How to identify Premium stereo in Pathfinder?

[Pathfinderer]

I just bought a 2003 Pathfinder LE. I want to change the battery, but I am concerned I would lose the stereo functionality if I break the power circuit. I know I can change the battery with jumpers and keep it 'live', but I would really rather not try that. I would rather know if I need a code to be entered after a power interruption, that I can get it ahead of time, before disconnecting the battery. I called the dealer and was told it might be a premium based on the LE model, but they couldn't offer more than that. They also said I had to call Nissan corporate to get the code should I need one. How do I identify the stereo I have in the truck? I see no Bose on the speakers or face of stereo?

[Rogue One]

2003 Nissan Pathfinder

LE ($31,099) adds leather upholstery, a power sunroof, side-impact and side-curtain air bags, eight-way power for the driver's seat, four-way power for the passenger, halogen fog lights, 150-watt Bose audio with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 mud-and-snow tires, running boards rather than step bars, roof rack cross bars, wood-tone trim, automatic temperature controls, Homelink universal transceiver, a cargo net and retractable cargo cover. Body-color mirrors and splash guards help distinguish the LE from the black-trimmed SE.

The new Dynamic Control Package ($749) includes the Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor system. Satellite navigation ($1,999) is available for LE models and a mobile entertainment system is available with DVD ($1599) or VHS ($1299).

Standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer; available Bose audio system (standard on LE).

Bose audio system is standard on LE.

[Pathfinderer]

Thank you Rogue One! Looks like I must have the 'premium' stereo. Glad I know before replacing the battery...
I will have to jump through a bunch of hoops and get the code.

Does anyone know the process to get the radio code? I was hoping it wold be like most other cars where the vin is enough, bu the dealer says it has to come from Nissan corporate, and they were not willing to get it for me. I heard from one source that on the Pathfinder the radio needs to be pulled out? Sounds a little difficult to get a simple code...

[Blindaviator]

I have read on other sites that Nissan provides the code with new cars and many new owners include the small card in the manual for safe keeping. Did you check there to see if it is included?

[Mike W.]

Hmmm. So the Bose double din with 6CD changer that came in the trunk of my '03 QX4 (Sony with bluetooth currently installed) would need a code to install and be operational?

[Rogue One]

2003 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Manual

If they gave you the original owners manual, check to see if a previous owner may have written down the code. Also check the glovebox for a sticker with six numbers printed on it. There's a long shot that the code sticker could be on the back of the radio as well. Failing that, afaik the dealership should be able to retrieve the code based on your VIN without calling corporate. If that dealership doesn't want to cooperate, I'd try a different one. You'll most likely have to go in person to prove ownership, as they won't give it out to some random caller on the phone.

Of course there's always Plan B: replace it with something better.

BTW, saying your vehicle has a BOSE system is a bit of a misnomer. This topic came up awhile back in the Rogue Forum as generally people were unimpressed with the sound system. The overall system was designed by BOSE engineers to Nissan's specifications. By and large the individual components are not made by BOSE, which helps explain why you couldn't find their nameplate.

[EdBwoy]

That seems quite complicated, and I understand why you intend to source the code ahead of time.

Take this for what it's worth: I've removed and installed OEM head units in many Nissan and Infiniti vehicles ranging from 1994 to 2006. Never have I ever had to use a radio code after power interruption.
* Including experience with the two 2002 Infiniti QX4s we owned.

The only time I needed one was for a 99 Honda Civic. I called the dealership with my VIN and someone searched and called me back promptly with the code.

[Pathfinderer]

Thank you far all of the input. In the case of my 2003 Pathfinder at the start of this thread, I did look through the manual and looked for a sticker in the glovebox, no code. On my earlier Volvos that needed a code, I would always write it on a piece of that metal HVAC tape and stick it in the glovebox so it would always be there. For the pathfinder I contacted and asked the original/previous owner if he still had the code, and he told me he has had the battery out before, and never needed a code.....
So while I have not yet replaced the battery, I don't think I will need a code for my unit.

[Pathfinderer]

I thought I would this as well. I read that if there is a radio code needed, you can get a adapter to hook up a 9 volt battery and plug it into the cigarette lighter to keep enough power going to the radio to keep the presets and code. I think it would be pretty easy to cut off an old 12 volt cig plug and make your own...
It also occurred to me that you could use a jump pack clipped on the battery cables to keep juice flowing while changing a battery....

[QX4ME]

My 02 QX4 window sticker says it has Bose 150 Watts 6 Disk audio system, and I assume it is the same as in the same year Pathfinders.

I replaced batteries a few times, no problem. I don't even know there is a code for it.

[MisterH]

Rest easy. None of BOSE designed audio head units Nissan used featured anti-theft codes.