[myrdraal0]

I'm getting ready to install a new nav unit with a backup camera in my 2009 Frontier; and, now that I've read through the install manual, I'm starting to worry that I may be in a bit over my head...

My truck currently has the basic audio system.

The main install shouldn't be hard, but I do have a couple of questions:

Does anyone know where I can locate these wires: vehicle speed signal, reverse, and parking break? I have the factory service manual, but I'm not sure where to look since I haven't used it before.

Originally, I was going to drill into the cab with the backup camera wire; but, it looks like I can run it all the way under the cab and then come in through the front firewall. That would definitely be easier, and it looks safe - but I haven't heard of anyone doing it like that so I'm a bit nervous. Any ideas on whether that would work?

I could pay someone $250 to install both the in-dash receiver and backup camera, but I'd prefer not to if I don't have to.

Thanks!

 

[weymouthba]

Is the new nav unit aftermarket? If so just google the name on the manufacturer and find the wiring diagram for using a relay to bypass the parking break.

For speed and reverse (for use with the nav and camera) I'm afraid I can't help you. Try searching to see if someone has done this before. I assume that both wires are in the large wiring harness that runs through the firewall on the driver's side but am not sure. Good luck.

 

[Phlame217]

Though the dash is different, the wires should be similar if not the same.

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f24/avic-f700bt-install-guide-lots-pictures-34420/

 

[chaz]

what kind of unit,there are ways to bypass those "pita" safty features.

 

[myrdraal0]

Thanks for the replies so far guys! I'll look through some of this info to see what I can get out of it.

The head unit I'm installing is the Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT.

Also, do you guys think bringing the backup camera wire under the cab and through the front firewall is a bad idea?

 

[chaz]

Also, do you guys think bringing the backup camera wire under the cab and through the front firewall is a bad idea?
thats about yor best option

 

[myrdraal0]

OK, I found the info on the parking brake bypass and that doesn't look hard. It also sounds like bringing the backup camera wire under the cab, through the back of the engine compartment, and in through the front firewall is probably the way to go.

I'm still trying to locate info on where the vehicle speed signal and reverse wires are. The guide that was mentioned didn't seem to have that info - and it is on a 2007 Frontier anyway (I read that these wires changed in 2008 ). Does anyone know where they would be on the 2008/2009 models?

 

[Clint]

If I remember correctly the speed sensor wire is used to prevent the driver from programming a destination while the truck is in motion.
In 2008 all vehicle produced were using a standard named CAN, don'r remember the purpose but supposed to have an advantage.
Try going to Nissanhelp.com | All About Nissan and then to the knowledge based section and look for the factory service manual. Not sure if it's free, a three year membership is cheap enough though. I know I can see it due to subscription but not sure what a browsing person sees. Some things are free to view.

Clint

 

[myrdraal0]

After reading the install manual, it sounds like the speed sensor really is needed. Here is a quote:

"The mobile navigation system is connected here to detect the distance the vehicle travels. Always connect the vehicle's speed detection circuit. Failure to make this connection will increase errors in the location display."

I did download the factory service manual, but I can't seem to find the wiring diagram I need. Is there a specific section in these manuals where I should be looking?

 

[Phlame217]

I have the two generations old AVIC-D3 nav and didn't hook up the speed sense wire in my truck because there was none (08 SE CC).

I have no issues with it maintaining correct directions, etc...

Anyways, the name of the wire that you're looking for is a VSS (Vehicle Speed Sense) Wire. That is the proper name.

Might try this guide:
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f24/2005-2007-vss-wire-install-34080/

OR

Nissan Wiring
This website only has an 06, but oh well.

 

[rogzballz]

Sometimes the speed sensor is used to make sure you didn't do the bypass on the e-brake/parked cable.

 

[Phlame217]

Avic Z110bt/120BT Bypass:

AVIC411.com • View topic - AVIC Z110BT Bypass Instructions

*Note: VSS/Speed Sensor wire is not required. It will have little effect on the fxn of the head unit.

 

[myrdraal0]

OK, it sounds like I can completely skip it. After doing some more reading, it sounds like the only function is for when the GPS signal is lost - like in a tunnel, so I can probably live without it if I can't locate it.

Any ideas for accessing the reverse signal from the dash?

 

[Phlame217]

you will be just fine skipping it, ive had mine in for 2.5 years w/o the VSS wire and never had an issue.

And as far as the reverse, I tapped it in the passenger kick panel where the reverse light wire runs into the relays used for the tow harness.

 

[myrdraal0]

I was able to locate the reverse wire in the relay center under the hood. It shouldn't be hard at all to run that into the radio - so it looks like I'm good. If I do come up with the location of the VSS wire, I'll post that here - but I'm not going to look very hard since it doesn't seem important.

I think I'm good to go with this install when the radio shows up on Wednesday!

 

[myrdraal0]

Well, I was mostly successful with the install today - I took some pictures of the process, so I will post them in the next couple of days when I get a chance.

I did run into a couple of issues:

- When taking the dash cover off, all the instructions I found only mentioned one screw and then some clips on the top and bottom. It turns out there are a total of 3 screws that need to come out on the top - which explained why it was so hard to pull out. After putting in the new dash kit, 2 of those screws were no longer necessary - which is probably the source of the confusion.

- Also, everything works great except for the backup camera. I did tap into the reverse light correctly because the AV unit automatically switches to the camera input when I put the truck in reverse. Unfortunately, there is no video displayed.

I suspect the extension cable got damaged when I was running it; but, let me run my wiring by you guys just to be sure I didn't do something wrong. The extension cable is just an s-video cable that gets split (just before the head unit) into a component video cable as well as one black and one red wire. I plugged the video cable into the receiver, the red wire into a 12v power source that is on when the truck is on, and the black wire got connected to ground. That seems right doesn't it?

 

[myrdraal0]

This morning, I decided to look at the backup camera one more time (since I was tired last night), and I found where I had made a bad connection. Now everything is working perfectly!

There are some features on the nav system that I think could have been implemented better - but maybe those will be addressed in a future firmware update.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[cmoreland]

Can you give a little more specifics about where you tapped into the reverse wire? I'm doing a backup camera install this weekend and any extra info will definitely cut my install time.

 

[micl9]

Heads up - location is different for a manual vs an automatic
Do a search on my posts, you will find more info there

 

[myrdraal0]

I have an automatic, and I added a couple of quick pics to show where I tapped into the reverse wire. You can use either the light blue or yellow wire.

Hopefully this helps.