Programming Patch Pros/Cons

[troubadour]

I have modified my Z in a few ways, one of which causes the warning panel light (that bright orange display on the left of the dash) to shine like crazy and present a "SHIFT^" error message. I know why it does that, and don't want to mechanically reverse what I did to cause it. But it wears down the battery, and getting that ugly thing (battery) out of there is really a pain.

SO: Is it possible to find a shop with some expertise or utilize some other method of getting into the programming of the computer and patching it so that warning goes away? And if so, what are the pros and cons?

[SouthArk370Z]

Interesting question. Subscribed.

What did you disconnect to trip the alarm? We may be able to figure out how to duplicate the missing signal.

[troubadour]

I've modified the shift knob so that it doesn't require pushing on either the brake or the button on the knob itself in order to shift through the gears (you do have to push the brake to initially shift it out of Park just after starting the car, but that's the only time).

So when I put the car away, the computer thinks it isn't in Park when I shut it off (even though it is).

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by troubadour

I've modified the shift knob so that it doesn't require pushing on either the brake or the button on the knob itself in order to shift through the gears (you do have to push the brake to initially shift it out of Park just after starting the car, but that's the only time).

So when I put the car away, the computer thinks it isn't in Park when I shut it off (even though it is).

Ah. You should be able to put a switch in parallel (or series, depends on how things are wired) with the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. Switch in one position for normal operation; flip switch and car thinks you are always in park/neutral.

The FSMs are an invaluable resource when doing mods. You can download the FSMs in the Nissan 370Z Owners Manual / Service Manuals section of the forums.

[troubadour]

Hmm - great idea. I checked the link, and didn't see an FSM (assume that means "Factory Service Manual") for the 2012. But I also noted another comment that there were few differences between the 2011/2012 models and the 2011 will probably do, then - so I'll download that.

(I also noted that you could get the 2012 FSM from Nissan.com, but don't think I'll bother getting an "acocunt" over there if the 2011 will give me the info I need.)

Sure appreciate the help.

I love not having to push on the brake or that dorky shift knob button, but just shift gears whenever I want to. And when the day comes that I decide to sell the car, I already have a replacement knob ready on the shelf; it's a 30-second job to replace my modified version with the new non-modified knob and bingo - everything's back to normal.

Thanks.

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by troubadour

I checked the link, and didn't see an FSM (assume that means "Factory Service Manual") for the 2012. But I also noted another comment that there were few differences between the 2011/2012 models and the 2011 will probably do, then - so I'll download that.
Thanks.

As far as I can tell (but I haven't really looked), there aren't many electrical changes since 2009. Just make sure to double-check pin locations within connectors and wire colors.

You may be able to find the 2012 FSMs online. I did a Q&D search and didn't find it, but you may have better luck (or be more motivated to dig deeper ).

You are welcome. You now have to help someone else.

[troubadour]

I have an A/T model coupe. I read through sections of the FSM (I found the 2012 manual on the same download link as the 2011). I can't tell if that switch is underneath the car or in the center console/shifter area. Do you know?

It seems there miust be an actual switch in the console/shifter area even if there is a switch underneath on the transmission, but I'm not sure. The transmission definitely goes into "Park" position when you shift it there, but I'm not sure where the switch is. I think there must be a switch other than on the transmision because the transmission really IS in "Park" and if that were all there were to it, the signal should be getting sent. So I'm theorizing a switch of some kind in the console/shifter area that has been defeated by my mechanical modification.

[SouthArk370Z]

Finding stuff in the FSMs can be a real PITA.

According to TM-10 of the 2009 FSMs, the PNP switch is on the right side of the transmission, near the rear.

There is also a "Control Device (Detention Switch)" on the side of the shifter (I can't tell which side). See SEC-13 of 2009 FSMs.

I haven't had time to look at the wiring diagrams, yet. Will do later.

[troubadour]

There are two ways I can imagine (not that there might be more I can't) it works: 1] The movement of the lever into "Park" physically puts the transmission into park and depresses the control rod down to the transmission - which in turn kicks in the PNP switch and tells the system "I'm in Parking gear" (this seems the most likely as I contemplate it) and 2] There might be some switch in the console/shift itself.

But if the connector for the PNP switch is in the center console area, that's all I'd need.

I noted these sections of the FSM that might be helpful, although they don't seem to tell one where things are physically:

EC - "P0850 PNP SWITCH"
IP - "Center Console Assmebly"
SEC - "B2604 and B2605 PNP Switch"
TM - "Park/Neutral Position Switch"

[SouthArk370Z]

I have a busy afternoon and evening coming up and will not have much time to look through the manuals until late tonight.

You may be able to find it on your own. Adobe Reader has an Advanced Search under the Edit menu that I use a lot. Put all the FSMs in a folder and select that folder after clicking "All PDF Documents in" at the top of the Advanced Search window. Then you can search all the FSMs at once. The search does not work with wiring diagrams (apparently they are pics, and don't contain any text).

[troubadour]

I'll see what I can find. Thanks.

[SouthArk370Z]

I've been able to look through the TM (transmission) and STR (starting system) 2009 FSMs. Lot's of good info, but haven't seen anything that would cause the SHIFT^ indicator to come on, much less stay lit. Will look through some of the engine sections as I get time.

Exactly what mods did you make?

If you just want to bypass the mechanical lockout (controlled by brake lamp switch), you should be able to keep the override (small button next to the shift lever and emergency flasher button) engaged. Without eyeballing it, I'm not sure exactly how to do that, but you should be able to "tape it down" at the plunger.
Or apply ignition power to the lockout coil.
At this point, I'm not 100% sure that something else won't interfere, but it looks like it should work. I haven't seen an output from the lockout, so it shouldn't interfere.

You seem to be aware of the risks, but:
Disclaimer: you will be tampering with a safety feature. Do so at your own risk. Not responsible for damages, injuries, or pregnant cats.