Replace BOSE head unit with DOUBLE DIN receiver (pics) 02-04

[mkmk]

I know this topic was on forum couple time, but this my two cents.

I like original stereo system on my Pathfinder, but lack of aux input for iPod/iPhone and MP3 bring me to idea to put something newest.

Goal: replace 6-disk BOSE head unit on 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum Edition but keep original door speakers and sterling wheel remote functions.

DOUBLE DIN receiver
Kenwood DNX5120
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JkwcrPYL5v ... X5120.html
Why this one? Looks good, has everything what I need, plus got good deal…
This is discontinued model, current one is DNX5160.

BOSE to Aftermarket head unit adapter
Nissan/Infiniti Factory Integration Adapter
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4NN03/ ... apter.html
$40.00

Or
PAC SOEM-4 4-Channel Radio Replacement/Retention Interface
http://www.discountcarstereo.com//detail.aspx?ID=753
$33.00
plus
Peripherals SVHNI2 1995-06 Nissan/Infiniti Harness for SVEN4
http://www.discountcarstereo.com//detail.aspx?ID=755
$10.00

Sterling wheel remote adapter
PAC SWIJACK Steering Wheel Remote Interface
http://www.amazon.com/PAC-SWIJACK-Steer ... B000P7CD44
$36.00

Antenna Adapter
Nissan Antenna Adapter
Diversity antenna to Motorola female (and male)
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12040NI10/ ... apter.html
$13.00

Prices was found on Internet by quick search, if you know better, please post links. Alway look on eBay for better deals.

I thought that original Bose speakers and amp will be problem, but they not.
Current problem is to find plastic dash kit to fit double din unit in not rectangular opening on 02-04 Pathfinder.
Looks like nobody make it, on market kits for single din players only.

Extra parts for Kenwood receiver

Kenwood KCA-iP300V
iPod connecting cable for USB-equipped Kenwood DVD receivers
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113IP300V/ ... =120&avf=N
$30.00

Kenwood Oversized Trim Ring for DDX and DNX Double Din
$12.00 on eBay

[shelby500krz]

I can't speak for an 04 but I replaced my 01 Bose head unit with a sony head unit. It was simple unplugged the old radio. Got a wiring harness from best buy. Went to connect the back of the radio to the harness based off of color and blew a fuse. Replaced the fuse and realized the wires are not color coded did it the right way and works fine. I used electrical tape and nothing else and it has worked fine for 2 or 3 years now. I recently got the PAC steering interface, haven't installed it yet, but it seems really simple.

[mkmk]

I can't speak for an 04 but I replaced my 01 Bose head unit with a sony head unit. It was simple unplugged the old radio. Got a wiring harness from best buy. Went to connect the back of the radio to the harness based off of color and blew a fuse. Replaced the fuse and realized the wires are not color coded did it the right way and works fine. I used electrical tape and nothing else and it has worked fine for 2 or 3 years now. I recently got the PAC steering interface, haven't installed it yet, but it seems really simple.

I thought same way, but what people tell about Bose system:
"Because the Bose stereo in the Pathfinder uses spekers with weird impedences, build-in amp on front and separated amp for rear ones in cargo, I it not right just replace the headunit, like you can with most cars. Rather, you need to replace the speakers too."

[shelby500krz]

Yah that is what I had though too. So when I had the head unit I figured why not try and see if it works. I have been using stock speakjers and amps. Last week I swapped the stock speakers for some Alpine's, still using the stock amps. I wanted to put a new amp in thinking that I would get some better sound quality, but someone talked me out of it by saying that with the current setup I could already make the speakers staticky by raising the volume, thus reaching the max watts for the speakers so using an aftermarket amp would have little no affect and basically would be pointless to do.

[Towncivilian]

When I was using an aftermarket head unit with stock Bose speakers, there was a line output converter for the speaker wiring to maintain compatibility with the Bose speakers' stock amplifiers. After getting another head unit and completely new speakers, I just bypassed the factory amps' connectors using some soldering and things are fine.

[mkmk]

More info http://www.fuzzycats.com/docs/bose_replacement.pdf

[mkmk]

I asked customer service on popular site Crutchfield about installation Kenwood DNX5120/5160, adapters and dash kit and got quick respond:

"In answer to your question about purchasing a new in-dash navigation receiver for your 2004 Nissan Pathfinder LE, a double DIN receiver like the Kenwood DNX5160 will not fit due to the opening in your vehicle. The dash opening does not match the necessary space needed for the receiver - it's too large and we do not currently offer a double DIN dash kit for your vehicle. I wish I had better news there."

I removed original Bose unit, measure it and compare with DNX5120, Kenwood is SMALLER.

FYI: Bose/Clarion PN-2543N 7” wide, 4 3/4" high and 6 3/8" deep.

I installed Kenwood using original two piece frame from Bose unit (you don't need Kenwood sleeve) and 3 screws on each side instead on original 4, see pictures below.

[mkmk]

Removing fan grills w/clock (no screws, two clips, one connector)



Only two screws and three connectors on top to take dash cover down

[mkmk]

Sorry, other pictures from iPhone



Connections on the back of Bose unit



Cables



Antenna



And finally new unit installed

[asnorton44]

So who made the dash surround for your unit?

[mkmk]

As you can see the dash opening is much bigger that face of receiver, approx. 3/8" on top, 1/4" on bottom, 3/4" on the left and 1/2"-1" on the right.
I will try to put Kenwood oversized trim to cover this space.
The dimensions of the trim are approx. 9-7/8" wide x 5-7/8" high outer, and 6-3/4" wide x 3-7/8" high inner (inner dimensions are standard double din opening).

[mkmk]

So who made the dash surround for your unit?

Good question...
I can't find dash kit for double din unit on 02-04 Pathfinder LE or 02-03 QX4.

[asnorton44]

So who made the dash surround for your unit?

Good question...
I can't find dash kit for double din unit on 02-04 Pathfinder LE or 02-03 QX4.

Ha nevermind I didn't look closely enough to see you don't have a surround yet. As far as I know no kit is made. Some people modify the single-din kit.

[mkmk]

... Some people modify the single-din kit.

Good idea.

[mkmk]

Took this one

and after cutting, cutting and cutting...

[mkmk]

[mkmk]

Now ready to spend another $120 for adapters.

[asnorton44]

Clean

[EsotericImage]

I just bought an 02 and the "all highs/no lows-must be Bose" stereo sucks. too muddy. Now ive heard good and bad on the signal processors. Which way do i go?

[GoldenR50]

I just bought an 02 and the "all highs/no lows-must be Bose" stereo sucks. too muddy. Now ive heard good and bad on the signal processors. Which way do i go?

basically ur gonna have to tear the car apart and rip out everything stock audio...and replace it if you want to get rid of the crap bose sound. something to do with the wack impedance used by bose amps that are attached to every speaker.

[funnyman82]

so just to clarify, did you have to switch out speakers in order for this new head unit to work?
i want to upgrade to a simple head unit that allows me to connect my iphone into it via aux.
thx.

[mkmk]

so just to clarify, did you have to switch out speakers in order for this new head unit to work?
i want to upgrade to a simple head unit that allows me to connect my iphone into it via aux.
thx.

No, you need BOSE to Aftermarket head unit adapter (Nissan/Infiniti Factory Integration Adapter) see first message, to keep original Bose speakers with aftermarket radio.

[EsotericImage]

so just to clarify, did you have to switch out speakers in order for this new head unit to work?
i want to upgrade to a simple head unit that allows me to connect my iphone into it via aux.
thx.

No, you need BOSE to Aftermarket head unit adapter (Nissan/Infiniti Factory Integration Adapter) see first message, to keep original Bose speakers with aftermarket radio.

^^

I saw that on crutchfield.. Im wondering if it will sound better then the OE headunit? I saw the tweeter mod, so that will help.

Im just wondering if i should get a 5 ch amp and replace all the speakers.. or If this Factory Integration Adapter will clean up the muddy Bose sound.

[mkmk]

I saw that on crutchfield.. Im wondering if it will sound better then the OE headunit? I saw the tweeter mod, so that will help.

Im just wondering if i should get a 5 ch amp and replace all the speakers.. or If this Factory Integration Adapter will clean up the muddy Bose sound.

Some people think that's enough.
I am not audiophile, I replaced Bose with more functional unit and hope it will sound better.
Looks like I will get all parts tomorrow and try to install on this week. See then...

[EsotericImage]

Ok, after a little research I found that the Metra Power Wire #70-7551 uses the high output RCA jacks from the headunit to connect to the Bose amps. This would provide higher power to the amps. There is an Amp Ground Wire on the harness that must be grounded for the amps to turn on.

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-Amplifier-I ... =1-2-fkmr0
I like this route over the scosche integration adapter that uses flimsy pots to adjust speaker level input and alot of people have broken this piece of overpriced garbage pic'd below.

[mkmk]

DONE !!!

[Ron Burgundy]

You had no problem getting audio?

I'm hooking mine up right now as well and cannot get any sound for the life of me. All of my connections are correct...

[EsotericImage]

Looks great!


EDIT~ Ron.. did u have any extra wires? usually from what ive read is theres an Amp grounding wire that needs to be grounded for the amps to work.

[mkmk]

Ok, after a little research I found that the Metra Power Wire #70-7551 uses the high output RCA jacks from the headunit to connect to the Bose amps. This would provide higher power to the amps. There is an Amp Ground Wire on the harness that must be grounded for the amps to turn on.

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-Amplifier-I ... =1-2-fkmr0
I like this route over the scosche integration adapter that uses flimsy pots to adjust speaker level input and alot of people have broken this piece of overpriced garbage pic'd below.

I bought second one, don't need to adjust level on it. Below is my order.

Kenwood KCA-iP300V 2007 USB iPod Video Control Interface 29.99
Nissan Antenna Adapter Diversity antenna to Motorola M & F 12.99
OEM Amplifier Integration v.4 94-up Nissan/Infiniti 39.99
NISS PATHFINDER 01- MS 0.00
Refer a Friend Offer 0.00
FREE Crutchfield Guide: Peripherals Installation 0.00
Airbag Fact Sheet Crutchfield Air Bag Fact Sheet 0.00
Current Crutchfield Catalog Car Bounce Back 0.00
Envelope barcode Outgoing packages 0.00
CExchange Promo Sheet 0.00
Sub Total: $82.97
Shipping: FREE
Total: $82.97

[mkmk]

You had no problem getting audio?

I'm hooking mine up right now as well and cannot get any sound for the life of me. All of my connections are correct...

No problem with sound.