2014 Nissan Pathfinder Stereo Upgrade
So, you're looking to upgrade the stereo in your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder? That's a great idea! While the 2014 Pathfinder is a reliable vehicle, the factory audio system can leave a lot to be desired, especially as technology advances. We've seen a lot of these Pathfinders come through our shop with customers looking for better sound quality, more features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and overall a more modern infotainment experience. Let's dive into some common problems and solutions.
Common 2014 Pathfinder Stereo Issues
Before we talk about upgrades, let's identify some of the reasons you might want to upgrade:
- Poor Sound Quality: The factory speakers and amplifier are often the weakest links. They might sound muddy, lack bass, or distort at higher volumes.
- Lack of Modern Features: No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? No Bluetooth streaming or a clunky interface? These can be frustrating in today's connected world.
- Navigation Issues: The factory navigation system might be outdated, difficult to use, or require expensive map updates.
- System Failures: Sometimes the factory stereo can simply fail, leaving you with no audio at all. This can be due to a bad head unit, a faulty amplifier, or wiring issues.
- Touchscreen Problems: The touchscreen might become unresponsive, cracked, or have "dead spots" making it difficult to use.
Solutions: Upgrading Your 2014 Pathfinder Stereo
Fortunately, there are several solutions available to upgrade your 2014 Pathfinder's stereo system. The best approach depends on your budget, desired features, and technical skills. Here's a breakdown of common upgrade paths:
1. Replacing the Head Unit (Radio)
This is often the most impactful upgrade. Replacing the factory head unit with an aftermarket unit allows you to add features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, a larger touchscreen, and a more modern interface. Here's what's involved:
Selecting a Head Unit:
Look for a double-DIN head unit that's compatible with your Pathfinder. Crutchfield.com is an excellent resource for finding compatible units and wiring harnesses. Consider features like screen size, resolution, responsiveness, and whether it has physical buttons in addition to the touchscreen. Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, and Sony are all reputable brands.
Required Parts:
- Aftermarket Head Unit: Choose one that fits your needs and budget.
- Wiring Harness Adapter: This is crucial! It allows you to connect the aftermarket head unit to your Pathfinder's factory wiring without cutting any wires. Metra and Scosche are common brands.
- Dash Kit: A dash kit provides a seamless, factory-like appearance for the new head unit. Make sure it's specifically designed for the 2014 Pathfinder.
- Antenna Adapter: You may need an antenna adapter to connect the factory antenna to the aftermarket head unit.
Tools Needed:
- Panel Removal Tools (plastic pry tools)
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers
- Butt Connectors or Soldering Iron and Solder
- Electrical Tape
- Multimeter (optional, but recommended for troubleshooting)
Installation Process (General Steps):
- Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal: Safety first! This prevents accidental shorts.
- Remove the Factory Radio: Use panel removal tools to carefully pry away the trim pieces surrounding the factory radio. Disconnect any wiring harnesses and antenna cable connected to the factory radio.
- Connect the Wiring Harness Adapter: Match the wires on the wiring harness adapter to the wires on the aftermarket head unit's harness. You can either use butt connectors or solder the wires together. Ensure proper connections and insulation!
- Connect the Antenna Adapter: Connect the antenna adapter to the factory antenna cable and the aftermarket head unit.
- Install the Head Unit in the Dash Kit: Secure the aftermarket head unit in the dash kit.
- Connect Everything: Connect the wiring harness adapter, antenna adapter, and any other necessary cables to the aftermarket head unit.
- Test the System: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and test the new head unit to ensure everything is working correctly. Test all functions – radio, Bluetooth, CarPlay/Android Auto, etc.
- Reassemble the Dash: Carefully reinstall the trim pieces around the new head unit.
Approximate Cost:
The cost for this upgrade can vary significantly depending on the head unit you choose. A decent head unit with CarPlay/Android Auto can range from $300 to $800. The wiring harness adapter and dash kit will typically cost around $50-$100 combined. Installation costs can vary from $150-$300 if you choose to have it professionally installed.
2. Upgrading the Speakers
Replacing the factory speakers can significantly improve sound quality, even if you keep the factory head unit (although a new head unit paired with new speakers is the ideal combination). The 2014 Pathfinder typically has speakers in the front doors, rear doors, and potentially tweeters in the A-pillars.
Selecting Speakers:
Look for component speakers for the front (separate woofers and tweeters) for better sound separation and imaging. Coaxial speakers (woofer and tweeter combined) are suitable for the rear doors. Pay attention to the speaker size and mounting depth to ensure they fit in your Pathfinder's door panels. 6.5" speakers are a common size. Brands like JBL, Rockford Fosgate, Infinity, and Polk Audio are good choices.
Required Parts:
- Component Speakers (Front): Includes woofers, tweeters, and crossovers.
- Coaxial Speakers (Rear):
- Speaker Adapters: You might need speaker adapters to mount the new speakers to the factory speaker locations.
- Speaker Wire: Use new speaker wire to connect the speakers to the head unit or amplifier.
Tools Needed:
- Panel Removal Tools
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers
- Butt Connectors or Soldering Iron and Solder
- Electrical Tape
- Drill (possibly, for mounting adapters)
Installation Process (General Steps):
- Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal: Safety First!
- Remove the Door Panels: Use panel removal tools to carefully pry away the door panels.
- Remove the Factory Speakers: Disconnect the wiring from the factory speakers and remove them from the door.
- Install the Speaker Adapters (if needed): Attach the speaker adapters to the door using screws.
- Connect the New Speakers: Connect the speaker wire to the new speakers and the factory speaker wiring harness (or to an amplifier, if you're using one).
- Mount the New Speakers: Mount the new speakers to the speaker adapters (or directly to the door, if no adapter is needed).
- Install the Tweeters (if component speakers): Mount the tweeters in the A-pillars or door panels, and connect them to the crossovers.
- Reassemble the Door Panels: Carefully reinstall the door panels.
Approximate Cost:
Speaker upgrades can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the quality of the speakers. Speaker adapters are typically inexpensive (around $10-$20 per pair). Installation costs can range from $100-$300 if you choose to have it professionally installed.
3. Adding an Amplifier
Adding an aftermarket amplifier will provide more power to your speakers, resulting in louder, cleaner sound. This is particularly beneficial if you've upgraded your speakers but find they're not performing to their full potential with the factory head unit's built-in amplifier.
Selecting an Amplifier:
Choose an amplifier with enough channels and power to match your speaker setup. A 4-channel amplifier can power front and rear speakers, while a 5-channel amplifier can power front and rear speakers plus a subwoofer. Match the amplifier's RMS power rating to the RMS power rating of your speakers.
Required Parts:
- Aftermarket Amplifier:
- Power Wire: Heavy-gauge power wire to connect the amplifier to the battery.
- Ground Wire: Heavy-gauge ground wire to connect the amplifier to a grounded point on the vehicle's chassis.
- Remote Turn-On Wire: A wire that connects to the head unit and tells the amplifier to turn on when the head unit is powered on.
- RCA Cables: RCA cables to connect the head unit to the amplifier.
- Fuse Holder and Fuse: To protect the power wire near the battery.
Tools Needed:
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers
- Butt Connectors or Soldering Iron and Solder
- Electrical Tape
- Drill (for mounting the amplifier)
- Socket Set
- Screwdriver Set
Installation Process (General Steps):
- Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal: Safety first!
- Run the Power Wire: Run the power wire from the battery to the amplifier location, typically under the carpet or along the side of the vehicle. Be sure to use a fuse holder near the battery.
- Run the Ground Wire: Connect the ground wire from the amplifier to a grounded point on the vehicle's chassis. Make sure the grounding point is clean and free of paint.
- Run the Remote Turn-On Wire: Run the remote turn-on wire from the head unit to the amplifier.
- Run the RCA Cables: Run the RCA cables from the head unit to the amplifier.
- Connect the Speaker Wires: Connect the speaker wires from the amplifier to the speakers.
- Mount the Amplifier: Securely mount the amplifier in a suitable location.
- Connect Everything: Connect all the wires to the amplifier and head unit.
- Test the System: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and test the system to ensure everything is working correctly.
Approximate Cost:
Amplifiers can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the power and features. Wiring kits typically cost around $50-$100. Installation costs can range from $200-$400 if you choose to have it professionally installed.
4. Adding a Subwoofer
Adding a subwoofer will greatly enhance the bass response of your system. This is especially important if you listen to music with a lot of low-frequency content. Subwoofers come in various sizes and configurations, including powered subwoofers (with a built-in amplifier) and passive subwoofers (requiring an external amplifier).
Selecting a Subwoofer:
Consider the size of your vehicle and the amount of bass you want. 8", 10", and 12" subwoofers are common sizes. Powered subwoofers are easier to install because they don't require a separate amplifier, but they might not provide as much power as a passive subwoofer with a dedicated amplifier.
Required Parts:
- Subwoofer:
- Subwoofer Enclosure: (if using a passive subwoofer)
- Amplifier: (if using a passive subwoofer)
- Wiring Kit: (if using a separate amplifier)
- RCA Cables:
Installation Process:
The installation process for a subwoofer is similar to the installation process for an amplifier, with the addition of mounting the subwoofer in an enclosure (if using a passive subwoofer) and connecting the subwoofer to the amplifier.
Approximate Cost:
Subwoofers can range from $100 to $500 or more. Subwoofer enclosures can range from $50 to $200. Amplifiers (if needed) can range from $150 to $500 or more. Installation costs can range from $150-$400 if you choose to have it professionally installed.
Important Considerations:
- Backup Camera Integration: Make sure the new head unit is compatible with your Pathfinder's backup camera, if equipped. You might need an additional adapter to retain the backup camera functionality.
- Steering Wheel Control Integration: You'll likely need a separate adapter to retain your steering wheel audio controls. Metra Axxess and PAC are common brands for these adapters.
- Professional Installation: If you're not comfortable working with car electronics, it's highly recommended to have the installation done by a professional. Improper installation can damage your vehicle's electrical system.
- Research and Planning: Take the time to research different options and plan your upgrade carefully. Make sure you have all the necessary parts and tools before you start.
Upgrading your 2014 Nissan Pathfinder's stereo can dramatically improve your driving experience. By carefully considering your needs and budget, and following these guidelines, you can transform your Pathfinder into a rolling concert hall. Good luck!