So it's finally time to replace my stock headunit

[Freeze Time]

The 2nd button fell off which is no big deal but then the cassette stopped working and the volume knob is starting to all of a sudden get really loud and usually, all I had to do was slowly turn it down but now it's just getting stuck on a very high volume. The AM is terrible most likely due to not having an antenna and no aux means I can't listen to my ipod or phone.

I called some places and one of them said he has all the proper hookups for the bose system and can give me a decent HU and installation for around $115. Anyone I need to watch out for or make sure I get to make sure he installs it properly and no sound quality is lost? Is $115 a lie for a decent HU and installation? 1 guy quoted me $225, one place wouldn't give me an estimate since I did not have a head unit in mind and another place told me they would need to order the bose parts and installation alone would be $120. Anyone else go through the same thing recently? Thoughts??

[Hawairish]

There's not really any "proper" Bose items per se...it's a pretty standard installation.

See here for parts: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/ ... /?p=747848

$115 sounds pretty good, but you should try to determine what features you want before picking a unit. Bluetooth (phone or music streaming), AUX input, MP3 playback, CD/DVD playback, USB ports, amp pre-outs (for building out the stereo in the future), security features (integrated alarm, detachable face, etc.). These are the core features that dictate price.

You should take a look at Crutchfield, even if you have no intention of buying from them. One thing that's nice about them is that they'll include all the instructions and accessories you need to DIY. But they're also very thorough on product descriptions, specs, pictures, and notes. Find one you like and explore your options there or elsewhere.

Also, you're not limited to a double-DIN headunit, btw. If you go with a single-DIN, you can fill the space with a pocket for a little extra storage: http://www.courtesyparts.com/oe-nissan/6847535f00. It bolts right into the existing OEM brackets on your radio (do not let your installer toss these even if they use an aftermarket bracket/kit!) If you search eBay, you can also find cupholders, trays, blanks and whatnot (stick with Nissan parts, not universals) to fit that area.

[Freeze Time]

Thanks. I mostly just want the AUX and blu tooth and able to play CD's. I already have an alarm so I don't need one of those. I don't mind a single din as it is cheaper. The one place I am considering says they have the best prices in Orange County and will make sure I leave satisfied. I will check out crutchfield. I actually did learn how to install car stereos when I was 18 but I am now 34 so I don't remember anything now as I haven't installed one since 18. There are holiday specials right now so I am sure I will get a good deal.

[fatman023]

I just put in a pioneer head unit: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... H-X9600BHS

More than $115 though. Solid deck. I went whole hog though. New amp & speakers (plus steering unit adapter and wiring up and down).

Sounds bloody amazing though...

[Freeze Time]

That's more than I want to spend Fatman and I don't need a new amp or speakers. System still sounds great but the HU is just falling apart. The $115 includes installation too according to him over the phone so I will see when I go there in person tomorrow.

[Karona]

$115 is an amazing price if everything is done properly:

- Dashkit so there isn't a gaping hole in your center console
- Bose amplifier integration (You're pretty much always going to suffer quality loss in some shape or form)
---- I believe a line out converter can help you maintain the volume your used to..
- That's about all I can remember being particularly important, especially if it's not going to have rearview cam, and video capability, etc..

As for installing it yourself, it's really not too difficult, I was surprised at how easily I installed a headunit into my own '98 QX4, the hardest part was removing the existing brackets from the BOSE headunit because they were REALLY in there and I grinded a screw a bit :'(

But again, for $115, you can't go wrong..

[Hawairish]

This is what I went with:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... MVH-X560BT

I stopped putting extra money into stereos long ago (used to run a lot of Pioneer Premier systems), so this was a very inexpensive low frills HU with plenty of features, single-DIN, 3 sets of pre-outs, and is marketed as a "digital media" player because it lacks a disc drive (less parts, less price), which means it also has a very shallow installation depth. Has rear USB and AUX inputs (includes cables and can charge via USB). Has Bluetooth, iPhone/iPod music playback and control, and includes the mic which I ran to the overhead console. The HU has enough EQ settings to improve the sound image. You can even customize the color to match the interior lights, or any color really.

I used all the items I mentioned in my previous link/post. The Scosche unit at full level puts out a nice sound level with stock speakers. Didn't require a dash kit. Supports the factory steering wheel controls with an optional unit.

If you can remember anything from your teens regarding radio installs, nothing has changed since. Everything's color coded. You can crimp the harness adapter to the HU harness before even starting your install, then everything is seriously plug and play.

Here it is with a Nissan storage pocket and USB/AUX pod from eBay:



And another with a radio-delete panel that I modified to have a GPS mount, voltmeter, dual USB charging points, and the USB/AUX pod:

[Freeze Time]

^^^Thanks for that. I kind of just want it all done at once. I don't really want to have to order the proper kits and adapters, buy the correct tools and then hope I install it right. I just came back from the guy that quoted me $115. Turns out that was for a used Pioneer with aux, cd and usb but no blu tooth. He said the best he could do with blu tooth was an Apline(I think also used)for $180 installed. At first he tried to sell me a double din for $320 installed lol. He kept lowering prices but I told him I wanted blu tooth and he said he can't go any lower than $180. Still, this guy was cheaper than all the other places I called. I have 2 other places in mind within the distance I want to drive.

[pdcinc]

Recently installed Pioneer 8100NEX, I really like it. Pics here.

are-2003-qx4-seats-identical-to-pathfinder-t604691.html

[Hawairish]

You should definitely take a look at Crutchfield then. When you buy a stereo (or other qualifying products), they include all the harnesses/adapters you need for free (the Scosche unit they'll sell you for half price), plus they include very detailed instructions on how to take apart your dash and install the radio. On top of that, they will support with vehicle-specific details if have any questions. It'll be cheaper than going through whatever person was willing to install a used deck (which is weird to me). Don't forget that they warranty the products. Paying a little extra for the HU through them is usually worth it in the long run.

[Freeze Time]

They include all the tools too? My AM will improve with any CD player I get right? It's terrible right now.

[Hawairish]

No tools included, but they do sell some. But really, you just need a way to splice together the aftermarket harnesses and Scosche unit together (crimper, soldering iron, or tool-less connectors), a Phillips screwdriver, and something to pry the dash bezels off.

You can buy a cheap crimper/stripper kit from your local auto parts store or Harbor Freight. It's a very simple process.

Your AM signal may or may not change, hard to say without knowing why it's weak in the first place.

[Freeze Time]

I'm not sure if I even have an am antenna. My friend told me I didn't.

[Hawairish]

Nah, like I said, it's built into the factory windshield. You've got the mast on the passenger fender, but the windshield has a "printed" antenna on it (that line in the middle of the windshield). Both are wired to the same antenna cable that plugs into the radio.

If you check out the FSM, Electrical chapter, you'll see what I mean under the Audio Antenna section. That's why I was saying that a replacement windshield could be the problem of it doesn't have the antenna on it.

Of course, I'm not sure how much of a difference it really makes...

[Freeze Time]

Oh wow so is there anyway to fix that? The AM is pretty much unbearable to listen to most of the time. The higher stations tend to come in better but the sports ones I listen to are always mostly noisey and I have to let off the accelerator to hear any people talking most of the time.

I called Best Buy and they wanted $120 just for the installation. I was quoted $110 plus tax at Frys for everything but the guy on the phone didn't speak English really well so I have no idea what HU he quoted me or if he fully understood the Bose system.

[Hawairish]

It sounds like you've got some engine noise...typically indicative of a bad ground. But since you indicated some other gremlins in the HU, it could just be another failure of it.

So how is your comfort level on DIY'ing this? Again, the detailed instructions ("Master Sheets) you'd get from Crutchfield really are great (and vehicle-specific). Check the video here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-U8u3bW9nAC ... Sheet.html. I've done many installs since, but the very first install I ever did was in my late teens and with the guidance of the Master Sheets.

What other concerns might you have? There's plenty of experience here to guide you through, you know. I'll even throw this out there: if you're willing to mail the harnesses to me and cover shipping, I'll solder them all up. Entirely plug-and-play after that. Even with the Bose system, there's nothing else you need to do except make the connections behind the radio.

[Freeze Time]

^^That's very nice of you. I am not comfortable soldering anything and it's much easier just to pay extra to have someone do it locally. I might have a hookup through a friend that fixes cars at a dealership. I am hoping the AM is tied to the HU going bad. If this was a normal install, I wouldn't mind DIY but the Bose throws a monkeywrench into all of this. I appreciate all your help.

[Hawairish]

The fact that it's a Bose is a almost non-factor here. No joke. The Scosche unit is about the only difference, and really it just wires up the same as the other aftermarket harnesses do (including the fact that it's color coded).

Maybe when I get home in a few days (road-tripping), I'll get some pics of what's behind the dash and the completed harness. Believe, it's very simple.

[Freeze Time]

I am pretty sure that buying all the necessary tools will cost just as much or more than if I just pay to get it installed. I will probably go check out Fry's tomorrow.

[Hawairish]

I disagree, but at this point, I won't try to convince you further.

Going through a local installer at a higher retail price, you should probably expect to pay at least $250 after tax to have a new, very basic (<$100) HU installed with all the installation accessories you will need.

[fueler]

I am pretty sure that buying all the necessary tools will cost just as much or more than if I just pay to get it installed.

That's a very rational approach. Also, if this is your first install in a long time, then it is going to be an amateur install.

I know electronics quite well but in terms of car audio, I'd rather pay a professional who makes it look easy, and does better work first-try. Drilling a 0-gauge cable through a firewall is a one-time thing only, no room for mistakes

[Freeze Time]

I disagree, but at this point, I won't try to convince you further.

Going through a local installer at a higher retail price, you should probably expect to pay at least $250 after tax to have a new, very basic (<$100) HU installed with all the installation accessories you will need.

I went to Fry's earlier today. The guy was very helpful and knowledgeable. He said the quote for $120 was a really cheap HU that wouldn't work with the qx4. Quoted me $180 without Bluetooth and around $240 with it. Suggested I do it myself if I didn't want to spend that much and said I don't have to solder it. He said I could but it's not necessary it just makes it look better. Suggested I go online and order the CD I want and order the proper parts and look up youtube videos to see the tools I will need and how to install it. He sounded just like you haha. He said the Bluetooth part will take the longest since I need to run the mic wire somewhere not in the way and that looks good. He said I would have to be very careful removing the stock HU because the wood looking stuff is just plastic and it can crack and to just take my time. Also that I needed a crimp and told me the name of the tool to get it out but I forgot and he told me to just go to Harbor Freight and buy them.

I told him about the guy that would install a kenwood without BT for $120 and an Alpine with it for $180 and he's like "they are probably used." LOL He knew without me even telling him. Anyway, I now have to think if I can do the install myself like you suggested and will try to find a video on youtube to see if it's something I would even be able to pull off.

[Hawairish]

Ha. Yep, even the Fry's guy knows what's up. And yes, soldering the connections is not necessary. I do it because I have the means and know-how, and because it's a far better connection. Not in terms of sound quality or anything, but because when you start cramming wires back there, butt connectors aren't always reliable and may loosen. Any local installer you go to will use butt connectors because they can have it all connected in <10 minutes.

And the crimp tool...ha, that guy even sounds like me. I was going to suggest the $5 crimper at HF and a handful of butt connectors ($5). So yeah, $10 in tools. And yes, getting radio bezel off can be tough especially if it's not been removed before or in a long while. I use junk plastic cards (like credit cards, hotel room key cards, etc) to wedge in to protect the plastic. HF also sells a plastic trim tools kit for a few bucks.

As for the BT mic, it's actually pretty simple. My mic is under the overhead console. You can tuck the wire along the headliner by the windshield, and the a-piller trim pieces come off pretty easily. I drilled a hole for it to mount in, but the mics usually come with double-sided tape or a hole for a screw. From there, it's just a matter of routing wires under the dash to the back of the radio and organizing all the excess wiring.

[fueler]

What city are you in?

[Karona]

My unit's mic is built into the headunit and the quality is surprisingly decent, I've had conversations (not many) but it's functional.

Regardless, you should definitely either install it yourself, or just purchase the required parts and have someone else do it.

*Wire-harness (people recommend a line-output converter as well, but I managed to use the 7551 harness with RCA connectors and it worked perfectly!)
*Dash-kit (you don't want an ugly hole below your stereo :P)
*Phillips screwdriver (to remove the screws holding pretty much everything lol, plastic panel, headunit, mounting brackets, etc)

- Definitely be careful removing the panels, take your time and always pry as close to the clips as possible (hence why pry tools have that V cut to really get in there)
- I soldered all my wires because I have a lot of experience, but honestly soldering wires together is about as simple as soldering can get.. Twist wires together, melt solder onto it, tape it/heat shrink it. But I've seen people get away with simply twisting the wires together and electrical taping it up. It really isn't going to moving around too much when everything is settled, but it's definitely a s*** way to do it..

EDIT: And pay attention to grounding! Always important.. There will be grounding to the harness, and I grounded a wire to the mounting bracket as well, I believe.

[Freeze Time]

What city are you in?

Huntington Beach.

[Freeze Time]

I'm getting it installed now. Found a place that will do it for $140 installed. Not Bluetooth but it's a good unit. Kenwood 122u. I'll update after it's all done.

[fueler]

I use USB in all my cars. No skipping, and tons of memory. I prefer to have USB connection on back of deck, and use a USB extension wire routed to glovebox, out of sight.

The USB on front is great too, I recommend using a small/flush USB stick, like Sandisk "FIT". If you use a standard size USB stick, it will hang out of the deck, it will constantly get hit, the female USB receptacle will wear out very fast.

[Freeze Time]

Success! Everything went fine. Sounds great even with me tinkering trying to find the best bass, treble etc settings. I will have to do some manual reading for the USB song playing stuff. I downloaded the Kenwood App but so far, I can only get it to play random songs. I can't search my phone for the songs I want. I can control them through the remote or cd player itself but I have no idea how to choose anything yet. I can use my default phone player but it's not hooked into the HU and frankly, doesn't sound quite as good as playing through the Kenwood app. He charged me $151.11 for everything. I am pretty happy right now and the guy pretty much told me I didn't need Bluetooth as long as I use my USB and that it would cost at least $60-$80 more. I can't wait to hook up my phone and get everything working. I thank everyone here for helping me through this and even though I didn't end up installing it myself, I feel I got a great deal. I will post pictures soon.

[Freeze Time]

Here is a quick pic. Sorry about the glare.