AUTO ACTIVE TEST OVERVIEW

Every Nissan and Infiniti ESM for the 2016 model year (except Rogue) includes the AUTO ACTIVE TEST. So, you might wonder what it is, what sections you can find it in, and why you might want to know about it.

Simply put, when you activate the AUTO ACTIVE TEST, the intelligent power distribution module in the engine room (IDPM E/R) sends a drive signal to a number of vehicle systems to check their operation. The systems that are checked varies from model to model and may include:.

  • Front wiper (LO/HI)
  • Rear wiper
  • Parking lamps
  • License plate lamps
  • Tail lamp
  • Side marker lamp
  • Head lamp (LO/HI)
  • Front fog lamp
  • Daytime running lights
  • A/C compressor (magnet clutch)
  • Cooling fan (LO/HI)
  • Oil pressure warning lamp
  • Rear window defogger

You will need to check the model specific ESM for the exact systems that Auto Active Test will check on the model you’re working on.

For the examples used in this article, we’ll use the Q50, but the test works the same in all vehicles with slight differences as to what systems are checked.

As you might guess, you’ll find the Auto Active Test in the EXL, HAC, PCS, and WW sections of the ESM for the vehicle you are working on. In the PCS section, it’ll be located near the front, usually somewhere between pages 8 and 11.

STARTING THE AUTO
ACTIVE TEST

Before starting the AUTO ACTIVE TEST, be sure you DO NOT have CONSULT-III plus connected, the passenger door open, or the wiper arms raised. If the CONSULT-III plus is connected or the passenger door is open, the test will not start.

CAUTION
  • It’s also a good idea to pour water on the windshield glass to help prevent surface damage when the wipers operate. Be sure the vehicle remains stationary while the auto active test runs.
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    NOW, LEAVE THE DRIVER’S DOOR OPEN AND FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

    1. Turn the ignition OFF.
    2. Turn the ignition ON, and within 20 seconds, press the driver door switch 10 times and then turn the ignition OFF.
    3. Turn the ignition back ON within 10 seconds. The horn sounds once and the auto active test starts.
    4. The oil pressure warning lamp also starts blinking when the auto active test starts.

    WHEN THE AUTO ACTIVE TEST STARTS ON THE Q50, SYSTEMS WILL OPERATE IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

    1. Front wiper motor operates on LO for five seconds, and then HI for five seconds.
    2. Parking lamps, license plate lamp, tail lamps, side marker lamps, and front fog lamps illuminate for 10 seconds.
    3. Headlamps illuminate on Low Beam for 10 seconds, and then High Beam ON and OFF five times.
    4. A/C compressor clutch engages and disengages five times.
    5. Cooling fan starts up on LO for five seconds, and then HI for five seconds.
    6. After all systems are run though their tests, auto active test will repeat the checks two more times for a total of three times. If you don’t need to let the auto active test run the full course, you can cancel it anytime by turning the ignition OFF.

    CONCLUSIONS AFTER THE TEST

    The main reason for this test is to confirm that the drivers inside the IPDM E/R are functioning. This test eliminates other components (switches, ECM, etc.) and operates these systems with just the IPDM E/R and the wiring to the component. If all systems operate as described, then the IPDM E/R is OK.

    If there is an issue with one of the systems operated by this test, a wiring diagram, a little logic, and some observation during this test may help isolate the cause.

    For example (using the diagram above):

    • If the AUTO ACTIVE TEST STARTS UP, you know the CAN line between the BCM and the IPDM E/R is good.
    • If the A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH DOES NOT OPERATE DURING THE TEST, the cause could be the IPDM E/R, the compressor clutch, or the wiring between.