DIY: Kenwood DNX6140 installed in my 370Z with Sirius and back up Cam (AK370Z)

AK370Z

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Yup, I had the Kenwood installed in my Z today. Woke up early in the morning and drove to Bridgeton , NJ. My installer is a young individual who does this on the side when he is not studying for tests. He is a car and audio-video enthusiast. I always encourage young individual with passion for what they like, so I handed my keys over to him this morning. He was thrilled and honored to be able to work on a 370Z.





Kenwood DNX6140
Where I bought it from: Kenwood DNX6140
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Scosche NN04B 2007 - Up Nissan Radio Wiring Harness
Where I bought it from: Scosche NN04B 2007 - Up Nissan Radio Wiring Harness
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Scosche NAA2B 2007 - Up Nissan Versa Antenna Adapter
Where I bought it from: Scosche NAA2B 2007 - Up Nissan Versa Antenna Adapter
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Car Rear Backup Camera with 5M Cable
Where I bought it from: Car Rear Backup Camera with 5M Cable
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SIRIUS Kenwood Package
Where I bought it from:SIRIUS Kenwood Package
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ATTN: Please note you'll need a set of TORX head screwdriver to detach HU from the bracket. Nissan decided to use Torx screws to hold the OEM headunit in the bracket.

First, I want to thank everyone for their input in this thread . I would like to specially thank bpd138 for all his help via pm and his picture gallery. It helped me get an idea what to expect. Also, he suggested the rearview camera which I am very satisfied with.


I bought everything from ebay except Sirius radio. It was cheaper at Crutchfield. My ultimate goal was to keep everything under a grand and I am very glad to say -- I did! I was surprised to find a DNX6140 for only 705 shipped! . bpd138 pm'ed me a link to the back up camera and I liked the specs of it.


It says in the auction that this cam has OmniPixel Technology which helps in low light areas or at night. I did a test (see video below) and looks pretty bright at night. For $37, you can't beat it. It comes from Asia so at least give it two weeks to arrive even though my shipment came within 5 days of shipment!

Install was pretty much straight forward. If you installed a after market HU in a 350Z, this is very similar. I didn't bother any DIY since one already exists. But I did take some pictures that I don't mind sharing.




Install started fairly easy. No surprises.


This is the AIRBAG sensor. You must disconnect this in order to take the panel off. Now, once you're done installing and you want to test your headunit, YOU MUST connect this first. If you forget, you have to reset your airbags. Here's how to reset your airbags: Flashing Airbag Light After HU Install





Feeding the rear backup cam wire through the center console. There are two screws at the base behind driver and passenger seat. Unscrew them and you can lift the center console.




It's a mess


Matt, who did the install, was very organized and committed to his work. EVERY SINGLE connection was soldered and heat shrinked!

YouTube - MOV01968




When it was time to put the GPS and SIRIUS antennas, I opted the front dash. I know some member put it behind the steering wheel but I wasn't too comfortable putting it there. I didn't want ANY obstruction. Both GPS and SIRIUS working perfectly at the moment. GPS is VERY quick at calculating(recalculating). I have yet to hear ANY static on the SIRIUS.




Feeding the backup cam wire through a hole.


I like this microphone placement here. I called my mom and she said that she couldn't even tell I was using the car handsfree. Putting it by the instrument panels creates too much distance between driver and mic. That's why I didn't put it there.




Display for SIRIUS is fully customizable. You can display song name, artist, channel name, genre etc












Text feature?? I know NISMOZ was talking about something similar. I haven't tested this.... maybe tomorrow.






I think the camera placement looks great! It almost looks like the JDM camera option

That's the look I was going for. I know Socal370Z was doing a lot of research on this JDM cam. I don't think JDM one provides the Trapeziform sign/lines which my cam does!


I was playing with the unit and found out that I can change the HU color to match the vehicle interior accent. You can see this demonstration in Video Part II. Here are some of the after pics






Here's a video showing some of the features. Garmin Nav was a breeze to use (you can actually see how quickly I was putting info in ) since I have used it before. It comes with a USB port which helped me utilize my 2 GB flash drive that was sitting at home collecting dust. You can also see the back up cam at night (and just for fun, I did a driving video as well). The only thing that's pending is the wire tap on the reverse light so that when I put the gear in reverse, the cam comes on automatically. We tapped into the orange wire as bp mentioned, but for some reason it wasn't working. It can be a blown fuse. We couldn't check any further because it was going to rain. It should be fixed by next WED. Bluetooth was easy to pair and activated as soon as the unit boots up when you start the car. Sirius is crystal clear as you can see in the video. I am going to look over the manual and learn a lot more things about it. I am always willing to learn new things.

Thanks for reading my thread and if you have ANY question, feel free to ask or pm me.



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ATTENTION: update 09.24.09

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iceman21_23

do you still have radio controls on your steering wheel?

AK370Z

I never had steering control in my previous cars. So, I'm really not used to them. So, I opted not to install the PAC. My installer was more than happy to do it though.

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WShade

Awesome, awesome, awesome! The install looks very clean as well.

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AK370Z

Thank you. Now good luck getting me out of this car! Roadtrips, here I come!

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My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3
Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE
Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

cajunz

will the back-up camera you used work on the stock navi systemd?

vman

Congrats AK, looks sweet, how did you get the 2 green lines to show when you were backing up that measures the distance? I saw another persons on this site and his did not have the green/red lines when backing up, also, how did you get the camera to stay on when you were driving forward? I want to get a Kenwood but I am a fan of the touch screen only and I am curious if your unit is the only unit that has all these features.

Thats probably the best video of their installation, thanks for sharing!!!!

AK370Z

I am not sure. I really haven't looked at nav diagrams and wires. I have to look into it.

Those lines are built into the camera. I think they are used to keep you on the straight track backing up (or maybe distance measure, I really don't know).The other guy went with a different camera. I was surprised his camera didn't came with those lines since his camera cost close to $200 where mine costs only $35!

When you press and hold the NAV button (top left), you activate the camera.

My HU has built in bluetooth, USB, NAVI, and dvd. I have added back up cam and SIRIUS. You can add ipod control for about $25. Is that what you're looking for?

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My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3
Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE
Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

vman

Yeah, I am looking to get a back up camera, DVD player, Navi, bluetooth, USB and iphone compatibility I really do not care for the Sirius radio though. I hope the other Kenwoods have the same options........only one problem.......first I need the car, unfortunately I cannot find a base PG AT with SPKG anywhere.....might have to wait til 2010. Might settle on black or Brilliant Silver but not to sure....

Again, that is a pimp set up. Congrats and thanks for the info!

ConchZ2

AK………..How fast is the Kenwood’s start up time? Is the backup camera instantly on after starting your car?
Do you have any plans for the base speakers?

zman1910

Beautifully done AK. Out of curiosity are you using the base speakers. If so, how do they sound compared to the old headunit? Better or no change?

Attaboy

AK, did you disable the parking break signal to enable DVD playback while driving?
if so, did you cut the wire, or use an altetnative method?

AK370Z

You're welcome! Please let us know when you're ready to buy the Z. We will help you find the best deal on the Car and financing!

If you watch the video I, you can see the start up time. I think it's 10-12 seconds. You have to keep in mind that this HU is packed with a lot of features. When you turn the HU on, it checks for SIRIUS, bluetooth compatible phone, GPS for the NAV and any other attachment(s){i.e. ipod, usb etc}. Therefore, it's NOT the fastest thing when we mention start up time but very reasonable. I usually start the car, put the seat belts on and by the time I'm ready to drive, it's on!

Zman, thank you for your question. You can find your answer in video II. Yes, it sound 10 times better. Sound is crisp and I can turn it up a lot more than before without distorting. Although, I am planning on replacing them with a good quality Component speaker set.

Before I answer you question, I must make a statement. I do not watch dvd in my car. The ONLY time dvds will be played in my Z when I have a passenger and we are on a long roadtrip. It's for the passenger entertainment only. With that said, yes, it's bypassed. Watch 1:11-1:15s 2nd video.

To answer the 2nd part of the question, please check your pm .


I was messing around with the settings and found out that I CAN actually change the HU color theme to match my Z interior color!!! You can see how I did it in the Video Part II
Here are some after pictures




Check out Video no II


I had NO dvd here (I am not a dvd kinda guy. I watch all my movies in theater and via renting) in my possession. I simply grabbed "Chapelle's Show" just to give you an idea how the HU plays dvd. I must apologize .

__________________
The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post
STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q.
Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section
My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3
Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE
Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

CrownR426

Wow, great thread ak!
The DNX6140 doesn't look too bad at all!
I was looking into the D3's but seeing that they are discontinued I figured looking for one on ebay or something...

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ConchZ2

Thanks AK………..it sounds like your Kenwood is a little faster than my Pioneer F700BT.
I didn’t need the DVD and paid around $400. for the HU, HD radio, harnesses etc.
I’m looking forward to hear what you do for speakers.

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