HOW-TO: 2018 Leaf ZE1 OEM headunit replacement (7" -> 8")

[wheelfun]

Thanks for your help! I guess We'll know in a week or so if it's VIN locked but you're probably right about NA Leaf models.

As for it being a fuse issue, as far as I know I've checked all the fuses (unless there's one I'm not sure of). The head unit seems to power on, sort of. On occasion it'll show a software update screen with no way to update it (unless we take it to the dealership I suppose). But most of the time it's just a blank screen but lights around the volume dial light up. We've also tried the usual checks that I know about: holding the volume button down for a few seconds to reset, unplugging the 12v battery, and I even removed the whole head unit, unplugged everything and plugged it back in.

Regarding losing any extra features, as long as Carplay and potentially the reverse camera work, that's probably all my son is concerned about so I hope he'll at least have those.

 

[Kirito]

Hello and thanks for this post. I had some questions that you might be able to help out with. My son's head unit died out on his 2019 leaf SV+. His funds are limited and he doesn't really care about screen size so he was able to buy a head unit for the 2019 SV (the 7" one with the CD player). We are in the US and the wrecker he bought it from is from Canada. It's apparently been tested by the wrecker and says its working. He is due to receive it maybe next week.

I wanted to know:
1. Does that SV unit fit in a 2019 SV+?
2. Are there any harnesses/rewiring that would need to be done?
3. Since it's coming from Canada to the US do you think it's Vin locked?

It does no matter fitting, housing fits, only the difference is screen size.
How big is the screen on died unit?

If it is same screen size it is plug and play. Only issue what are the trim level/configuration.

I do not know if it is locked.

If it is difference screen size you"ll have create adaptor cable, (not from this because it is means for 7" to 8" swap not 8" to 7")

7" and 8" units have some difference pinouts see first post.

And I will make diagram for adaptor.

But carplay on 7" does not works really, and it is common problem on 7" unit.
It goes always restart after some time, or getting slower.

That is why I swapped from 7" to 8"

 

[mcoopers]

I just read the 9 pages of this topic, lot of information.
I'm in north america, my leaf is a ZE1 2018 S (base version), long story short I was not advised properly when I bought the vehicule, the saleman did not know the product well.

I don't have NissanConnect and I'd like it to start remotely my heater

Looking into retrofit I can't really find information.

I pieced together that you need a TCU and a head unit compatible with NissanConnect to retrofit. I guess I have neither, juts the small 5 inches head unit with 32 pins connector and no TCU.

Does any of you have information about that kind of retrofit ?

thanks !

 

[cyborg]

I just read the 9 pages of this topic, lot of information.
I'm in north america, my leaf is a ZE1 2018 S (base version), long story short I was not advised properly when I bought the vehicule, the saleman did not know the product well.

I don't have NissanConnect and I'd like it to start remotely my heater

Looking into retrofit I can't really find information.

I pieced together that you need a TCU and a head unit compatible with NissanConnect to retrofit. I guess I have neither, juts the small 5 inches head unit with 32 pins connector and no TCU.

Does any of you have information about that kind of retrofit ?

thanks !

You'd be better off installing OVMS. Support for the ZE1 is still being ironed out, but it should be possible.

 

[igloo77055]

I have a 2019 model SV with 7 inch display, planning to go to a 2022 8 inch unit I found.
Seeing as the NA models don't have the security lock, it should just be a matter of the wiring, yes?

 

[leungda]

I purchased the following one recently. When I buy it, I hope anything works as expected but "NOT"
https://smarty-trend.com/en/nissan-...2FHQh5ek4SSdCTzogC500EuqAB6JCQjc5_B7eNuEX12Ra

Problem:-
(1) wiring. It comes with a set of wires and it doesn't work "AT ALL". I contacted the seller, and they said I must first connect GND. Okay, I connected GND but the unit still cannot power up. Then, the seller sent me another set of wires. They told me I must connect GND and ACC this time. I have to modify the wires by myself. Finally, I can power the unit up

(2) Canbus. The first model of canbus that came with the first shipment will not work. The seller sent another model of canbus. It also doesn't work. The backup camera and steering wheel control don't work at all. What the hell?

I asked around locally. Luckily, I found a car stereo installer selling me another canbus and wires. The technician did the installation for me. The canbus is not perfect but at least, the backup camera and steering wheel control "seem to be" working. The only thing that doesn't work is the air conditioning control cannot be displayed.

This Smarty Trend doesn't seem to test or know the issue. They just simply sell the product without any knowledge. The seller offered me US$50 for part of the installation fee. Unfortunately, up to now, I didn't receive a cent. I have to purchase the canbus and wires and the installation fee by myself. US$50 cannot even cover it. If you want to buy anything from them, it is on your own risk.

The biggest problem is to find a Nissan Leaf 2018 Canbus.

see attachment. This is the canbus sold by the locally installer. I guess 80% works (better than nothing work)

 

[xboxice]

I purchased the following one recently. When I buy it, I hope anything works as expected but "NOT"
https://smarty-trend.com/en/nissan-...2FHQh5ek4SSdCTzogC500EuqAB6JCQjc5_B7eNuEX12Ra

Problem:-
(1) wiring. It comes with a set of wires and it doesn't work "AT ALL". I contacted the seller, and they said I must first connect GND. Okay, I connected GND but the unit still cannot power up. Then, the seller sent me another set of wires. They told me I must connect GND and ACC this time. I have to modify the wires by myself. Finally, I can power the unit up

(2) Canbus. The first model of canbus that came with the first shipment will not work. The seller sent another model of canbus. It also doesn't work. The backup camera and steering wheel control don't work at all. What the hell?

I asked around locally. Luckily, I found a car stereo installer selling me another canbus and wires. The technician did the installation for me. The canbus is not perfect but at least, the backup camera and steering wheel control "seem to be" working. The only thing that doesn't work is the air conditioning control cannot be displayed.

This Smarty Trend doesn't seem to test or know the issue. They just simply sell the product without any knowledge. The seller offered me US$50 for part of the installation fee. Unfortunately, up to now, I didn't receive a cent. I have to purchase the canbus and wires and the installation fee by myself. US$50 cannot even cover it. If you want to buy anything from them, it is on your own risk.

The biggest problem is to find a Nissan Leaf 2018 Canbus.

see attachment. This is the canbus sold by the locally installer. I guess 80% works (better than nothing work)

Agree a develop Canbus is need for the LEAF.

 

[leungda]

Run the Smarty Trend unit for a few days now.

I love the unit better than the original BUT

Problem:
1. Climate Control will not be display <- canbus issue
2. lost the guidance when the backup camera was active
3 lost the steering wheel control (right side bottom "telephone button"). The "speaking button" becomes a telephone button (It will bring up the phone app) <- canbus issue. You can use "ok" button to answer the call instead.

If you want to purchase the unit from Smarty Trend, please ask them to send you these wiring harnesses and the canbus (see attachment). It will save you a lot of time and problems.

I didn't test the 4G feature. I connect CHANEVE MiFi Mobile Modem to USB-C at the back of the head unit. "Wire connection"(This one works with Canada Carrier 5G networks). Of course, you can do it wirelessly, but the Wireless Android Auto will not work. Wireless Android Auto needs wifi connection too.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.62.73811802c8c55Q

Nissan Connect works without the stock head unit too. I just tested it using the Nissan Leaf App

Any questions about the Smarty Trend, let me know. I might be able to answer you. including installation

 

[xboxice]

Run the Smarty Trend unit for a few days now.

I love the unit better than the original BUT

Problem:
1. Climate Control will not be display <- canbus issue
2. lost the guidance when the backup camera was active
3 lost the steering wheel control (right side bottom 2 keys "telephone button and the speaking button") <- canbus issue. You can use "ok" button to answer the call instead.

If you want to purchase the unit from Smarty Trend, please ask them to send you these wiring harnesses and the canbus (see attachment). It will save you a lot of time and problems.

I didn't test the 4G feature. I connect CHANEVE MiFi Mobile Modem to USB-C at the back of the head unit. "Wire connection"(This one works with Canada Carrier 5G networks). Of course, you can do wireless too but the Wireless Android Auto will not work. Wireless Android Auto needs wifi connection too.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.62.73811802c8c55Q


Any questions about the Smarty Trend, let me know. I might be able to answer you. including installation

Tha ks Do they have the can bus that will solve issues mentioned above.

 

[leungda]

I still looking around for a Canbus that fully supports the Nissan Leaf. Since Nissan-branded cars don't sell well in China at all. I don't think the Chinese supplier will put full effort into developing or upgrading the canbus software.

 

[igloo77055]

I have a 2019 model SV with 7 inch display, planning to go to a 2022 8 inch unit I found.
Seeing as the NA models don't have the security lock, it should just be a matter of the wiring, yes?

Following up to this, I was able to wire everything up, and the 8 inch 2022 unit (2591A-6WK2C) worked however looks like it had some damage on the screen on the left hand side.

Got some canbus errors too, but after cross checking my wiring with the ones linked here before, it looks like I need to swap the M Can-L TRM and M Can-L lines, same with the Can-H lines

Also USB didn't work for me, I assume I need a newer USB C port compared to the combo Type A and AUX mine has.
I did notice my original unit had two USBs connected to the head unit, anyone know what each one goes to?

Other thing to note seems like the connector on the radio AM/FM antenna has physically changed.
Old was GT13SH-2/IS-HU connector, new connector is GT13SHB-2/1S-HU. De-pinning this connector seems tough on pin 68/69

Looks like the EV specific features are missing too, might be because of those swapped canbus lines I imagine?

 

[cyborg]

Also USB didn't work for me, I assume I need a newer USB C port compared to the combo Type A and AUX mine has.
I did notice my original unit had two USBs connected to the head unit, anyone know what each one goes to?

Other thing to note seems like the connector on the radio AM/FM antenna has physically changed.
Old was GT13SH-2/IS-HU connector, new connector is GT13SHB-2/1S-HU. De-pinning this connector seems tough on pin 68/69

My 2019 with the stock 5" head unit has the same aux+USB connector, and it works on the new unit just fine. I can't imagine they are different between the 5" and 7". It only fit into one of the two connectors on the back of the new unit.

I simply cut the FM connector on the new head unit with a small knife to allow it to fit without re-pinning. It's messy and doesn't click in, but it works.

 

[igloo77055]

The connector plugs in just fine, and even charges my phone, just doesn't get recognized by my head unit to do Android Auto.
Will try again once I get a replacement unit

 

[leungda]

My old stock head unit never worked correctly with CarPlay (from day 1). For Android Auto, it connects and disconnects by itself all the time. The MAP from the head unit is outdated and guides me to the wrong place since the MAP is 8 years old. Update the SD Card, which costs me a few hundred dollars. That's why I replaced my head unit completely. The new Android unit is not 100% perfect but at least I can use any Android outline map and other features.

 

[igloo77055]

Anyone know where to get service manuals or pin outs for JDM Leafs?
They got a larger unit in some of the later model Leafs, similar to more modern Nissans with the 9 inch screens. They have a more connections, I assume to support some sort of TV function that naturally wouldn't work outside of JP, it's hard to see from the pictures.

 

[Kirito]

Run the Smarty Trend unit for a few days now.

I love the unit better than the original BUT

Problem:
1. Climate Control will not be display <- canbus issue
2. lost the guidance when the backup camera was active
3 lost the steering wheel control (right side bottom "telephone button"). The "speaking button" becomes a telephone button (It will bring up the phone app) <- canbus issue. You can use "ok" button to answer the call instead.

If you want to purchase the unit from Smarty Trend, please ask them to send you these wiring harnesses and the canbus (see attachment). It will save you a lot of time and problems.

I didn't test the 4G feature. I connect CHANEVE MiFi Mobile Modem to USB-C at the back of the head unit. "Wire connection"(This one works with Canada Carrier 5G networks). Of course, you can do it wirelessly, but the Wireless Android Auto will not work. Wireless Android Auto needs wifi connection too.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.62.73811802c8c55Q

Nissan Connect works without the stock head unit too. I just tested it using the Nissan Leaf App

Any questions about the Smarty Trend, let me know. I might be able to answer you. including installation

So camera (AVM or AVM+PA) works?
Mine will not work with 8" hu.

Maybe I will buy Android HU, because I tought I would lose Nissan Connect, but no it will works without stock HU.

And your canbus box bnr-ns02, I cannot find much info.
And can I get picture of other canbus box?

Like NS-SS-04A?
http://www.ssinterface.com/show.php?id=755

There is many difference canbus box.
Like 1 is for Altima Teana 2014-2018, Qashqai 2014-2018, Kicks 2016-2018, Maxima 2015-2018.
Or 1 for Altima 2013-2021, X-Trail 2014-2020, Qashaqi 2015-2020, Rogue 2014-2020, Rogue Sport 2015-2021, Murano 2015-2020, Lannia 2016-2019,
Maxima 2016-2019, Kicks 2017-2020, Navara 2015-2020, Terra 2018-2020 with M-CAN and 360 (AVM) systems.

 

[xboxice]

So camera (AVM or AVM+PA) works?
Mine will not work with 8" hu.

Maybe I will buy Android HU, because I tought I would lose Nissan Connect, but no it works without stock HU.

Please share when you do the upgrade

 

[amzimotors]

We were looking to import some head units that were android and compatible. When we get the first samples in, I can post about it. There is an Open Vehicle replacement for Nissan Connect. Works on older models as well when the 3G no longer works.

 

[xboxice]

We were looking to import some head units that were android and compatible. When we get the first samples in, I can post about it. There is an Open Vehicle replacement for Nissan Connect. Works on older models as well when the 3G no longer works.

Also see if they are compatible with JDM 2018 G spec Leaf with 360 cam and propilot.

 

[leungda]

So camera (AVM or AVM+PA) works?
Mine will not work with 8" hu.

Maybe I will buy Android HU, because I tought I would lose Nissan Connect, but no it will works without stock HU.

And your canbus box bnr-ns02, I cannot find much info.
And can I get picture of other canbus box?

Like NS-SS-04A?
http://www.ssinterface.com/show.php?id=755

There is many difference canbus box.
Like 1 is for Altima Teana 2014-2018, Qashqai 2014-2018, Kicks 2016-2018, Maxima 2015-2018.
Or 1 for Altima 2013-2021, X-Trail 2014-2020, Qashaqi 2015-2020, Rogue 2014-2020, Rogue Sport 2015-2021, Murano 2015-2020, Lannia 2016-2019,
Maxima 2016-2019, Kicks 2017-2020, Navara 2015-2020, Terra 2018-2020 with M-CAN and 360 (AVM) systems.

The Nissan Connect works. see my post