What was the factory stereo in a 1996 Pathfinder?

[OldGeek]

Since I don't have an owners manual and my Pathy now has an aftermarket

Sony head unit, I could use your help. The head unit is nearly new but sounds

like C R A P. I've read two different possible causes.

1. That there is an amp in either the drivers side door or in the side panel cargo area...or

 

2. Each speaker has an amp.

 

That is if you have the Bose head unit (with no amp inside) and so when the Sony unit was added, the amp in the head unit boost the signal and then it gets boosted again at the original Bose amp.

The resulting noise (notice I don't call it music) is close to the same sound you get if you tie cats tails

together (not that I'd ever do that!).

 

I've got a 1996 Pathfinder. I assume it is the base model as I don't see any badging of XE or SE, but it is a Rocky Mountain Edition. What were the radio options in 1996?

 

I'm trying to gather all the info I can before I tear things apart.

 

As always thanks for sharing.

Steve

[95shakinPF]

Being a stereo nut I would love to help you but my truck is a 95 therefore its a different body style and the locations will probably be different! My original equipment was all clarion in my 95. Since I purchased it I have eliminated ALL factory equipment AND wiring and started fresh. I really urge you to do the same. You will eliminate headaches in the future if you do,trust me I've been there.

 

Just for reference my truck originally had 2 amps 1-for front speakers and 2nd- for rear speakers. They were located inside the pass rear cargo lower trim.

I also wired a sony head unit through my original amps at 1st and it actually worked for a while then I started having problems with the front amp quiting intermittently and eventually fried my radio! This is my reason for urging you to BYPASS all original equipment and run all new.

Edited February 24, 2009 by 95shakinPF

[OldGeek]

Being a stereo nut I would love to help you but my truck is a 95 therefore its a different body style and the locations will probably be different! My original equipment was all clarion in my 95. Since I purchased it I have eliminated ALL factory equipment AND wiring and started fresh. I really urge you to do the same. You will eliminate headaches in the future if you do,trust me I've been there.

 

Just for reference my truck originally had 2 amps 1-for front speakers and 2nd- for rear speakers. They were located inside the pass rear cargo lower trim.

I also wired a sony head unit through my original amps at 1st and it actually worked for a while then I started having problems with the front amp quiting intermittently and eventually fried my radio! This is my reason for urging you to BYPASS all original equipment and run all new.

 

Thanks for the info. That is probably what I'll do. Put in new speakers and run new wire, eliminate those dang tweeters up front! I was trying to avoid taking the door panels off for fear of tearing them up. So long as I can listen to Van Halen and ZZ Top, I'll be happy.

[95shakinPF]

Thanks for the info. That is probably what I'll do. Put in new speakers and run new wire, eliminate those dang tweeters up front! I was trying to avoid taking the door panels off for fear of tearing them up. So long as I can listen to Van Halen and ZZ Top, I'll be happy.

AMEN TO THAT, brother! I'm going on 40yrs old and still got 2-12" woofers beating in my back! Gotta luv the ole' rock! As for the door panels...just take your time ,remove a few screws and then pull the door panel with a good tug. They are held in with those plastic push pins and if you happen to break one(more than likely will not tho) They can be replaced very cheaply and at any autozone type place will have an assortment pack in the "HELP" line of products. Just ask anyone working there and they will know what your refering to. Good luck with your endeavor and let us know how it turns out...

[morpheus]

Since I don't have an owners manual and my Pathy now has an aftermarket

Sony head unit, I could use your help. The head unit is nearly new but sounds

like C R A P. I've read two different possible causes.

1. That there is an amp in either the drivers side door or in the side panel cargo area...or

 

2. Each speaker has an amp.

 

That is if you have the Bose head unit (with no amp inside) and so when the Sony unit was added, the amp in the head unit boost the signal and then it gets boosted again at the original Bose amp.

The resulting noise (notice I don't call it music) is close to the same sound you get if you tie cats tails

together (not that I'd ever do that!).

 

I've got a 1996 Pathfinder. I assume it is the base model as I don't see any badging of XE or SE, but it is a Rocky Mountain Edition. What were the radio options in 1996?

 

I'm trying to gather all the info I can before I tear things apart.

 

As always thanks for sharing.

Steve

 

With the original head unit gone, the best way to tell if it came with a bose unit would be to pull a door panel and pull out a speaker. If it's a bose speaker, you'll find an amp bolted to it, if not, then you won't.

 

At the dealership we order replacement ones based on the model number right on the head unit, however if you took your VIN# into your local dealership, they may also be able to trace it back for you.

[OldGeek]

Great info guys, thanks! Now all I need is a warm(er) weekend. We've been bouncing between 15 degree F and nearly 70 the past 2 weeks...changing about every day. I'm going to wait to buy the speakers until I get the door panel off and make sure they are 6.5" -6.75". That's what they look like by the grillwork on the door.