Questions: Shift Lock And Console Cable

[Stuart McK]

Hi team. I have just returned from a 2,500Klm trip to try out my new 2005 350GT coupe - beautiful car to drive as a tourer. I have noted a couple of things though, and I'm hoping someone can help.

Auto transmission: there's a Shift Lock button to right of the shift which apparently does nothing (no indication on panel and no effect). Should it?

Auto #2: when shifting to manual mode @ 100Kph, the panel tells me I'm in 4th gear. Shouldn't it say "5", or is it true that reverse *really* does count as a gear?

Cable in console: in the console between the two front seats there's a coiled cable ending in an interface which doesn't look familiar. Is this standard, and is it a connection for a jap-standard mobile phone? If so, can you buy converters for local connections?

LCD display: asked whether there's a jap-to-english conversion for this in another thread. Any ideas?

And, I've owned a HR32 and a HR33 previously. The V35 lacks the fun of the turbo, but a very smooth engine nevertheless. Probably a better fit for me now as I head into my senile years...

Thanks in advance.

[win4ever]

Hey Stuart,

Not too sure about the first few questions with regards to the car (as mine just arrive at the dealer today and I'll be heading there after work to try it out more), but for the english conversion, I think Andy was saying that the Russian company is apparently working on the s2 sat nav system and will probably be available later this year.

Anyway, congrats on getting the car! And it does sound fun doing a road trip of 2,500km!!!

Hi team. I have just returned from a 2,500Klm trip to try out my new 2005 350GT coupe - beautiful car to drive as a tourer. I have noted a couple of things though, and I'm hoping someone can help.

Auto transmission: there's a Shift Lock button to right of the shift which apparently does nothing (no indication on panel and no effect). Should it?

Auto #2: when shifting to manual mode @ 100Kph, the panel tells me I'm in 4th gear. Shouldn't it say "5", or is it true that reverse *really* does count as a gear?

Cable in console: in the console between the two front seats there's a coiled cable ending in an interface which doesn't look familiar. Is this standard, and is it a connection for a jap-standard mobile phone? If so, can you buy converters for local connections?

LCD display: asked whether there's a jap-to-english conversion for this in another thread. Any ideas?

And, I've owned a HR32 and a HR33 previously. The V35 lacks the fun of the turbo, but a very smooth engine nevertheless. Probably a better fit for me now as I head into my senile years...

Thanks in advance.

[Spong]

Hi team. I have just returned from a 2,500Klm trip to try out my new 2005 350GT coupe - beautiful car to drive as a tourer. I have noted a couple of things though, and I'm hoping someone can help.

Auto transmission: there's a Shift Lock button to right of the shift which apparently does nothing (no indication on panel and no effect). Should it?

Auto #2: when shifting to manual mode @ 100Kph, the panel tells me I'm in 4th gear. Shouldn't it say "5", or is it true that reverse *really* does count as a gear?

Cable in console: in the console between the two front seats there's a coiled cable ending in an interface which doesn't look familiar. Is this standard, and is it a connection for a jap-standard mobile phone? If so, can you buy converters for local connections?

LCD display: asked whether there's a jap-to-english conversion for this in another thread. Any ideas?

And, I've owned a HR32 and a HR33 previously. The V35 lacks the fun of the turbo, but a very smooth engine nevertheless. Probably a better fit for me now as I head into my senile years...

Thanks in advance.

The shift lock is there if you need to move the gearshift away from the park position when you're unable to start the car. Normally you wouldn't be able to, unless the engine was started and the parking brake on. Activating it isn't that easy I believe. I think you need to depress the button down below the console. My S2 M35 has this button, and I haven't pursued it further yet.

When you shift to Tiptronic mode while in 5th gear auto, the auto will shift down to 4th immediately rather than stay in 5th. You can then manually shift up to 5th, or step back down the gears as required.

My Stag has that cable in the console also. I looked through all the Japanese manuals that came with mine, and from what I could understand, it connects to certain JDM cellphones only for use with the "Carwings" mobile help system and possibly handsfree. It won't work with other phones, but if your model has bluetooth capability (should state bluetooth on the navigation DVD unit) then you can pair compatible cellphones instead for handsfree operation. Carwings is JDM only of course. I paired my Nokia 6120c without difficulty.

[Stuart McK]

Spong, thanks - all makes sense. My V35 is a Series II so I assume that I have the carwings version and therefore good for little - I may as well get some console space back by poking the cable back down the hole...

Win4ever - hope you enjoy your new car also. I thought the conversion by the Russians is for the Series I, rather than the Series II. If they are doing the latter too - woohoo! Can anyone else confirm either way?

[Spong]

Spong, thanks - all makes sense. My V35 is a Series II so I assume that I have the carwings version and therefore good for little - I may as well get some console space back by poking the cable back down the hole...

Win4ever - hope you enjoy your new car also. I thought the conversion by the Russians is for the Series I, rather than the Series II. If they are doing the latter too - woohoo! Can anyone else confirm either way?

The Japanese to English conversion for the Series 1 V35/M35 is currently available, and the Series 2 is apparently being worked on. The Russians expected S2 to be finished by the middle of this year, but they've been very very late in the past, so I'd be surprised if we see it before the end of the year. See: http://www.xanavi.com.au/ for more details, and Andy_65 in this forum, is the person most in contact with the Russian programmers. To make matters more interesting, there are at least 2x versions of the S2 computer. My 2006 S2 M35 has "carwings's (there a dedicated button in English) and I believe this version was released either late 2005 or 2006. If your V35 doesn't have a "carwings" button, it'll be one of the earlier S2's.

With my cellphone paired to the bluetooth system, if I press the voice activation button on the steering wheel, and say "carwings" my phone tries to dial a local Japanese "carwings" number.

Edited July 14, 2010 by Spong

[Stuart McK]

Thanks for the update Spong. I'll watch the forum for more updates. My Series II is one of the first (23 December 2005) and it doesn't have a carwings button - although it does have a carwings option on the computer LCD (along with ETC, which I assume is related to the Nav Sat). I also have a AutoDJ and another button just below my rear view mirror which I haven't worked out yet - makes nice "beeps" but that's about it. I assume the AutoDJ refers to an audio option which is not enabled.

I need Indiana Jones and the Rosetta Stone to work this bugger out!

[win4ever]

Hey Stuart. Did u mean dec 2004? The s2 cars started coming out late 2004 as a 2005 facelift model if I m not mistaken. Mine is a nov 04 n it's an s2. I test drove the car today n it feels great. Waiting to get the car complied n I'll be off n running. I did try the tv screen n it's really tough as it's all in Japanese. It was quite dark when I tested the car so din really manage to try the tv much. If u have similar model as mine perhaps u can teach me a trick or 2 when u r good at it. Haha. Anyway enjoy ur car mate. Cheers.

Thanks for the update Spong. I'll watch the forum for more updates. My Series II is one of the first (23 December 2005) and it doesn't have a carwings button - although it does have a carwings option on the computer LCD (along with ETC, which I assume is related to the Nav Sat). I also have a AutoDJ and another button just below my rear view mirror which I haven't worked out yet - makes nice "beeps" but that's about it. I assume the AutoDJ refers to an audio option which is not enabled.

I need Indiana Jones and the Rosetta Stone to work this bugger out!

[andy65b]

the language conversion for the S2 is being worked on and when I checked last (about 2 weeks ago) the developer said late August / September.

I hate answering these questions as we just have to be patient and the conversion will be ready as soon as he can finish it. I hope for your sake he is able to deliver this conversion closer to on time than we waited for the S1.

Cheers

Andy

[Spong]

Thanks for the update Spong. I'll watch the forum for more updates. My Series II is one of the first (23 December 2005) and it doesn't have a carwings button - although it does have a carwings option on the computer LCD (along with ETC, which I assume is related to the Nav Sat). I also have a AutoDJ and another button just below my rear view mirror which I haven't worked out yet - makes nice "beeps" but that's about it. I assume the AutoDJ refers to an audio option which is not enabled.

I need Indiana Jones and the Rosetta Stone to work this bugger out!

ETC is "Electronic Toll Collection" a system used in Japan to collect road tolls. I drove almost the length of the country back in 2002 and couldn't believe how many toll collections they have there. Back then we paid in cash. These days most Japanese have an ETC system (sometimes integrated, and sometimes an add-on box) where you insert a card similar to a credit card, and when you pass under the toll bridge, a sensor on top of the dashboard communicates to the overhead ETC system, and you get charged automatically. Some V35/M35's have an integrated system to the right of the DVD ROM drive. My car came with a 3rd party system, that was easily removed. I haven't figured out what the AutoDJ system yet. It doesn't appear to relate to the cars audio system at all. I'd be grateful for anyone who can shine some light on that. I have a feeling it relates to traffic congestion information.

[Stuart McK]

Spong - again, thanks. With each response from you I learn a little more about the jap'isms of the car. As Win4ever correctly pointed out, my car is a 2004.12 Series II (which was sold to me as a 2005 model because it was first registered in Feb '05 - @$#@$). The ETC system is installed alongside the Sat Nav DVD above the glovebox - I could see it would take a card and now I understand what for. Now if only I can work out why the rear view mirror has an electrical wire attached to it...

Andy65b - I understand. I merely asked for an update because I could only find threads regarding the Series I conversion and reading that the "carwings" version conversion was a whole other ball-game. What was the cost for the Series I conversion DVD - any idea?

Win4ever - TV wont be much good unless you wire in an alternate tuner and (possibly) antennae - refer other threads here from Sensei Chris & Co. Forget the Sat Nav, as it's cheaper just to buy a TomTom! However, you can still get good information from the car stats available to you on the LCD screen, such as fuel economy and distance remaining for tank (that screen also has an option to show a history of its economy as a bar chart), and distance to next service (configurable). It's trial-and-error using the joystick, until we see a conversion. The magic key is the menu button (top row - 3rd or 4th?), using the rightmost bottom key to cancel out of each option.

Also worth downloading the 2005 manual from here, remembering that it's for the left-hand drive G35 - http://psedog.com/cars/fsm/g35/coupe/

All-in-all very happy with the car. Now just hanging out for the conversion DVD...

[Stuart McK]

Andy65, thanks. I've got my hand up for a Series II conversion. [hey, if I post 7 more of these I can then PM you ]

[Spong]

Now if only I can work out why the rear view mirror has an electrical wire attached to it...

I'm assuming your V35 has the same feature as my S2 M35 - it's a heated rear view mirror to counter the misting up problems you'd get otherwise. They sure think of everything don't they?

I find the following site invaluable for finding the specs, changes and options for various JDM cars. You will need the Google Toolbar to enable it to translate Japanese to English, unless you're fluent in Japanese or use some other translator. The following page covers JDM Nissans including Skylines and Stageas.

http://www.goo-net.com/catalog/NISSAN/index.html

The following should cover your V35: http://www.goo-net.com/catalog/NISSAN/SKYL....html#grd200106

[Stuart McK]

Thanks Spong. Seeing as how we're talking websites I've found this one to be the most useful summary for the 2004, 2005 & 2006 V35 - http://www.jlimports.com.au/nissan-skyline-350gt-v35-coupe . Doesn't have an equivalent page for the Stagea though...

[win4ever]

Stuart, yeah... i was more testing on how to fiddle with the control and getting to the info screen. Without a tuner or a sat nav system, there's really nothing much the screen can do. I did wanted a car with the screen though as I thought it's still a good idea to have the car stats and fuel consumption details rather than just another empty glove box.

Anyway, does your car comes with a DVD for the sat nav system? Mine didn't have one and I am not too sure if it's possible to get a copy of the DVD for my car. Will you be able to help on this?

Spong aka Dave, does your car has a navigation DVD? As yours is a late model stag, is it the same as my car's?

Also, thanks for the guide on the navigation of the screen Stuart! Cheers!

Spong - again, thanks. With each response from you I learn a little more about the jap'isms of the car. As Win4ever correctly pointed out, my car is a 2004.12 Series II (which was sold to me as a 2005 model because it was first registered in Feb '05 - @$#@$). The ETC system is installed alongside the Sat Nav DVD above the glovebox - I could see it would take a card and now I understand what for. Now if only I can work out why the rear view mirror has an electrical wire attached to it...

Andy65b - I understand. I merely asked for an update because I could only find threads regarding the Series I conversion and reading that the "carwings" version conversion was a whole other ball-game. What was the cost for the Series I conversion DVD - any idea?

Win4ever - TV wont be much good unless you wire in an alternate tuner and (possibly) antennae - refer other threads here from Sensei Chris & Co. Forget the Sat Nav, as it's cheaper just to buy a TomTom! However, you can still get good information from the car stats available to you on the LCD screen, such as fuel economy and distance remaining for tank (that screen also has an option to show a history of its economy as a bar chart), and distance to next service (configurable). It's trial-and-error using the joystick, until we see a conversion. The magic key is the menu button (top row - 3rd or 4th?), using the rightmost bottom key to cancel out of each option.

Also worth downloading the 2005 manual from here, remembering that it's for the left-hand drive G35 - http://psedog.com/cars/fsm/g35/coupe/

All-in-all very happy with the car. Now just hanging out for the conversion DVD...

[Spong]

Spong aka Dave, does your car has a navigation DVD? As yours is a late model stag, is it the same as my car's?

Yes, the navigation systems in the V35 are supposed to be the same as the M35. However, there are at least 2x different versions used in the S2. As mentioned previously, mine is one of the later ones with a dedicated "carwings" button. Whether this makes any difference to the DVD used, I can't say. I have an original 2006-2007 DVD and made a backup copy of this dual layer (8.5GB) DVD which also works in my system. If you'd like to try it in your system, it maybe best to PM me with your contact details. I generally leave my disc out of the system these days, as the bluetooth phone connection, fuel efficiency and service interval screens still work fine. Only the compass screen doesn't appear. Otherwise with the disc inserted, I'm continually hounded by the sweet Japanese lady when at the fuel consumption screens. Maybe she's telling me to slow down?

Edited July 15, 2010 by Spong

[Stuart McK]

Yes, the navigation systems in the V35 are supposed to be the same as the M35. However, there are at least 2x different versions used in the S2. As mentioned previously, mine is one of the later ones with a dedicated "carwings" button. Whether this makes any difference to the DVD used, I can't say. I have an original 2006-2007 DVD and made a backup copy of this dual layer (8.5GB) DVD which also works in my system.

I've got the 2004-05 DVD and the earlier DVD unit (no button). Haven't put it in though, as I have driven a car with it left in and, frankly, I really don't need to know that I'm at the bottom of a harbour in Japan (which it kept showing me). Then there was that Japanese lady who greeted me when the nav screen popped up - cute, but as I don't speak Japanese... I wouldn't worry about it personally.

Other suggestions that Chris had previously was to swap out the tuner (in the boot under the shroud to left of spare tire) with an alternate, or to use the LCD for a reverse camera which can be wired in. All too hard and expensive for me though - I'm just going to wait for the conversion DVD which will hopefully put some English words to the car stats menu options.

[win4ever]

Hey Stuart,

May I know where you are located?

Will you by any chance be ok to send me a copy of the sat nav DVD if I am keen to get one (since yours will almost certain be the same as mine considering my car is just 1 month older than yours)? I think my car doesn't have it but will need to check n confirm when I get the car to confirm.

If you are happy to help, I can PM you for details and is more than happy to cover the cost.

Cheers!

I've got the 2004-05 DVD and the earlier DVD unit (no button). Haven't put it in though, as I have driven a car with it left in and, frankly, I really don't need to know that I'm at the bottom of a harbour in Japan (which it kept showing me). Then there was that Japanese lady who greeted me when the nav screen popped up - cute, but as I don't speak Japanese... I wouldn't worry about it personally.

Other suggestions that Chris had previously was to swap out the tuner (in the boot under the shroud to left of spare tire) with an alternate, or to use the LCD for a reverse camera which can be wired in. All too hard and expensive for me though - I'm just going to wait for the conversion DVD which will hopefully put some English words to the car stats menu options.

[Stuart McK]

Hey Stuart,

May I know where you are located?

Will you by any chance be ok to send me a copy of the sat nav DVD if I am keen to get one (since yours will almost certain be the same as mine considering my car is just 1 month older than yours)? I think my car doesn't have it but will need to check n confirm when I get the car to confirm.

If you are happy to help, I can PM you for details and is more than happy to cover the cost.

Cheers!

Win4ever, I'm in Australia. Happy to help - I assume we're not breaking copyright by copying the DVD so... I'll give it a crack and let you know the cost of media + postage. If it's trivial I wont worry about it.

Spong, you mentioned that you've made a copy of yours which I resume is a similar format & media. Any tricks? What software did you use to rip and re-burn?

[Stuart McK]

Win4ever, I'm in Australia. Happy to help - I assume we're not breaking copyright by copying the DVD so... I'll give it a crack and let you know the cost of media + postage. If it's trivial I wont worry about it.

Spong, you mentioned that you've made a copy of yours which I resume is a similar format & media. Any tricks? What software did you use to rip and re-burn?

Spong, belay that! It looks like it's a standard DVD-ROM data disk. ImgBurn should do the trick with a dual layer DVD.

[win4ever]

Thanks heaps on this Stuart! Suggest hold on to doing this first. Like I said, I'll need to double check my car when I get it to make sure I indeed do not have the DVD.

Again, thanks for the help on this!

Cheers mate!

Win4ever, I'm in Australia. Happy to help - I assume we're not breaking copyright by copying the DVD so... I'll give it a crack and let you know the cost of media + postage. If it's trivial I wont worry about it.

Spong, you mentioned that you've made a copy of yours which I resume is a similar format & media. Any tricks? What software did you use to rip and re-burn?