Amplifier KICKS 4.60: technical features, firmware and sound optimization for Nissan

Amplifier KICKS 4.60 is a specialized device designed to improve the audio system in cars Nissan Kicks and other models of the brand. Its main advantage is the ability to integrate with the standard multimedia system, while maintaining the original functionality of the steering control and display. However, many owners are faced with questions: how to install this amplifier correctly, what firmware is supported, and how to avoid common mistakes when setting up?

In this article we will look at technical specifications amplifier, let's look at the process in detail firmware updates to version 4.60 (which adds support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020+ models), and we'll also look at diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques. We will pay special attention to compatibility with different generations Nissan Kicks and the nuances of connecting to the car’s CAN bus.

Technical characteristics of the KICKS 4.60 amplifier

Amplifier KICKS 4.60 belongs to the class DSP processors (Digital Sound Processor), which allows not only to amplify the signal, but also to adjust the sound stage in the cabin. Its key parameters:

• 🔊 Output power: 4x50W (RMS) into 4 ohms, 4x75W into 2 ohms
• 📶 Input support: 6 RCA channels (for connecting a head unit), optical input (for a digital signal)
• 🔧 Sound correction: 31-band equalizer, delay timing (up to 15 ms), crossovers with adjustable cutoff frequency (20–20000 Hz)
• 🚗 Integration with CAN bus: protocol support Nissan Consult III And OBD-II for synchronization with on-board electronics

Feature of the version 4.60 is a built-in module for working with Apple CarPlay And Android Auto via USB port. This allows you to connect your smartphone directly to the amplifier, bypassing the standard radio (relevant for models Nissan Kicks 2018–2023). However, for correct operation it is required firmware no lower than 4.60.2 - earlier versions may cause freezes when connecting an iPhone.

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Frequency range	10–40000 Hz	With subsonic and ultrasonic filter
C/N ratio	105 dB	At 1 W output level
Format support	MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC	Via USB or Bluetooth (in versions with module)
Dimensions	220×150×40 mm	Standard size for under seat installation

It is important to consider that the amplifier KICKS 4.60 not compatible with systems Boseinstalled in top trim levels Nissan Kicks. In such cases, additional linear converter to adapt the signal.

Compatibility with Nissan Models: What You Need to Know

Amplifier KICKS 4.60 was developed primarily for Nissan Kicks second generation (from 2020), but also supports other brand models provided the correct firmware is installed. Below is the compatibility table:

• ✅ Nissan Kicks (2018–2023) - full support, including integration with steering wheel buttons
• ✅ Nissan Juke (2019+) - CAN bus adapter required
• ⚠️ Nissan Qashqai (2021+) - partial compatibility, display problems may occur
• ❌ Nissan X-Trail (until 2020) - not supported due to different CAN protocol

To check compatibility with your model you need to:

1. Specify the year of manufacture and vehicle equipment (on the presence/absence of the system Bose).
2. Check the version of the standard radio (in the menu Settings → System information).
3. Check with official compatibility table (updated by the manufacturer).

⚠️ Attention: When installing the amplifier in Nissan Kicks 2018 release, conflicts with the system are possible NissanConnect. In this case, you need to disable automatic updating of the radio via OTA (Over-The-Air).

How to find out the firmware version of the head unit?

To do this, go to the radio settings menu: Settings → System Information → Software Version. The version will be indicated in the format X.XX.XX (for example, 2.50.12).

Step-by-step instructions for installing the amplifier

Installation KICKS 4.60 requires accuracy and knowledge of the car's electrical circuit. Below is the algorithm for Nissan Kicks 2020–2023:

Remove the negative terminal from the battery|Disconnect the factory radio (remove fuse F32)|Run the power and RCA cables along the center console|Prepare a place for mounting the amplifier (under the seat or in the trunk)|Check the voltage on the CAN bus wires (should be 2.5–3.5 V)

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Main stages:

1. Power connection:
   • Red wire (+12V) - to the battery through a 30A fuse.
   • Black wire (GND) - to the car body (be sure to clean the contact point!).
   • Yellow wire (REM) - to the radio control wire (usually blue with a white stripe).

Connecting audio:

Use line outputs standard radio (if any) or install linear converter to the speakers. For models with Bose you will need a converter with support DSP emulation.

Integration with CAN bus:

Connect the wires CAN-H (orange-black) and CAN-L (orange-white) to the diagnostic connector OBD-II (pins 6 and 14). For Nissan Kicks 2023 may be required CAN filter to stabilize the signal.

⚠️ Attention: Do not connect the amplifier to CAN-H And CAN-L with the ignition on! This may cause an error U1000 in the engine control unit.

After installation, be sure to resetting the radio settings (press and hold the button Power for 10 seconds) and reboot the amplifier (turn off power for 30 seconds).

Firmware update: how to flash an amplifier to version 4.60

Firmware KICKS 4.60 adds support Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, improves sound processing and fixes bugs from previous versions (for example, random reboots during loud music). To update you will need:

• 💻Laptop with Windows 10/11 (MacOS not supported)
• 🔌 USB Type-C cable (for connecting to an amplifier)
• 📁 Firmware KICKS_4.60.2.bin (download from official website)
• 🔧 Program Kicks Updater Tool (version 1.4.5 or later)

Step by step process:

1. Disconnect the amplifier from the power supply (remove the battery terminal).
2. Connect the amplifier to your laptop via a USB cable (the connector is on the back of the device).
3. Run Kicks Updater Tool and select the firmware file.
4. Click Start Update and wait for completion (the process takes ~5 minutes).
5. After the update, disconnect the USB and connect the power back.

If an error occurs during the firmware ERROR 0x80070005, this means that:

• 🔹 You do not have enough administrator rights on your PC (run the program as administrator).
• 🔹 The firmware version is incompatible with the hardware revision of the amplifier (check the markings on the board).
• 🔹 USB port is unstable (try another cable or port).

⚠️ Attention: Interrupting the firmware process can lead to the amplifier becoming “bricked.” If the device stops turning on, contact the service center with a request for restoration via JTAG.

Typical errors and their elimination

Even after proper installation, owners KICKS 4.60 may encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

Error	Reason	Solution
NO SOUND on display	Incorrect RCA connection or no signal from the radio	Check the integrity of the cables and the signal level in the menu Input Level
Stuck when connecting iPhone	Outdated firmware (below 4.60.2) or conflict with CarPlay	Update the firmware and reset CarPlay settings on your phone
Noise in the speakers when the ignition is turned on	Poor ground contact or power supply interference	Reconnect GND and add a 1000uF capacitor per line +12V
Error CAN ERROR	Incorrect connection to the CAN bus or incompatibility with the protocol	Check polarity CAN-H/CAN-L and install the CAN filter

If the amplifier gives an error OVERHEAT (overheating), this may be due to:

• 🔥 Insufficient ventilation (install the amplifier in a ventilated place).
• 🔌 Excessive load (check the speaker resistance - it should not be lower than 2 Ohms).
• 🔧 Malfunction of the built-in cooler (in versions with active cooling).

For diagnostics use service menu amplifier: press the button Mute for 5 seconds, then select Diagnostics → Error Log. The codes of the last 10 errors will be indicated there.

How to reset the amplifier to factory settings?

For a complete reset, hold down the buttons Volume+ And Source on the front panel of the amplifier, then turn on the power. Hold the buttons for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes. All settings (including EQ) will be reset.

Sound optimization: DSP and EQ settings

Amplifier KICKS 4.60 equipped with advanced DSP processor, which allows you to fine-tune the sound to the interior acoustics. Main parameters for optimization:

• 🎛️ Crossovers: Set the subwoofer cutoff frequency to 80 Hz and the midbass cutoff frequency to 250 Hz.
• 📊 Equalizer: use preset Rock for bass music or Jazz for clean vocals.
• 🕒 Audio delay: Adjust the timing so that the sound from the front and rear speakers arrives simultaneously (optimal: 0.5–1.0 ms for the rear).

To calibrate in steps:

1. Go to menu DSP → Auto EQ.
2. Connect the microphone (included) to the connector MIC IN.
3. Place the microphone at driver head level.
4. Start the calibration process (takes ~3 minutes).
5. Save the profile in a slot User 1.

If the sound becomes too flat after calibration, manually raise the levels at the following frequencies:

• 60 Hz — for bass (+3 dB).
• 2–4 kHz — for vocals (+2 dB).
• 10–12 kHz — for air (+1 dB).

⚠️ Attention: Avoid over-boosting frequencies below 40Hz as this may overload the speakers and distort the sound.

Comparison with analogues: which is better to choose?

Amplifier KICKS 4.60 not the only solution for upgrading your audio system Nissan Kicks. Let's look at the alternatives:

Model	Benefits	Disadvantages	Price (approx.)
KICKS 4.60	Full integration with CAN bus, CarPlay/Android Auto support	Complexity of firmware, high price	35 000–40 000 ₽
Pioneer GM-D9705	Easy to install, reliable	No DSP, external processor required	22 000–25 000 ₽
Alpine KTA-450	Compact, good price/quality ratio	Limited audio settings	18 000–20 000 ₽
Helix P Six DSP	Top DSP, flexible settings	Difficulty setting up, high cost	60 000–70 000 ₽

The choice depends on your goals:

• 🎵 If needed maximum integration with the car (saving steering wheel buttons, displaying on the display), KICKS 4.60 - the best option.
• 💰 If your budget is limited, consider Alpine KTA-450 + external DSP (for example, Dayton Audio DSP-408).
• 🎛️ For audiophiles who are willing to spend time on setup, this is suitable Helix P Six DSP.

Please note that amplifiers do not support CAN buses will require additional adapters to maintain the functionality of the steering wheel buttons (for example, Pac Audio RP4-NIS01).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can KICKS 4.60 be installed in a 2017 Nissan Kicks?

Yes, but you will need to update the firmware version 4.50.3 (earlier than 4.60) and an adapter for the CAN bus, since models before 2018 use a different data exchange protocol. Also, the display on the standard display may not work.

Why did the sound from the rear speakers disappear after updating to 4.60?

This is a common problem when resetting settings. Go to the menu Output → Channel Assign and check that the rear channels (Rear Left/Rear Right) are not disabled. Also make sure that in the balance settings (Fader) the rear speakers are not trimmed.

How to connect a subwoofer to KICKS 4.60?

The amplifier has a dedicated output Sub Out (RCA). Connect it to the input of the subwoofer amplifier, then in the menu Crossover → Subwoofer Set the cutoff frequency to 80–100 Hz and the gain level to +6 dB.

Is it possible to use the amplifier without connecting to the CAN bus?

Yes, but in this case you will lose:

• Control from steering wheel buttons.
• Displaying tracks on the standard display.
• Automatic on/off with ignition.

For basic operation, just connect power, RCA and speakers.

Where can I download the official firmware 4.60?

The firmware can be downloaded from official website (section Support → Firmware). Pay attention to the hardware revision version of your amplifier (indicated on the sticker on the back). For revision Rev. B firmware fits KICKS_4.60.2.bin, for Rev. A — KICKS_4.50.3.bin.