NATS (Nissan Anti-Theft System) / Gasoline engine — NATS Audio Link (Supplement-VII)
EL-7074prose procedureNATS audio link description. Audio pairing is one-shot at first power-on; swapping radios across cars requires manufacturer's decoder. Critical knowledge for any used-radio install on K11 Supplement-VII.
NATS Audio Link
DESCRIPTION
The link, with the NATS IMMU implies that the radio can basically only be operated if connected to the matching NATS IMMU to which the radio was initially fitted on the production line.
Since radio operation is impossible after the link with the NATS is disrupted theft of the radio unit is basically useless since special equipment is required to reset the radio.
Initialisation process for radios that are linked to the NATS IMMU
New radios will be delivered to the factories in the 'NEW' state, i.e. ready to be linked with the vehicle's NATS. When the radio in 'NEW' state is first switched on at the factory, it will start up communication with the vehicle's immobiliser control unit (IMMU) and send a code (the 'Radio Code') to the IMMU. The IMMU will then store this code, which is unique to each radio, in its (permanent) memory.
Upon receipt of the code by the IMMU, the NATS will confirm correct receipt of the radio code to the radio. Hereafter, the radio will operate as normal.
During the initialisation process, 'NEW' is displayed on the radio display. Normally though, communication between Radio and IMMU takes such a short time (300 ms) that the radio seems to switch on directly without showing 'NEW' on its display.
Normal operation
Each time the radio is switched on afterwards, the radio code will be verified between the radio unit and the NATS before the radio becomes operational. During the code verification process, 'WAIT' is shown on the radio display. Again, the communication takes such a short time (300 ms) that the radio seems to switch on directly without showing 'WAIT' on its display.
When the radio is locked
In case of a radio being linked with the vehicle's NATS (immobiliser system), disconnection of the link between the radio and the NATS before the radio becomes operational. During the code verification process, the radio unit is fully inoperative. Reset of the radio is basically impossible, unless the radio is reset to the 'NEW' state for which special decoding equipment is required.
The radio manufacturer have provided their authorized service representatives with so called 'decoder boxes' which can bring the radio unit back to the 'NEW' state, enabling the radio to be linked to the vehicle's immobiliser system. As a result of the above, repair of the radio can only be done by an authorized representative of the radio manufacturer.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Battery disconnection
Service procedureNo additional action required.
Description—
Radio needs repair
Service procedureRepair needs to be done by authorized representative of radio manufacturer since radio cannot be operated unless it is reset to NEW state, using special decoding equipment.
Description—
Replacement of radio by new part
Service procedureNo additional action required.
DescriptionRadio is delivered in NEW state.
Transferring radio to another vehicle/replacement of radio by an 'old' part
Service procedureRadio needs to be reset to NEW state by authorized representative of radio manufacturer.
Description—
Replacement of IMMU by new part
Service procedureInput the radio code
DescriptionRadio will request for the code input prior to establishing the link with the IMMU
WARNING
Key implications:
• Audio unit is permanently paired with the IMMU at first power-on (factory or service-init).
• Swapping audio unit between cars without resetting to NEW state at the manufacturer = bricked radio.
• If IMMU is replaced, the existing radio will prompt for its Radio Code on first power-up.
• 'NEW' state reset requires dedicated decoder boxes — dealer-only.