Consult II, right? Thanks....

 

The Consult tool is a read/write device (I think), but the OBD-II scan tool (see http://www.obd-2.com) you run from your PC is read only.

 

Can you even buy the Consult II?

 

I have heard they cost $3,000 ~ $5,000...

 

it's <$100. it only gives you readings. I think everything is there, emissions, timing, service codes... but the Consult goes a step further and interpets the data. With the software, you have to match up error codes and timing/voltage reading with the FSM to get anything meaningful.

 

hmmm.... if the Consult is that much, then forget it.... The software does sound interesting. I may have to look into it. Even though you can't write to the ECU with it, you can still do plenty of tinkering with your car using it

 

Time to make some "backup" copies of that software

 

hmmm... want to share?

 

i don't have a copy

 

the software is freeware (kinda).. you are paying for the cable. No way around that.

You can send requests to the ECU. you can clear codes and whatnot.
http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash1.jpg
http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash2.jpg
http://www.adpub.com/tim/vdash3.jpg

 

thanks for the info... I'll look into it some more

 

want me to sodder a cable for you at school

 

hehehe... i could do that myself also.... but there may be a bit more to the cable than just wires

 

the connector is Ethernet (kinda) to Serial.

supposedly, OBD is like a web server and you query it with the software.. Its all open source, so the information is there to be had... BUT VERY TECHNICAL! not just from querying the ECU, but the way OBD works.

I dont think that package is very expensive for what you get.

 

Doh.
Useful info though
thanx tim

 

Unless you own a Nissan car dealership, you can't buy one. Each Nissan dealership can get one Consult Unit.

 

How does one go about obtaining such "kinda freeware"?

 

that was my interpretation of the sw license as I cant remember it word for word...

DL and read it if you like
obd-2.com
get the latest zip. readme inside...

 

I looked into the PC-based scan tool that is at www.obd-2.com . It seems like a cool thing to have. The guy is selling it for $122... the software seems to be free, as you can download it from the website. It says you can inquire about group buys, but I don't know how much interest their would be for it amongst us. From what I gather, the most you can do in terms of writes to the ECU is a total reset, which can be useful at times ... I guess I'll keep it in mind and might actually get it a little later on....