Controlling the G37 gauges using CAN Bus! Motorvate's DIY Garage Ep.37

[@Miguelcortes87]

Always good seeing a video upload from you! Cheers!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks for your kind words! I know a video of this type is not for everyone, but I like to show what can be done.

[@123jaydonjessica]

I think the 8 speeds where for the Japanese CVT equiped skylines that had 8 "gears" called the Skyline 350GT-8

[@MotorvateDIY]

Interesting!!! I didn't know about a 350GT-8!

[@TheBirdan14]

Would be cool if you could program it to display what gear the car is in even when in automatic mode

[@MotorvateDIY]

I agree... and you might see something in the next few months :)

[@rickwon1747]

Welcome back! It's good to hear from you and a new video to see. Thanks and keep up the good work, your videos are very informative and interesting.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks Rick! I think going forward, I will focus on getting "OK" content out, instead of fully produced requiring 30+ hours editing.

[@ebrake.5889]

yay you're alright! I still view your videos over and over because theyre so informative!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks Ebrake! All is well here :) Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@J_VQ37]

ive learned so much about my car from this channel. had my 2011 G37x (4dr) for a year now, loving every day with it!!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Hey Jadon, Thanks for your kind words! I have some unique G37 can bus stuff under development right now to give us some extra info to keep the car healthy for a long time AND it installs in about 20 seconds :) More on this soon !

[@J_VQ37]

@@MotorvateDIY can't wait!👍

[@gabrielbrown2791]

I’ve reached out to you before I think. My cluster gauges don’t work. Only thing working is some of the warning indicators like the emergency brake light, battery light, airbag light security light jand seat belt light. Every thing else is dead the illumination and signal indicator, headlight and mileage plus gauges but everything is fully functional even the cruise control I just don’t see it in dash as if I had a black out. All the peepin you hear when you first push the start button I don’t hear or illumination on my radio, a/c but all full functioning

[@MotorvateDIY]

Sorry if I didn't get back to you before, sometimes I get buried in questions and can't answer them all. The cluster is powered through fuse 4 (labelled as: METER IGN) and 11 (labelled as: ETS SOL), which are located in the fuse box on the left side of the driver's foot well. I would check all the fuses and see if any of them have blown.

[@Enkies]

i’m so glad you’re back! hopefully you reel out more maintenance presentations in the near future! cheers!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks for your comment. What are you looking for with regards to maintenance?

[@Enkies]

@@MotorvateDIY i’ve seen all your videos already. but perhaps spark plugs, restore headlights, clean exhaust, serpentine belt, oil cooler? etc..

[@MotorvateDIY]

That's a nice list... I have already shot the spark plug replacement (multi 4K camera, with boroscope of the spark plug hole) I just need to find the time to edit it. My serpentine belt is probably due for replacement soon, and will shot that as well.

[@muasboy]

Your videos are the most informative g37 videos

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thank you! To be honest, I do try to have unique content, that I hope people find informative :)

[@enterzmatrix9191]

Awesome Sauce, Nice work as ever. I am following your guides for my 6MT as well.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks for your comment and your kind words!

[@lsis146]

Good video, there is any documentation about wich pid use to move the Speed neddle?

[@MotorvateDIY]

What are you trying to do and on what year/make/model car?

[@kmc4747]

Where have you been. Glad you are back

[@MotorvateDIY]

Where have I been? .... Well, I have been digging deep in CAN bus reverse engineering. It is time consuming but I find it VERY interesting. Also I have been creating inexpensive, CAN bus tools based on the ESP32 Dev Kit: CAN bus to wifi and CAN bus to SD data logger. Details on the tools will be in a later episode... and yes they will be DIY with very little electronics knowledge required to assemble and use :)

[@kmc4747]

@@MotorvateDIY that is great as I love your content. I also plan on doing that fix u did for the rear diff.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Try to fill the lower part of the bushing so it is absolutely full. After 3 years and many runs down the drag strip, I think the epoxy compressed and now the bushing is starting to rip a little more. So, work case it bought me about 3 years. -AND- if I didn't drag race, I suspect it would of lasted longer. Good luck!

[@sirbo]

Hey @MotorvateDIY, I had just watched this a few days ago trying to get some ideas on how to tackle a project for my 2011 g37 and wanted to know if I could dm you so I could pick your brain about a couple things can bus/cluster related??

[@jwise1203]

Wow. Really interested in any progress you make here. Please post more CAN stuff when you can. Great video!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks. I am a little surprised in getting 1,000 views in 24 hours. That is the highest amount of views in 24 hours I have ever had. So.... yes you will see more CAN bus video!

[@zionjohnson2688]

What canbus protocol and baudrate does the g37 use? would like to work with the canbus myself.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Nissan/Infiniti CAN bus typically runs at 500,000 bits per second, using CAN Bus 2.0B / ISO-11898.

[@dfacedxa]

thats pretty cool. i know it would require some kind of sensor in the transmission but it would be cool if the display with the gear could show what gear you are in in a manual transmission car. I mean i can look down at the shift nob its not a big deal but i think it would be cool. i wonder if someone could hack into this to put additional data in the MPG bar area that you can select different displays. Like if you could show voltage, or data from an aftermarket sensor like oil pressure, oil temp. nice work sir!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks for your kind words! Everything you mentioned (an more!) is either in testing or under development. More info will be announced in the next 1-2 months :) (The past lockdowns have prevented testing, but now testing is underway!)

[@user-jt3nf7in5w]

Would there be a way to change the screen in the center to say custom messages?

[@MotorvateDIY]

I've looked into this and... the answer is I don't think so. The unified meter and AC amp (aka M&A) is the module that controls the gauges and centre LCD display using multiple serial data connections. It may be possible to reverse engineer the serial data that controls the LCD display, but it would take many hours and you would end up with a low resolution, slow-ish LCD display.

[@fegbsc9564]

How to bypass Speedlimiter, i think mine is limited to 155MPH?

[@MotorvateDIY]

The only I know is to get UpRev or EcuTek install on your ECU and change that setting.

[@shawn.240sx2]

They/you should make this as a kit I’d love to have my original cluster from my g35 into my vq swapped 240sx

[@MotorvateDIY]

Actually, that is on my list of future projects! I have an 03 G35 cluster and completed most of the CAN work. Once the testing is done on the GTR gauges for the G37/370 this is next on the list. I'm not sure when that will happen, but it is next!

[@fernandohood5542]

How do you know what commands to send?

[@MotorvateDIY]

Just record the CAN bus of the car, play it back and deselect the different CAN IDs

[@gabrielbrown2791]

My gauges stopped working and indicators not working but everything else is functioning properly just not showing only my emergency brakes light air bag and seat belt light indicator come on what can it be

[@MotorvateDIY]

It is really hard to say. I would check the fuses on the left side of the driver's foot well, specifically the fuse labelled "METER (BAT)" as this powers the gauge cluster. Good luck!

[@gabrielbrown2791]

@@MotorvateDIYstill no luck I’ve just been driving the car like this for the last few months. It’s bothering not knowing when my signals are still on or not today if I got some time I’m a swap out the meter and see what happens

[@RubberChickenMan007]

It would be awesome if you could figure out what circuit in the control module goes bad which stops the fuel gauge from working. I replaced the floats and fuel sending unit yet the gauge is still not functioning. Then I replaced the control module with a second hand unit and it's still not working right.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Funny you should ask. A friend just changed his M&A to get his gas gauge to work, and I asked for the old one to do an investigation to find out what fails. The circuit is very simple, 2 variable resistors in series that connect to the M&A and that controls the fuel gauge.

[@RubberChickenMan007]

@@MotorvateDIY Do you think there is a way to repair it instead of buying another one second hand that can potentially fail again?

[@MotorvateDIY]

It depends on what has failed. Poor solder joints can be easily fixed, as well as some of the common electronic components (resistors, capacitors, etc) BUT there can also be some custom chips (application-specific integrated circuit aka ASICs) which can not be sourced and there is no public documentation. In that case, you can only replace the M&A

[@RubberChickenMan007]

@@MotorvateDIY bummer, but thank you for the wonderful information. I genuinely appreciate it.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Anytime... If you replaced the M&A and that didn't work, it sounds like a wiring or fuel level senor issue. Go to nicoclub and grab the manual to trouble shoot it.

[@GlennAnsag]

is it ppssible for y61 patrol 2021 model?

[@MotorvateDIY]

I would think so... but I don't have a Y61 Patrol gauge cluster or CAN bus data log to test.

[@Josstech98]

Cool stuff. Is it possible to hook up a 2004 G35/V35 CAN to a 2007 V36 5AT transmission. V35 has an external AT controller while V36 AT is inside the transmission connecting to other systems through CAN.

[@MotorvateDIY]

I am not sure if I understand your question... If you are asking about using a V36 transmission/TCM on a V35 /G35 I don't know. From what I have seen, most of the CAN data is similar but it did change over the generations.

[@Josstech98]

@@MotorvateDIY Yeah that what I mean. I am good in mechanical and electronics but software isn't my cup of tea when it comes to coding. I wanted to know if later V36 TCM which is housed inside the 5AT transmission can be programmed to communicate with older version of V35 control units so that I can do a swap from older 4AT to later 5AT transmission.

[@MotorvateDIY]

That's a good question and I don't know the answer. As far as I know, only one person has been able to dump the code out of the 5AT and has had a very difficult time reverse engineering it, and I think the project stalled. There are now aftermarket transmission controllers, but I haven't seen any for the 5AT or 7AT.

[@vorobeyrr]

hi. have you tried reading the windows rollup packets? i want to make windows up automatically and sunroof close when the car is closed. just started my journey in learning this for q50. maybe your experience will tell me that it is impossible and i am doing it in vain. any advice will be useful

[@MotorvateDIY]

I haven't spent anytime looking at that. I do know that the Q50 CAN bus architecture is very different than the G37. Keep in mind, with Nissan/Infiniti not everything is on the CAN bus, unlike European vehicles.

[@vorobeyrr]

@@MotorvateDIY thank you for reply) good luck)

[@rocs209]

How much work was it to remove the cluster? You really are knowledgeable with cars, I am impressed.

[@MotorvateDIY]

This is a spare cluster I purchased from ebay, so I don't know what it takes to remove the cluster. Thanks for the comment and your kind words :)

[@OCD_FPV]

Which protocol number did you communicate over?

[@MotorvateDIY]

Protocol number? I don't know what you mean. The gauges are driven by broadcast messages on the CAN bus and I simulate the ABS and ECU module.

[@tom-ow5vp]

Awesome job! I'm looking to tap into CAN as well. Is there a preferred location to tap in? OBD port or steering angle plug? Does the G37 have a firewall like some European cars?

[@MotorvateDIY]

On the older cars, like my 2011 G37, it only has one CAN bus and that is at the usual pins on the OBD connector. *AND* no gateway / firewall like the new vehicles. Have fun riding the CAN bus :)

[@tom-ow5vp]

Thanks for the quick response. From my understanding, with the arduino and mcp2515, you can read and send commands to the CAN, but is it possible to disable factory code and replace it with my own? detector.

[@MotorvateDIY]

From the testing I have done on a G35/G37... nope. Think about it, a module in the car is sending out a specific CAN bus message, then we send the same CAN bus message with a different payload. The receiving device will show what is sees... and this results in unstable results, as it shows both very quickly. Think about it this way: person A is talking to person B. Then person C starts to talk to person B. This results in confusion from person B.

[@tom-ow5vp]

Thanks for the explanation

[@tom-ow5vp]

Hey Frank, reporting back. I’ve successfully read from the CAN, however nothing happens when I send a command

[@XTUNERS]

Hi. Would you share the gauge cluster pin outs for power up after led repair?

[@MotorvateDIY]

Unfortunately, providing power and ground doesn't turn on the back light, that is done over the CAN bus.

[@fastshiftauto8941]

@@MotorvateDIY can u please share the pin out of this cluster

[@MotorvateDIY]

The cluster pin out can be found in the factory shop manual, that you can download for free at nico club dot com. Look in the MWI section.

[@kmc4747]

Your content is great

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thank you! I do try to create content that is unique and new.

[@rickpurcell4772]

Do you have the DBC file for the G37 ECU? We have a G37 racecar and want to display specific PIDs (oil temp, trans temp) on our Aim race dash

[@MotorvateDIY]

I have most of the G37's CAN bus fully reversed engineered, but haven't spent the time to made a DBC file. Here is what I am developing: DIY Bluetooth + CAN Bus Gauges? MotorvateDIY Garage Ep.39 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Oucpafecl-fq8 Which dash do you have?

[@rickpurcell4772]

@@MotorvateDIY Very cool, this the type of thing we are looking for. We are using the Aim MXG 1.2 strada dash and want to display similar telemetry (op temp, trans temp, etc.) while giving us our lap times. Aim supports custom DBC files we just can't find a complete DCB file for a G37/370Z.

[@MotorvateDIY]

I haven't seen a good DBC file for the G/Z. The ones that are out there focus on HVAC controls and not engine/trans related items.

[@TakenBaconftw]

I just started on the 370z cluster trying to see how difficult it would be to either hijack the oem multidisplay (on the left side, by the fuel/coolant temp area) or just completely replace it with a similar sized display controlled by an arduino. Would be nice to finally give that display a purpose rather than giving me useless info such as mpg and outside temperature lol.

[@MotorvateDIY]

I haven't done any research on the 370z cluster, so I really don't know the inner workings of the multi-display. Instead of taking apart the cluster, replacing the LCD and programming an Arduino to do something, it might be easier to set up a vent mounted or dash mounted display with an Arduino. In the next hour, I will be releasing an episode where I show my Bluetooth based sensors (engine oil pressure, fuel pressure, transmission temp and diff temp) AND CAN bus data PLUS OBD data working prototype. This may interest you!

[@TakenBaconftw]

@@MotorvateDIY Oh yeah a standalone display would be significantly easier, I'm just doing it for fun with a cheap cluster I got off ebay cause why not. I'm a software developer by trade so I can usually figure my way around things.

[@21bombsquad]

I wanna learn how to do this ,you deserve to get more views I subbed

[@MotorvateDIY]

First of all, thanks for subbing!! Understanding the CAN bus, isn't hard, just time consuming. I have spent 10 hours just trying to figure out and verify a single CAN bus message. I am starting to think I should put together a few videos showing how to get started connecting and reading the CAN bus. There does seem to be a lot of interest in this topic.

[@21bombsquad]

@@MotorvateDIY yes because it very rare to Find some interesting information about this car.your welcome 🙏🏿

[@fastshiftauto8941]

@@MotorvateDIY yes please

[@MotorvateDIY]

I'll try to put something together in the next few weeks.

[@fastshiftauto8941]

@@MotorvateDIY hey bro do u have a website or instagram so I can follow this project??

[@kirillc160]

Hey man! I was just wondering, Do you recommend any good bench power supply for these type of projects?

[@MotorvateDIY]

I use an old "wall wart" power supply that has 12v and can provide up to 3 amps. It works and is free :)

[@anthonyfryar8144]

hi can you email some pinouts and simplified diagrams. Im doing a vq37 swapped 240sx at the moment. I have it running already and was interested in the cluster install and came across your post.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Sounds like an awesome project! All the wiring diagrams you will need are on nico club dot com... they are kind enough to provide the Nissan/Infiniti factory shop manuals. Good luck!

[@sydneytcp]

Nice! How did you figure out which codes correspond to what data (RPMs, speed, etc)?

[@MotorvateDIY]

It isn't hard, just time consuming. I went for a short drive and recorded all the CAN bus data on my G37, using a "CAN bus to Wifi/SD card" recorder I designed and programmed. (it will be sold as a DIY kit in the next few months for under $50) Then I used one of the many CAN bus programs to play back the data to the gauges on my test bench using the above device, and one by one turn off a specific CAN bus ID until a gauge stopped working. Once you have that, you now know what CAN bus ID the tach/speedo/temp gauge uses. Since each CAN bus message has up to 8 bytes, you now need to change each byte to zero and see what gauge stops working. Now you know the CAN bus ID and the byte position(s) of a specific gauge. The next step is to figure out the the number of bytes used, scale and offset to convert the raw data to the actual value. You will need a good understanding of binary and hex number systems. To give you an idea how much data is on the CAN bus, in the example of my G37 there are just over 2,000 CAN bus frames per second... AND that is around 16,000 bytes per second of raw data. I am starting to think I should put together a few videos showing how to get started connecting and reading the CAN bus. There does seem to be a lot of interest in this topic.

[@sydneytcp]

@@MotorvateDIY yeah I figured the best way would be to take the car for a drive and collect data, but I didn't know I could just turn on and off CAN bus ID's just like that. Is this something that can be done with OBD-II? Or do I need to connect directly to the car's CAN bus? Thanks (I think I know how to use an arduino and related components to dump CAN bus data through OBD but I didn't know you could toggle bus ID's)

[@MotorvateDIY]

Most CAN bus programs allow you to be selective (aka allow or block the CAN bus ID from being transmitted) in the playback of recorded CAN bus data. OBD-II uses the CAN bus, but CAN bus doesn't use OBD-II. Over the next few weeks I will try to put together a video and explain this stuff. It really is quite simple, once you understand just a few things. :)

[@fastshiftauto8941]

@@MotorvateDIY hey where car I buy this and btw where can I follow ur built

[@MotorvateDIY]

At this point there is nothing for sale. Best place for updates is right here.

[@zoehaze]

Love reverse engineering.... me being an audio engineer myelf. Good stuff. Do you work on gauges per say?!?. Doing guage swap on my 05 fx45 to a +06 fx35/45 cluster. Reason being +06 cluster rings are illuminated. Got the gauge out the JY, so it probably needs a once over. Great vid!!!

[@MotorvateDIY]

Audio engineer? Very cool!!! From what I have seen on Nissan/Infiniti CAN bus IDs, I think your 06 cluster should work without any issues. Please update on your progress!

[@aidanfranits1339]

What CAN message are you sending for speed?

[@MotorvateDIY]

I can do you one better... here is a DBC for you, which gives you vehicle speed and much more: github.com/commaai/opendbc/blob/master/nissan_xterra_2011.dbc

[@juvinynoriega9770]

Hello I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment , but I’ve been having a problem with my g37s 2009. I’m suspecting a short or something wrong with the Can system connecting to the tsu. If you can respond I’d really appreciate your help with your insight on your expertise on the Can network.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Hey Juviny, I read and replay to all the comments... but sometimes it takes a while to get to them. :) What are the symptoms you are having and why do you think there is something wrong with the CAN bus?

[@juvinynoriega9770]

@@MotorvateDIY so my car is currently not going over 74 mph. The reason is because the input speed is correct and the output speed is incorrect. Almost double the speed. Now I have changed the battery and had the transmission speed sensor. The alternator is good as well. Still the problem has not been fixed. The tranmission shop told me my aftermarket radio could have been interfering so I went to get that checked out as well and the radio is wired just fine. The 2 codes were the p1574 and c1000. The car drives completely fine makes all the right shift etc. The only reason it’s in semi limp mode because of the drastic wrong output code. The speedometer shows the correct speed as well so as far as I can assume it is not a wiring problem between the ecm to the combination meter. So I am making the assumption now that there can be a short between the combination meter and tcu. Unless there is anything else It Can possibly be. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions.

[@MotorvateDIY]

The P1574 code means that the vehicle speed from the "Unified meter and A/C amp" (this feeds the gauge cluster) is different than the vehicle speed from the transmission's control module. These modules talk on the car's CAN bus, which is the car's network. You U1000 code (c1000 code doesn't exist and I assumed a type) is a CAN bus communication fault code. AND I suspect this is the cause of the P1574... the transmission isn't sending the data on the car's network, OR the Unified meter and A/C amp can't receive it. Unfortunately, without special tools and a good understanding of CAN bus communications this is not something you can DIY. Your best bet is to take it to a dealer and get an estimate. Good luck!

[@fastshiftauto8941]

Hey how can I reach out to u

[@MotorvateDIY]

Go here: kzbin.infoabout and my email is on the bottom of the page.

[@ajitpalsingh2180]

I have a headache but so cool

[@MotorvateDIY]

Did the video have too much movement?

[@kim99jung]

I bet the idea of matting vq37 with zf 8spd was on the table. . . .

[@MotorvateDIY]

Funny you should mention that...Last week, I was asked a few questions about CAN bus control of the ZF 8 speed DCT after posting a different video on Facebook. I think I can get the factory paddle shifters (and tach, speedo, coolant temp) to work with it.

[@philipjacob2314]

That would transform the g/q cars to another level if that transmission can be swapped.

[@WrongFromWright]

I just want my gauges to sweep when i turn the car on.

[@MotorvateDIY]

Me too! I am looking into it :)

[@petemo94]

@@MotorvateDIY you can do it Motorvate! We’re counting on you 👍

[@MotorvateDIY]

Small update... It is easy to send out the correct CAN bus data to get the gauges to sweep. The challenge is that the ECU is also sending out CAN data for them to be at 0. More testing is underway....

[@petemo94]

@@MotorvateDIY wish I was nearby (in NC) to assist. Put my computer science and engineering experience to work. Keep the updates coming

[@MotorvateDIY]

Will do... Do you have any way of logging your car's CAN bus? Additional Nissan/Infiniti CAN logs would be helpful :)

[@jamespower5520]

Cool

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks!

[@smoochreynolds4865]

Niice

[@MotorvateDIY]

Thanks!