How to: 2nd Gen. Versa Sedan Double DIN Head Unit Installation

After buying my 2014 Nissan Versa S+ I realized that the sound system wasn't exactly the best thing out there.

I wanted the ability to make hands free calls and stream my music from my iPhone by either Bluetooth or plugging it in via a USB Port, HD radio and the ability to add XM Satellite radio. (I'll add that at a later date.)

I also wanted something that I could easily plug an amp into. I've already ordered my subs and amp and I'll do a separate write up on that install at a later date.

Whether it's by laziness or bad luck with the search button, I've had trouble finding all the information in one place for what parts I would need for an easy install on the 2nd gen Versa using a double DIN radio. Luckily I have now created that list and included some pictures of my questionable handiwork.


Parts Needed:

Metra 70-7552 Wiring Harness (This is rather straight forward wiring wise. Match up the appropriate wires and solder them together. You can also connect them in other ways but soldering is the best IMO. Mount the Black wire from the headunit to a ground, not to the wiring harness. Otherwise you'll be very annoyed/confused when your headunit doesn't work like I was for a few minutes.)

Metra 40-NI12 Antenna Adapter (Connect the blue wire on this adapter to the power antenna cable wire on the wiring harness.)

Stock Head Unit Mounts (You'll re-mount the new Double DIN unit using these two pieces.)

Phillips Head screwdriver

Torx T20 screwdriver/bit (For one of the screws on the doors if you're removing the trim to install speakers.)

I also thought I would need a mic for the Bluetooth hands free calling but (probably since I didn't read far enough into it) the head unit I bought came with a mic. I routed the wire from the back of the head unit under the dash up through the fuse box and A-Pillar to where it came out right over the rear view mirror. Sorry, I don't have photos of this.

It also came with a male to female USB cord which was just long enough for me to route it into the glove box (My versa doesn't have a center console.) where I could hide it along with my phone.


Head Unit used in this installation:
Pioneer® AVH-X5500BHS


Speakers used in this installation:
SONY XS-R1644 6-1/2" 4-WAY COAXIAL CAR SPEAKERS
I saw there is already a guide (See Versa12's Sticky on Speaker installation. It helped me out a bunch.) that goes into depth for speaker installation so I won't be covering much of that. I did however use Boom Mat 6-1/2" slim line speaker baffles to help with keeping the speakers sealed and improve sound. Do they really help? Who knows. Some people say they negatively effect bass response but I'm adding subs anyway. I didn't use any speaker adapters and mounted them directly in by drilling holes. You could hear the window rub just a little bit on the baffles but other than that the install went perfect.



Dash pulled apart with Head Unit removed.



Left and Right view of the stock mounts on the aftermarket head unit. If you're lazy like me you can mount the ground the same way I did in the photo above. My car hasn't caught on fire yet so it has to be safe right?




Left and right view of the head unit sitting in the dash.



Head unit powered up and working.



Completed look with the dash back together.



Nothing to see here...


It's worth noting that there is a little gap around the edges which you can see around the head unit once it's put back together. I was looking for something to help make this a little less noticeable and a bit more complete. I still haven't found something that works with this particular head unit, but do not buy the Scosche DDTRB Universal Double DIN Trim Ring with this unit. It doesn't work.

I hope this guide helps a few people out there avoid a couple of headaches!