Starting a new thread specifically about installing a 3rd party amp in the leaf..
I'm looking to install a 4 channel amp to drive new speakers in my leaf.
The amp I have selected is the JL Audio XD400/4, driving 4 Focal 165 KRC2 speakers.
http://www.jlaudio.com/xd400-4-car-audio-xd-amplifiers-98261" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.focal.com/en/car-audio-sound/haut-parleurs/kits-2-voies-se-pare-es/165-krx2.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've already installed the main drivers in the doors + dynamat.. already sounding much much better, but these speakers need much more power (and lower THD.. the factory deck is really crap, but I don't see myself changing this any time soon. I used 1" thick High Density MDF bonded with epoxy and filler to the metal door panels. My first version used the existing m6 bolt pattern, but I was unhappy with the fit even with dynamat under it - - the sheet metal was bending causing airgaps about 1/8".
Questions:
Where are folks stashing their amps? The amp I have is 2" tall x 8.5" wide by 7" deep. It looks like there might be space under the glovebox, but it's not ideal for mounting. Passenger seat is another option, but routing cables to and from there might be a pain. Is there any room under the center console?
Are there any hidden (unused) holes in the firewall which could handle a 4awg power cable coming from the battery? I've been searching but so far it looks like I might need to drill my own hole in the firewall, and it's really kinda tricky as they've packed all kinds of gadgets up in the engine compartment near the accessible places (foot wells, above the glovebox, etcetc)
I've not yet opened up the pillars to replace the tweeters - - I have the service manual, but I was wondering if anyone had some photos of that process, specifically of what the existing tweeter mounts look like.
Finally - I have been considering replacing all of the speaker wire to the main drivers, but the cable bundles are a a rats nest and it's clear that the service manual color codes seem pretty much based on fiction. Has anyone replaced the wiring on the front door connector (d22/m11 + d2/m10)? Is it possible to install replacement pins? Where can I purchase said pins?
Is the accessory line I want really pin 7 on the m83 connector? The manual has several pins for different states (on vs accessory vs illumination..)
Does anyone manufacture a breakout cable which works with the leaf stereo? I can just tap into the lines I need, but I'd much rather find a breakout so I'm not mucking with the factory wiring as much.
Some knowledge sharing:
- If anyone doing this work encounters the airbag flashing problem, this fix worked for me: http://www.nissanforums.com/frontier/96232-air-bag-warning-light.html#post944663" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- for doing door work, you can find the replacement clips on ebay: search for pn: 80999-VE000
- harbor freight sells two sets of tools for working on trim and panels. "blue" and "yellow". I can't find the yellow ones online, but they are much higher quality. Here's the link to the blue set: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-auto-trim-and-molding-tool-set-67021.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cheers,
-3ric
I'm looking to install a 4 channel amp to drive new speakers in my leaf.
The amp I have selected is the JL Audio XD400/4, driving 4 Focal 165 KRC2 speakers.
http://www.jlaudio.com/xd400-4-car-audio-xd-amplifiers-98261" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.focal.com/en/car-audio-sound/haut-parleurs/kits-2-voies-se-pare-es/165-krx2.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've already installed the main drivers in the doors + dynamat.. already sounding much much better, but these speakers need much more power (and lower THD.. the factory deck is really crap, but I don't see myself changing this any time soon. I used 1" thick High Density MDF bonded with epoxy and filler to the metal door panels. My first version used the existing m6 bolt pattern, but I was unhappy with the fit even with dynamat under it - - the sheet metal was bending causing airgaps about 1/8".
Questions:
Where are folks stashing their amps? The amp I have is 2" tall x 8.5" wide by 7" deep. It looks like there might be space under the glovebox, but it's not ideal for mounting. Passenger seat is another option, but routing cables to and from there might be a pain. Is there any room under the center console?
Are there any hidden (unused) holes in the firewall which could handle a 4awg power cable coming from the battery? I've been searching but so far it looks like I might need to drill my own hole in the firewall, and it's really kinda tricky as they've packed all kinds of gadgets up in the engine compartment near the accessible places (foot wells, above the glovebox, etcetc)
I've not yet opened up the pillars to replace the tweeters - - I have the service manual, but I was wondering if anyone had some photos of that process, specifically of what the existing tweeter mounts look like.
Finally - I have been considering replacing all of the speaker wire to the main drivers, but the cable bundles are a a rats nest and it's clear that the service manual color codes seem pretty much based on fiction. Has anyone replaced the wiring on the front door connector (d22/m11 + d2/m10)? Is it possible to install replacement pins? Where can I purchase said pins?
Is the accessory line I want really pin 7 on the m83 connector? The manual has several pins for different states (on vs accessory vs illumination..)
Does anyone manufacture a breakout cable which works with the leaf stereo? I can just tap into the lines I need, but I'd much rather find a breakout so I'm not mucking with the factory wiring as much.
Some knowledge sharing:
- If anyone doing this work encounters the airbag flashing problem, this fix worked for me: http://www.nissanforums.com/frontier/96232-air-bag-warning-light.html#post944663" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- for doing door work, you can find the replacement clips on ebay: search for pn: 80999-VE000
- harbor freight sells two sets of tools for working on trim and panels. "blue" and "yellow". I can't find the yellow ones online, but they are much higher quality. Here's the link to the blue set: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-auto-trim-and-molding-tool-set-67021.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cheers,
-3ric