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R52 (2013-2021) Pathfinder Center Screen Failure (DCU) Megathread (and fix)

5K views 59 replies 9 participants last post by  jspatton78  
#1 · (Edited)
If you have this issue, this thread is for you and should fix your problem (or lead you onto the path to get it fixed).

A very common issue I've noticed on this forum, and on reddit; as well as something I experienced myself over a year and a half ago-- is the center screen in these Pathfinders failing.

That failure mode typically presents itself with these symptoms, or variations of them:
  • Center screen not working (black, but backlight on)
  • Center screen showing only Nissan (Infiniti) logo
  • Center screen going in a loop (shows logo/tries to start etc and then restarts)
  • Any of these symptoms or more AND, and backup camera still works.
The last one is fairly key, as it shows that it’s not an issue with the display, it’s an issue with the operating system. To break down why it fails, the TL;DR is, the operating system is stored on a MicroSD card inside the DCU (a very cheap one). After enough time, this MicroSD card fails (due to a design flaw, and it’s cheapness). This causes the symptoms that we see people post about on the forums countless times, and usually results in DCUs that get replaced; sadly, often by Nissan for far too much money. I had this happen to me, and when I discovered how much it cost, I wanted to do it myself; and I did. After weeks of diagnosing and even being unable to find a used part that matches mine, I tore apart the DCU and discovered the SD card. After digging through the files and some research, trial and error, and an eventual aha moment I was able to get a working fix for this that should apply to every single R52 pathfinder (and many Infiniti models) sold.

Nissan charges in excess of $4000 for the part alone, when in reality the only thing that's failed is a $12 Micro SD card. That was enough to annoy me into fixing it myself, but what triggered me to write this post (and the blogs that go along with it), was seeing just how many people are having this issue.

I'll easily run into post size limits for this guide (It's about 2600 words and dozens of photos), so instead I'll say if you have this issue, you can find the fix for it available entirely free on my blog here: DCU Fix (DIY Free Version) (Version 0.2)

EDIT: I also now sell the SD cards pre made, for the Pathfinder, the Armada, and the Q50/Q60. You can find these here.

I will also be going into the specifics of how and why the fix works on my blog; as well as a guide on how to confirm your diagnosis, which I'll link here when that's complete.

It's free and available for everyone, you can screenshot it, download it, share it etc. I only ask that you credit me as I've put a lot of work into this (and I plan on creating some video guides to go along with the written ones).

I've tried to make the guide as approachable to everyone as possible, and I'll be updating it in the coming days/weeks with more screenshots and videos so it's easier for those that don't have a background in IT/fixing their own car like myself to tackle-- and I'm also working the logistics of cutting out the software part and offering the MicroSD Card for purchase; for those that want it. (This is done) This seems to be a very common issue plaguing not only Nissan but Infiniti and possibly others that use this same style of DCU.

I also hope to be opening a repo where people who perform the fix can upload their repaired image, so others can download and use those in their vehicles. I've not encountered a scenario where my image doesn't work on someone else's hardware, but there's a lot of pathfinders out there and it's possible. I think having a large library for people to download and share to is a good thing. When this repo is complete, I'll start it by offering mine (which has been uploaded to quite a few pathfinders already).

EDIT: I did have an article for this, but I had to remove it as several people reported that they were missing fonts/textures when flashing with Balena Etcher or Rufus in windows. I will try to bring this article back in the same approachable way when I can. For now, use Linux for DIY.

Finally, write to your local representative about right to repair. This is exactly the kind of thing right to repair aims to protect. It shouldn't take some guy on the internet to write up a blog after reverse engineering a fix for a design flaw in a car that costs $40,000 new, Nissan should have this documentation available. You'll see in my detailed write up that the fix is only possible because Nissan put in a backup of the OS partition, which means they know this fix is possible, and they'd rather take your thousands of dollars to install a new DCU and throw the other one in a landfill. That disgusts me.

I hope this helps the people posting about DCU issues.
 
#3 ·
If you have this issue, this thread is for you and should fix your problem (or lead you onto the path to get it fixed).

A very common issue I've noticed on this forum, and on reddit; as well as something I experienced myself over a year and a half ago-- is the center screen in these Pathfinders failing.

That failure mode typically presents itself with these symptoms, or variations of them:
  • Center screen not working (black, but backlight on)
  • Center screen showing only Nissan (Infiniti) logo
  • Center screen going in a loop (shows logo/tries to start etc and then restarts)
  • Any of these symptoms or more AND, and backup camera still works.
The last one is fairly key, as it shows that it’s not an issue with the display, it’s an issue with the operating system. To break down why it fails, the TL;DR is, the operating system is stored on a MicroSD card inside the DCU (a very cheap one). After enough time, this MicroSD card fails (due to a design flaw, and it’s cheapness). This causes the symptoms that we see people post about on the forums countless times, and usually results in DCUs that get replaced; sadly, often by Nissan for far too much money. I had this happen to me, and when I discovered how much it cost, I wanted to do it myself; and I did. After weeks of diagnosing and even being unable to find a used part that matches mine, I tore apart the DCU and discovered the SD card. After digging through the files and some research, trial and error, and an eventual aha moment I was able to get a working fix for this that should apply to every single R52 pathfinder (and many Infiniti models) sold.

Nissan charges in excess of $4000 for the part alone, when in reality the only thing that's failed is a $12 Micro SD card. That was enough to annoy me into fixing it myself, but what triggered me to write this post (and the blogs that go along with it), was seeing just how many people are having this issue.

I'll easily run into post size limits for this guide (It's about 2600 words and dozens of photos), so instead I'll say if you have this issue, you can find the fix for it available entirely free on my blog here: DCU Fix (DIY Free Version) (Version 0.2)

I will also be going into the specifics of how and why the fix works on my blog, which I'll link here when that's complete:

It's free and available for everyone, you can screenshot it, download it, share it etc. I only ask that you credit me as I've put a lot of work into this (and I plan on creating some video guides to go along with the written ones).

I've tried to make the guide as approachable to everyone as possible, and I'll be updating it in the coming days/weeks with more screenshots and videos so it's easier for those that don't have a background in IT/fixing their own car like myself to tackle-- and I'm also working the logistics of cutting out the software part and offering the MicroSD Card for purchase; and mail in repair, for those that want it. This seems to be a very common issue plaguing not only Nissan but Infiniti and possibly others that use this same style of DCU.

I'll also be opening a repo where people who perform the fix can upload their repaired image, so others can download and use those in their vehicles. I've not encountered a scenario where my image doesn't work on someone else's hardware, but there's a lot of pathfinders out there and it's possible. I think having a large library for people to download and share to is a good thing. When this repo is complete, I'll start it by offering mine (which has been uploaded to quite a few pathfinders already).

Finally, write to your local representative about right to repair. This is exactly the kind of thing right to repair aims to protect. It shouldn't take some guy on the internet to write up a blog after reverse engineering a fix for a design flaw in a car that costs $40,000 new, Nissan should have this documentation available. You'll see in my detailed write up that the fix is only possible because Nissan put in a backup of the OS partition, which means they know this fix is possible, and they'd rather take your thousands of dollars to install a new DCU and throw the other one in a landfill. That disgusts me.

I hope this helps the people posting about DCU issues.
TPD Does this also fix a/c / heater control screen and Radio screen / navigation screen on display unit. would like to order card if fixes all black screen issues.
Houston,Tx
Thanks
totalylitt@yahoo.com
 
#4 ·
TPD Does this also fix a/c / heater control screen and Radio screen / navigation screen on display unit. would like to order card if fixes all black screen issues.
Houston,Tx
Thanks
totalylitt@yahoo.com
Hey, as long as your backup camera still works, so should this fix. I'm working on a "confirming your diagnosis" page for the blog post, but that's the jist of it.

I'll send you an email shortly with the same as well.

Cheers
 
#6 ·
Thanks backup camera does work. Will order card.
Thanks backup camera does work. Will order card.
I am in Australia and i am having the same type of problem .
My head unit does not come on straight away. Sometimes 10 to 30 minutes and then it wakes up.
A/C comes on with fan but you can only here it . It does not show any lights as to whats on..
When it does come on the display, the lights come on the A/C switches to show its working or has been switched on. Then runs fine until you turn the car off. Go to start it again and blank.
 
#23 ·
Bought SD card from TPD very happy. Delivered about 2 weeks after order. Followed his instructions. took about 2 hours. Everything Works good on DCU screen. A/C,Radio,Maps,Navi,Settings, everything. One glitch, every time you use camera mode. IE reverse or button it is stuck in camera mode. You have to stop, turn car off then restart. DCU boots up and works good again. I would buy it again and if he gets a software fix for reverse will but the upgraded one. Maybe he can send me a software upgrade. I AM VERY HAPPY for what I paid.

totalylitt
 
#24 ·
Bought SD card from TPD very happy. Delivered about 2 weeks after order. Followed his instructions. took about 2 hours. Everything Works good on DCU screen. A/C,Radio,Maps,Navi,Settings, everything. One glitch, every time you use camera mode. IE reverse or button it is stuck in camera mode. You have to stop, turn car off then restart. DCU boots up and works good again. I would buy it again and if he gets a software fix for reverse will but the upgraded one. Maybe he can send me a software upgrade. I AM VERY HAPPY for what I paid.

totalylitt
Did you say you still have trouble with the reverse camera. That’s what I don’t want because it’s my wife’s car and I want it to fully work or else not worth it.
 
#32 ·
Just to update everyone on totalylitt's pathfinder, we've emailed directly and we're not sure why his backup camera is acting strange (it's the only time I've seen this happen among dozens of orders & many more fixes from following the guides), but we're trying a new SD card to see if it was a faulty card or something with his DCU specifically. I will update on the resolution of this situation in this thread once the replacement SD Card is installed, and try to get back to everyone else ASAP.

Thanks,
 
#55 ·
I am have trouble finding where to order SD card for my DCU on your site? Also, wanted to double check compatibility with 2018 Armada?
I apologize but i cant find where to order an SD card for my DCU on your website? Also, it say pathfinders but will this work for my 2018 Armada?
Hello! Sorry, I missed these notifications, the forum isn't very good at notifying me when people respond!

First off, I've launched the new website which should hopefully make it a little easier to order. All the SD card kits can be found in one place, here: Shop

Secondly, yes! I have a repair kit available for the Armada as well. For anyone else wondering, I've also got one for the QX80, Q50, and Q60 too. They can all be found in the shop page (and the DIY repair process is the same for all of them so far).

Hello. I believe I have the same issue and am wondering if I provide a part number you’d be able to confirm.
I believe you will benefit from this article here: Denso DCU Screen Failure Fix Guide (2012-2022 Nissan & Infiniti Models)
 
#56 ·
Hello! Sorry, I missed these notifications, the forum isn't very good at notifying me when people respond!

First off, I've launched the new website which should hopefully make it a little easier to order. All the SD card kits can be found in one place, here: Shop

Secondly, yes! I have a repair kit available for the Armada as well. For anyone else wondering, I've also got one for the QX80, Q50, and Q60 too. They can all be found in the shop page (and the DIY repair process is the same for all of them so far).


I believe you will benefit from this article here: Denso DCU Screen Failure Fix Guide (2012-2022 Nissan & Infiniti Models)
Thank you! I just can’t see paying $5000.