OBD2 reader fails to connect with Nissan Frontier - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2025, 11:00:45 pm
content: Should I buy a better OBD2 scanner?Maybe one of these?https://www.amazon.ca/FOXWELL-NT301-Professional-Enhanced-Diagnostic/dp/B00UJV3E12https://www.amazon.ca/FOXWELL-Scanner-Reader-Automotive-Diagnostic/dp/B07CSMJJK9I tried a couple cheap ones (Innova 3020RS and a cheaper one), they turn on but just say connection fail or error.I used the cable from the cheapest reader as a breakout for my oscilloscope.Yellow, ch1, +12VBlue, ch2, CAN_LPink, ch3, CAN_HPurple, ch3 – ch2CAN: ok.J1850 Bus +: 0V (note 1)J1850 Bus -: 0V (note 1)ISO 9141-2 1-line: 0V (note 1)K-line: 12V+12V: 12VNote *1: nets with 0V had 100mV to 200mV of noise that matched the CAN signals.Resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L: 60ohms. ECM (main control module) and IPDM are on opposite ends of CAN BUS and each hold 120ohms so this is good evidence that CAN BUS has conductivity from ECM thru main bus to OBD2 port.I just ordered DIY CAN readerhttps://www.adafruit.com/product/5724but I’m thinking a scanner would be much faster. I’m not becoming a truck tuner, I just need to fix my daily driver ASAP.I’m not familiar with CAN or OBD2. Can anyone guess why my OBD2 readers are ignoring the CAN data? Would a better scanner read it?Truck:2012 Nissan Frontier, 115,000 kms, 4x4, 4.0L, V6, 6 speed.Failed to start once.Ran great for a few days, started 30+ times quickly.Failed to start 10 times.Banged on fuel tank.Started, seemingly in limp mode: check engine light on, ‘slip’ (traction loss) light on, smooth idle at 1000rpm in neutral and smooth idle at 2000rpm in 1st gear. When gas pedal pressed, no response (rpm didn’t change).Started once more shortly after, also in limp mode.Hasn’t started since (failed 20+ attempts).Turns over well (quickly).Rad fan on when key set to ‘on’.Intermittent wipers work.Remote lock double tap triggers horn as it should.Fuel level and battery voltage gauges in dash work.Headlights, signals, brake lights work.Cigarette lighter works.Tested all the fuses I could find, all passed.Tested a few relays in IPDM, passed.Looked at a few connectors, great condition.Frontier forum guesses it’s a blown fuse, bad connection or sensor somewhere, maybe crank angle position sensor. I’m hoping to narrow it down before I go breaking connectors and bending wires.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2025, 11:35:30 pm
content: This is my new favourite scanner, as it was recommended on frontier forum.https://www.amazon.ca/ANCEL-AD610-Pro-OBD2-Scanner/dp/B0DN9H8Z6W

author: u666sa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 02:53:09 pm
content: Quote from: Kasper on May 05, 2025, 11:00:45 pmFor same reason you having problems with your vehicle? Bad module or bad connection results in bad CAN bus communication which manifests for you as a problem.Just my .02 cents here. Shot in the dark.Another question, would I attempt to diagnose such a complex problem myself? No. That would mean doing something I'm not good at instead of making money. I rather pay a professional to do a job he knows and loves to do. This is my advice to you, find a good professional that is familiar with your particular vehicle.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 03:18:25 pm
content: normally any good obd (unless brand locked say only for bmw ...)is supposed to check for many obd communications protocols, you have at least 5 of them, does identifies it, and connect to the ecu ...theses are normally for say abs, oil, engine errors and checks and or some basics resets, some models can go further in the systems as reprogramming keys and ecus, tpms ... they call that "service types", the more you have, the better they are, and prices goes with that ....some are paid service(s) per year, 2 years, 3 years ....

author: Phaseseeker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 03:23:06 pm
content: Cars usually support multiple communications methods/protocols. There's also more than one physical layer interface (CAN, K-Line, ISO9141 ecc). OBD2 is just the simplest/most universal one you have access to (since it's standardized), but it doesn't give you full access to diagnostic data and tests. I'm not familiar with Nissan cars, however a quick google search pointed me to this softwarehttps://nisscan.comwhich claims to give you access to the various manufacturer-specific stuff. From the documentation, it can work with either a "VAG-COM" clone KKL cable (K-Line only) or a bog standard ELM327 adapter, both of which can be found cheaply online, so it might be worth a try (if you buy an ELM327 one, BE SURE TO CHECK IT'S GOT A CAN INTERFACE: the cheapest clones omit the CAN circuitry/firmware completely making it way less useful).

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 03:25:30 pm
content: Quote from: u666sa on May 06, 2025, 02:53:09 pmThat's my guess too but many modules still work and successfully communicate with eachother and CAN looks ok on my scope. I expect a better scanner should be able to read some of the CAN data.I'll go to a shop if I run out of ideas but labour costs and taxes in Canada make it worthwhile to atleast try DIY before hiring anyone.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 04:55:43 pm
content: on ford you have 2 can network at different speeds, some call them hi and lowi dont know about nissan

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2025, 05:01:33 pm
content: On Nissan, they also have CAN high and CAN low but it's a differential pair, same speed.

author: darkspr1te
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2025, 07:09:53 am
content: Depending on the age of the nissan it will have multiple data lines, Example is 2005 patrol uses canbus for dash, windows, aircon but uses K-Line/KKL for ecu comms, these are pin 7/15 + ground, this setup in fact is quite common, landrover/ford/cummings also use dual bus types with the cummings one being the worst i've delt with ,when i plug a obd2 and talk on the canbus side the engine would just stop, the only way to do diagnostics on the engine while running is to talk exclusively via K-Line pins and dont touch the canbus pair.a video that explains it a little can be found onhttps://www.youtube.com/@ridiculousthings4x4hope this helps.darkspr1te

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 06:46:48 pm
content: Does anyone know what solder alloy is used on the ECM of a 2012 nissan frontier?DIY CAN reader gave me a bunch of IDs which I put into chatGPT. It said there were no ECM IDs. After following Nissan's troubleshooting guides (checked power and CAN BUS continuity), I suspect a failed ECM. Going to clean some grounds first and then check ECM for capacitors, solder joints, burned traces, etc.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 10:25:55 pm
content: normally any 63 37 or 60 40 solder would fine, but normally you should have a coating to protect against humidity ...

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2025, 05:12:12 pm
content: Thanks for the help everyone. I replaced what seems to be an SMPS, APIC-S03 on the ECM (engine control module) and the truck seems fine now.