How to Identify Your Nissan Murano Z51’s Factory Head Unit and Choose the Right Harness

How to Identify Your Nissan Murano Z51’s Factory Head Unit and Choose the Right Harness

Haven’t read Part 1 yet? Start with What You Need to Know Before Installing an Android Head Unit in Your Nissan Murano Z51 (2009–2014) to understand why identification is so important.

Intro – Why Identification Matters
Upgrading your Nissan Murano Z51 (2009–2014) to an Android head unit isn’t just about picking the latest screen or fastest processor. The success of your installation starts with correctly identifying your factory head unit and matching it with the proper wiring harness and CANBUS decoder.

Choosing the wrong harness is the number one reason owners end up with no sound, disabled climate controls, or non-functional steering wheel buttons. Here’s how to identify your unit before you buy.


1. Know Your Trim Level First

As covered in Part 1 of this series, Murano Z51 models fall into two categories:

  • Low Spec (Non-BOSE): Factory head unit stays in place, audio via AUX output. Only one OEM head unit type, easy harness match.

  • High Spec (BOSE): Factory head unit is removed, Android unit must have a built-in amplifier. Multiple OEM head unit variations with different harness requirements.


2. The Four Main OEM Head Unit Types

High-spec Murano models can have four distinct factory head unit designs. While they look similar at first glance, each requires its own harness and CANBUS pairing.

Key Visual Clues:

  1. Screen Size & Color – Monochrome vs. full-color display

  2. Button Layout – Single-row vs. double-row controls

  3. CD/DVD Slot Position – Above, below, or integrated with display

  4. Extra Features – Factory navigation, 6-CD changer, satellite radio controls

(Tip: Take a clear photo of your head unit with the car powered on. This will help a specialist confirm your harness type.)


3. Matching the Harness & CANBUS

Once your OEM head unit type is identified:

  • Low Spec: One harness fits all; CANBUS not always required.

  • High Spec: Harness choice depends on head unit design. The CANBUS decoder must be matched to your specific head unit to keep AC display, steering wheel buttons, and BOSE audio working.


4. Why Most Sellers Get This Wrong

Many aftermarket sellers list “fits Murano 2009–2014” without clarifying head unit variations. This leads to:

  • Incorrect harness shipped → no audio output

  • Wrong CANBUS → climate controls vanish

  • Extra installation cost to rewire or reorder parts


5. How We Simplify It

At Roadnavier, we:

  • Ask for a quick dash photo before confirming your order

  • Pre-match harness + CANBUS to your specific OEM head unit

  • Provide installation guidance tailored to your Murano model


CTA – Turn Identification Into a Guaranteed Fit
Before you order, send us your dashboard photo via WhatsApp or email. We’ll confirm your head unit type and ship the exact harness and CANBUS you need.
👉 Contact us now or explore our Murano Z51 Android Head Unit Kits.

📖 Next: Part 3: Murano Z51 Installation Tips — Avoid the Top Wiring Mistakes (optional future post to expand the series)

📸 Send us a photo of your dashboard via WhatsApp before ordering, and we’ll confirm your exact head unit type.
✅ Check out our Murano Z51 Android Head Unit Collection for tested plug-and-play solutions.

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