Accessport
User Guide 

Nissan GT-R

Product Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of the Accessport hand held programmer.  The Accessport is the industry leading OEM ECU flashing, managing, and monitoring assistant.  Unlock power hidden within the ECU by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations.  The result is impressive gains in torque and horsepower while maintaining a high degree of safety.  The Accessport can:

• Reprogram the factory engine control unit (ECU) with improved tuning parameters through the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port
• *Reprogram the factory transmission control module (TCM) with improved tuning parameters through the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port
• Monitor and log vehicle sensor data using on-screen digital gauges
• Read and clear engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• Measure 0-60mph, ¼ mile times
• *Transmission clutch gear learning
• *Transmission touch point adjustment & clutch capacities
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Learning
• Bank Air Learn to rebalance the airflow between the left and right intakes. 

*Available for AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 only.

Supported Part Numbers

• AP3-NIS-005
• AP3-NIS-006
• AP3-NIS-007
• AP3-NIS-008

In-Box Contents

Accessport Installation:

What Is A Map?

The Accessport reprograms the factory tuning parameters inside the engine control unit (ECU) using map files, which contain specially written instructions for the Accessport to follow during the reprogramming process. A map file can contain information for any number of different modifications or enhancements to a vehicle, ranging from a race map for heavily modified vehicles, to an economy map for a stock vehicle. Through the use of the Accessport and different map files the ECU can be reprogrammed to accommodate virtually any vehicle configuration.

Mounting Options

A universal 'sticky' mount is included with the Accessport. For the best results, we recommend installing the mount vertically, and preparing the mounting surface with the included alcohol wipe. 

• NOTE: It's important to note that not all surfaces provide a strong adhesive bond. 
• NOTE: The Accessport cradle is compatible with "Dual T" style mounts.

Pre-Installation

The Accessport comes with the most up-to-date software and map files available at the time of shipment. However, it is possible that updated software and/or map files have been made available since the time of shipment. Therefore, the recommended procedure is to connect the Accessport to the AP Manager software and download the latest firmware for the target vehicle. Please visit www.cobbtuning.com/apmanager to download AP Manager and to find a link for the AP Manager manual. 

If you have issues transferring maps or updating the Accessport while using USB 3.0 ports, please try using a USB 2.0 hub adapter. 

• NOTE: The Accessport is preloaded with a default set of maps for all cars that it supports.  This may include but is not limited to Stage1, Stage2, Stage3 (all octanes), Anti-theft, Economy, and Valet.  If you would like to view all maps available you can visit the Maps section of our website.

Screen Capture

Screenshots can be captured by holding down the [CANCEL] button for two seconds. Any stored screen captures can be retrieved by using Accessport Manager.

Customizable Startup Screen Setup

To change the Accessport's startup screen see tutorial here.

Getting Started

1. You will need the Accessport and OBD-II cable to perform the installation.  Insert the key into the vehicle’s ignition and leave it in the OFF position.  For keyless cars, make sure the vehicle is in the OFF state.

2. Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port.  Location of the OBD-II port may vary depending on the vehicle model.

3. Connect device to the OBD-II port. Plug the OBD-II cable into the OBD-II port under the dash of vehicle.  Then connect the small end of the OBD-II cable to the port on the bottom of the Accessport. 

4. Make sure the clasp on the OBD-II cable firmly engages with the port.

5. Press the START/STOP button twice with your foot OFF the brake pedal to turn on the ignition, but do not start the vehicle.

6. Select [Install] from the Accessport menu by pressing the [OK] button to proceed with installation.

                                                                                                                                                                         Accessport Buttons:

Standard Tuning vs SD (Speed Density) Tuning

Standard Tuning uses MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor for air flow calculations. COBB Tuning provides Off-The-Shelf (OTS) maps created using this calculation method.

SD (Speed Density) Tuning uses MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor for air flow calculations. Users who prefer the vehicle to be tuned by this method must either have the vehicle professionally tuned. The Accessport will not be pre-loaded with Speed Density maps.

Vehicle Identification

The Accessport will attempt to automatically determine the target vehicle for installation. Verify that the identified vehicle is correct and press [OK] to confirm.

If an error occurs:

Please refer to the Troubleshooting Section.

Map Selection

After the Accessport identifies the vehicle, it will present a list of maps. Maps that are not intended for the identified vehicle are displayed in gray. The Accessport will reprogram the ECU with the calibration data from the map selected for installation; this will become the base data for the ECU. To ensure the best performance, select the map that most closely matches the modification level of the vehicle.

If you are unsure about which map applies to your modification level, please visit the Maps section of the website and reference the map notes. You can find the map notes for each of our maps by clicking on your vehicle and choosing your intake type. The map notes will list the modification requirements for each map, average power gains, boost targets, along with other useful information.

Select a map and press [OK] to proceed with the installation.  If you wish to see a longer description for the highlighted map, press and hold the [OK] button on the desired map.  After reading the description, you can press [CANCEL] to go back to the map list or press [OK] to select that map and proceed with the installation.

What Is A Map?

The Accessport has the capability to reprogram the factory tuning parameters inside the engine control unit (ECU) and transmission control module (TCM) using map files.  Map files contain specially written instructions for the Accessport to follow during the reprogramming process. A map file can contain information for any number of different modifications or enhancements to a vehicle, ranging from a race map for heavily modified vehicles, to an economy map for a stock vehicle. Through the use of the Accessport and different map files the ECU can be reprogrammed to accommodate virtually any vehicle configuration.

Save Stock ECU/TCM Program Data

After confirming the map to be installed, the Accessport will download the current stock ECU/TCM data from the vehicle.  The Accessport saves this data for use during the uninstall process to ensure that the vehicle is completely returned to stock.  The download process will take a few minutes to complete.

Install Accessport Programming

With the stock ECU data saved, the Accessport will automatically proceed with installation to the vehicle.  At this point, the Accessport reprograms the vehicle's ECU with new program data and calibration parameters from the installation map file.  This process will take several minutes to complete.

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Flashing

TCM flashing is available on AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 part numbers.  Once "Install to TCM" is selected, follow the instruction to save stock TCM program data; it takes approximately 7 minutes to complete the operation. Press OK to continue with saving the stock data, or press CANCEL to skip the process.

After the Accessport downloads and saves the stock TCM program data, it will proceed with installation of TCM data to the vehicle. Choose from a list of TCM map options.

Installation Complete

Follow all on-screen prompts on the Accessport to complete the installation process. The Accessport is now fully installed and ready for use and the vehicle's ECU and TCM, if applicable, are now programmed with new calibration data. The Accessport does not need to be plugged into the vehicle for the calibration to be in effect. You can disconnect the Accessport at this time or leave it plugged in to use any of the many features outlined below.

Please note that the Accessport is designed to work with only one vehicle at a time. Once the Accessport is installed, it cannot be used with another vehicle until it is uninstalled from the original vehicle.

Accessport Features & Functionality

When you first select the Gauges function, you will be prompted to select an initial gauge layout. This layout can be changed at any time from the Change Gauge Layout menu.

Press the [Up] or [Down] button to bring up the header.  Then press the [Down] button to highlight the monitor you would like to interact with and press [OK].  You will then be presented with the following options.

You have the ability to display between 1 – 6 gauges in different preset formats.  The formats are as follows: 

Configure Shift Light

Press [OK] and using the [Up] and [Down] buttons, set the RPM to the desired level to have the shift light flash. Press [OK] to save the RPM you have selected. By default, the shift light RPM is set above the stock redline. This essentially disables the shift light since that RPM will not be reached. You will need to lower the shift light RPM to enable this feature. 

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for the Shift Light, where you will find the following options: 

Disable Shift Light – Disables the shift light function and removes the shift light from the gauges screen. 

• NOTE: When you initiate a datalog, the shift light will reappear to notify you that you are logging. 

Reset Shift Light – Resets the shift light back to the default value.

Configure Datalogging

0-60 MPH

To record the 0-60 MPH performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.

¼ Mile

To record the ¼ Mile performance, select this menu option and follow instructions. A time slip showing the performance results will be displayed at the end of the performance test.

Press [UP] to find the Setup option for Performance where you will find the option to Change Units.

Change Units

Imperial – This unit scheme uses imperial units: F, mph, PSI, AFR

Metric w/ AFR – This unit scheme uses metric units (excl. AFR): C, kph, kPA, AFR

Troubleshooting

Bank Air Learn (Non-SD Only)

Relearn and rebalance airflow between the left and right intake manifolds. For more information on Bank Air Learn functions, please refer to How To: Perform Bank Balance on GTR.

Memory Snapshot

Use this feature to save a snapshot of the current ECU memory state. This function is primarily for use by Tech Support for troubleshooting purposes. To take a Memory Snapshot, select Troubleshooting from the main menu. Then, scroll to “Memory Snapshot” and press the center button. You will then see the status bar. When this gets to 100%, the Snapshot is complete. You can then use AP Manager to transfer the file to your computer.

Memory Snapshot TCM

Use this feature to save a snapshot of the current TCM memory state. This function is primarily for use by Tech Support for troubleshooting purposes. To take a Memory Snapshot, select Troubleshooting from the main menu. Then, scroll to “Memory Snapshot” and press the center button. You will then see the status bar. When this gets to 100%, the Snapshot is complete. You can then use AP Manager to transfer the file to your computer.

Read Codes

Use this function to read trouble codes from the engine computer. Stored codes indicate a mechanical or electrical fault. Use the up/down buttons to highlight a code and display a short description of the trouble code (if available).

Reset ECU

Reset learning and clear codes from the ECU

NOTE:  Just like pulling the negative battery terminal to reset the ECU, this will clear out any stored compensations and optimizations made by the ECU (such as long term fuel trims). 

Identify Vehicle

Identifies the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

• For more details see - How To Identify Vehicle Rom Using an Accessport

TCM Service (AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 only)

Contains Clutch Gear Learn and Touch Point Adjust functions. For more information on TCM Service functions, please refer to TCM Adjustments.

TPMS Learning

TPMS Learning is used to register new TPMS sensors. For more information on TPMS Learning, please refer to TPMS Learning. 

I/M Readiness

Use this feature to read Inspection / Maintenance (I/M) test statuses of your vehicle. To read I/M, Select Troubleshooting from the main menu. Then, scroll to I/M Readiness. You will see an extensive list of readiness monitors.

Tune

Adjust LC RPM (AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 only)

This option can be found in the Available Adjustments menu and allows the Launch Control RPM to be adjusted. In order to use this feature, you must use a map created using Accesstuner v1.9.1.0-8151 (or newer). Simply opening your existing maps and re-saving them with this version of Accesstuner will suffice. To adjust Launch Control RPM, enter the Tune menu, select “Available Adjustments”, then select “Adjust LC RPM”. Press the OK button, then use the UP/DOWN arrows to raise or lower the LC RPM in increments of 100; press OK again to save your setting.

NOTE: Changing your ECU map or switching to a different map slot will reset your launch control RPM to the default settings.

NOTE: User adjustable Launch Control currently only supports LC4 and LC5.

Switch Traction Control

This option can be found in the Additional Adjustments menu and allows you to switch between a predetermined amount of slip. Traction Control adjustments are disabled by default and requires custom tuning via Accesstuner.

Change Map

To change the mapping on your ECU, select this menu option and follow the instructions. The ignition must be turned to the “ON” position during the Change Map operation. You will be prompted to select a pre-loaded map. The same warning that applies to the installation process applies here as well (battery charge level, turn accessories off, climate control turned off, etc.)

NOTE: If you wish to see a longer description for the highlighted map, press and hold the [OK] button on the desired map.

Change TCM Map (AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 only)

To change the mapping on your TCM, select this menu option and follow the instructions. The ignition must be turned to the “ON” position during the Change Map operation. You will be prompted to select a pre-loaded map. The same warning that applies to the installation process applies here as well (battery charge level, climate control turned off, turn accessories off, etc.)

TCM Adjustments (AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 only)

There are two TCM tools that are included in the AP3-NIS-006 and AP3-NIS-008 firmware.

• Run Clutch Gear Learning: This will run the gear learning for the transmission. To use this option the car and transmission fluid must be warmed up to at least 81 degrees Celsius. When running the transmission gear learning the transmission must be in Park and the engine at idle. The Clutch Gear learning is performed during any regular maintenance and when the TCM or transmission is replaced.

NOTE: Clutch gear learning can only be performed once in a drive cycle (the ignition switch ON->OFF->ON).
NOTE: If clutch gear learning can't be performed, turn the car off and then back on, and then perform the clutch gear learning again.

• Touch Point Adjust: This option in the Accessport will walk you through the process of setting the touch point values. The range for the touch points is -7 to +7. The factory sets the values all to 0. Touch point for each clutch is learned during the transmission learning process and trimmed/modified by the adjustments via the Accessport. The touch point is the point where the clutch starts to engage. This is used during accelerating from a stop. The capacitor alters the clamping force especially when it is fully engaged at full throttle.
  
  
• Clutch Torque Capacities:
  • 0: Initial setting
  • +1 to +7: Clutch capacity up 
  • -1 to -7: Clutch capacity down

If a shock or slip is large during gear shift and start-up, adjust the clutch capacity.

* Higher horsepower GT-Rs can eliminate unwanted clutch slip with a +2 or +3 level of Clutch Capacity.

Clutch Touch Points:

• 0: Initial setting
• +1 to +7: Move the clutch touch point closer 
• -1 to -7: Move the clutch touch point farther

In the event of strong creep power, poor start-up response, or excessive start-up shock, adjust the clutch touch point.

TPMS Learning

TPMS Learning is used to register new TPMS sensors, either from replacing existing sensors or new wheels. To use TPMS Learning you must have a TPMS registration tool that is compatible with the GTR.
For testing purposes we used: KTI-71999 from http://www.ktoolinternational.com/

TPMS Learning Process:

1. Turn key position to “On”.
2. Connect the Accessport to your vehicle’s OBD port and select “Tune.” Then go to “TPMS Learning.”
3. A prompt will appear with instructions on how to successfully program the vehicle’s TPM sensors. Press “OK” to get the process started.
4. After completing step 2 exit the vehicle with the Tire Pressure Positioning Sensor Tool. Start with the front driver side tire (front passenger for RHD cars). Point the rounded end of the device at the sensor through the tire (the sensor is located behind the tire on the valve stem). Then push the “Activation” button until the device beeps. The appropriate light should come on (315MHz for US and 434MHz for EU) notifying the sensor is set.
5. Verify the Accessport registered the tool’s activation of the sensor. This can be confirmed by checking if the Accessport says “OK!” next to the TPM sensor just programmed on its screen.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each tire working your way around the vehicle in a clockwise motion. It is important to note that the TPMS learning feature cannot be exited after starting. It will timeout after 3 minutes. If it does timeout during programming, the process will need to be restarted. The 3 minute timeout will reset after each sensor is registered to prevent any unwanted timeouts.
7. Once the final sensor is registered the process is complete. There may be variances in the amount of time pressure is actually displayed due to different TPM sensors. If readings are not instantly displayed on the GT-R gauges, some users may have to drive a few minutes before pressures are identified.
   
   

Restore OTS Map

Select this option to Restore COBB Off-The-Shelf Maps that have been deleted from the Accessport. 

Show Current Map

To see the last map that was flashed to your car, select this menu option. You can press the [OK] button to see a detailed description of the map.

• ECU Reflash: Last map loaded via “Change ECU Map” option during Change Map.
• TCM Reflash: Last map loaded via “Change TCM Map” option during Change Map.

Accessport Troubleshooting 

Technical Support Contact Information

Environmental Information

Operating and Storage Temperatures

The Accessport is designed to be operated at temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C) and with a relative humidity below 90%. Using the Accessport outside of these recommendations may result in damage.

The Accessport is thermally protected and will not function if the temperature reaches extremely high levels. If the Accessport is not booting up correctly or the screen does not show everything correctly, turn the device off and move it to a cooler environment temporarily.

When storing the Accessport, do so in a place where temperature is always between 0° and 115° F (-18° and 46° C) and a relative humidity below 90%.

Never store your Accessport in an area that receives direct sunlight.

Do Not Get Wet

Take care to prevent any liquids from coming in contact with the Accessport or any associated equipment.

If your Accessport or any associated equipment gets wet, professional repair may be required. In such cases, please contact Technical Support BEFORE attempting to the use the Accessport.

Handling and Storage

Your Accessport may be damaged by improper storage or handling. Be careful not to drop your Accessport or any associated parts.
Never store your Accessport in an area that experiences any noticeable levels of vibration, static electricity, heat shock, or excessive swings in relative humidity.

Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself

Never attempt to open your Accessport or any associated equipment. Doing so puts the components at risk of damage from, but not limited to, static shock. No user-serviceable parts are inside. At no time will ANY authorized representative of COBB Tuning, Inc. ask you to open or mechanically/electronically alter the Accessport.

Opening the Accessport will void any and all warranties for the device and its operation.