Before adding any dealer-level diagnostic platform to a shop, the sensible move is to figure out exactly what you're buying and what you're not, rather than assuming a name you've heard in every Nissan forum thread covers everything by default. Here's what to actually check before you commit to Consult III Plus.
Question 1: Does It Cover the Vehicles You Actually See?
Consult III Plus is Nissan's current-generation diagnostic software, but "current" is a bit misleading it also folds in Consult II functionality, extending coverage back to 1996 rather than starting fresh from whatever year III Plus itself launched. That backward compatibility is one of the more underrated parts of the platform: an older Nissan that shows up unannounced doesn't require reaching for a second, separate tool.
Coverage extends across Nissan, Infiniti, and GT-R models, with GT-R specifically needing an additional card layered on top of the base license.
Question 2: Does It Handle the Programming Work You Need, Not Just Diagnostics?
This is where a lot of buying decisions go wrong people assume "diagnostic software" means read-only fault checking, then discover mid-job that programming was the actual requirement. Consult III Plus supports:
- ECM reprogramming on most 1999-and-later model years
- TCM and ABS/VDC reprogramming on select models
- Blank ECM and TCM programming for replacement modules
That last item matters more than it sounds. Since September 2013, Nissan phased in blank service ECMs and TCMs replacement modules that ship with no software installed. If a shop buys Consult III Plus expecting standard plug-and-play module replacement and doesn't realize blank-part programming is a distinct step, the first blank-module job will be a confusing surprise rather than a routine task.
Question 3: Do You Have (or Need) the Hardware It Depends On?
Software alone does nothing here Consult III Plus needs a compatible Nissan vehicle interface to actually communicate with the vehicle. This is worth checking before purchase, not after, since the software and interface are sold as a pairing rather than the software working standalone with generic hardware.
Question 4: Do You Need Key Programming, and Is It Included?
It isn't, by default. Key and immobilizer programming requires a separate security card purchased alongside the base software. If your shop takes on key work regularly, factor that add-on into the actual cost comparison rather than evaluating the base software price alone.
Consult III Plus at a Glance
| What You Get | What You Need Separately |
|---|---|
| Full diagnostics, 1996–present (via Consult II + III integration) | Compatible Nissan vehicle interface |
| ECM/TCM reprogramming and blank-module programming | — |
| GT-R diagnostic coverage | GT-R-specific card |
| Standard diagnostic and programming functions | Security card, for key/immobilizer work |
Who This Is the Right Fit For
- Independent Nissan and Infiniti shops that want dealer-level guided fault-finding without a franchise account.
- Shops replacing failed ECMs regularly, where blank-module programming is a routine part of the job rather than an occasional surprise.
- GT-R specialists who've already budgeted for the additional coverage card.
Who Might Not Need the Full Package
A shop that only ever does basic fault-code reads on Nissan vehicles as a small part of a mixed-brand workload may find a generic multi-brand scanner adequate for that limited use case. Consult III Plus earns its keep specifically once programming, blank-module work, or guided fault-finding depth becomes a regular need rather than an occasional one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Consult III Plus replace the need for older Consult software?
Yes it includes Consult II functionality, so there's no need to keep a separate older installation around for pre-2010 vehicles.
Why won't my replacement ECM start the car?
If it's a blank service part, common on 2013-onward replacements, it needs to be programmed before the vehicle will run. This is expected behavior for that generation of replacement modules, not a fault.
Is the GT-R card a separate purchase from the base software?
Yes, GT-R coverage requires its own card layered on top of the standard Consult III Plus license.
Get the Nissan Consult 3 III diagnostic program or browse the Nissan Diagnostic Tools collection for compatible interfaces.