Many Nissan Frontier owners, especially those with models from the late 1990s and early 2000s, might encounter unexpected challenges when using an OBD scanner. It’s a common assumption that any vehicle with an OBD-II port should readily communicate with a standard OBD scanner. However, for certain Nissan Frontier years, this isn’t always straightforward due to the presence of two distinct Data Link Connectors (DLCs).
For Nissan Frontier models manufactured around 1998, 1999, and early 2000, you’ll find not just the typical 16-pin OBD-II connector under the dashboard, but also a 14-pin connector located inside the vehicle, often near the fuse box. This 14-pin connector is designed for Nissan’s proprietary “Consult” scan tool system, which was used before OBD-II became fully standardized across all vehicle systems.
The confusion arises because while these Frontiers do have an OBD-II port (the 16-pin connector), it might not function as expected with all OBD scanners, especially when trying to access systems beyond basic OBD-II diagnostics. The vehicle’s diagnostic communication system for deeper analysis, especially with older scan tools, might be primarily routed through the 14-pin “Consult” connector.
Therefore, if you are using an OBD scanner on a Nissan Frontier from these model years and are experiencing communication problems or limited functionality, it’s crucial to be aware of this dual DLC setup. Many standard OBD-II scanners are designed to connect to the 16-pin port and operate in OBD-II mode. For comprehensive diagnostics on these older Nissan Frontiers, you might need to use a scanner that is compatible with the Nissan “Consult” protocol and utilize the 14-pin connector.
It’s important to note that even within the 2000 model year, Nissan implemented a change in the data link connector system mid-production. Vehicles produced later in 2000 might have a more standardized OBD-II system through the 16-pin connector. This change likely occurred around VIN sequence 3xx,xxx, but verifying your specific vehicle’s build date and documentation is always recommended for definitive confirmation.
In conclusion, when working with an OBD scanner on a Nissan Frontier, particularly models from 1998 to early 2000, remember to check for both the 16-pin OBD-II connector and the 14-pin “Consult” connector. If you encounter communication issues using the OBD-II port, especially for in-depth diagnostics, your vehicle might require connection through the 14-pin “Consult” connector, possibly necessitating a scan tool that supports the Nissan Consult protocol. Understanding this dual system is key to effectively diagnosing and troubleshooting issues on these specific Nissan Frontier models.
