Changing the dashboard language on 2ndhand imported Nissan Leaf

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cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#304040 30-Mar-2023 22:29

So, I've bought a 2nd hand Nissan Leaf, ex Japanese import, for simple local runabout.

Only problem is that the dashboard language is in Japanese which is a bit of a PITA. The radio was an easy swapout but the dashboard is harder.

I've discovered that the language can in fact be changed using the Service Menu via the OBDII port, and there's even a free app for Android to do it -- LeafHacker. However the catch is that you need to have a bluetooth-enabled OBDII adapter that supports the full command set for ELM327v1.5, and it appears that a lot of these devices are cheap knockoffs that only manage a partial implementation - enough if all you want to do it pull out simple engine stats but not for doing the service menu on the Leaf and getting out the EV battery info.

Apparently the dealers will switch it for you -- for about $200 fee. I'd rather do it myself and save a bit of the money, plus being able to pull interesting numbers out of the EMS computer.

I've found a cheap $16 one that doesn't work, and before I splash out on a more flash $40 one I was wondering if anyone here has tried it already, and has a known-working brand of OBDII module?

This one doesn't work with the Leaf ...

michaelmurfy

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#3056863 31-Mar-2023 00:54

@RUKI may know a little more about this as he does English conversions. IIRC I didn't think you could do this via OBD with the older leafs though.

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nutbugs

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#3056995 31-Mar-2023 09:52

I successfully changed mine using a Konnwei KW902 OBD unit. I don't recall where i purchased from now - I have had it a few years - but it works fine for me with an Android device.

esawers

516 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3057022 31-Mar-2023 10:30

A family member recommends this bundle after changing theirs successfully

https://shop.driveev.co.nz/products/nissan-leaf-bundle-deal

cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#3057064 31-Mar-2023 11:32

nutbugs:

I successfully changed mine using a Konnwei KW902 OBD unit.

I've found an KW903 available on Trademe for $45 - this was in fact going to be my next attempt at finding a compatible one. So it sounds as if it may be valid

nutbugs

263 posts

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#3057066 31-Mar-2023 11:39

cheshirecat:

I've found an KW903 available on Trademe for $45 - this was in fact going to be my next attempt at finding a compatible one. So it sounds as if it may be valid

You would hope that will be compatible. I see there are KW902 units available at $20.

cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#3057067 31-Mar-2023 11:41

esawers: A family member recommends this bundle after changing theirs successfully

https://shop.driveev.co.nz/products/nissan-leaf-bundle-deal

Great - this confirms that the LeLink OBDII adapter works with LeafSpy - it turns out to be a KW902 same as the previous poster so this is double confirmation. I've also found one on Trademe at a reasonable price (serves me right for getting a $15 cheap chinese knockoff on my first attempt). The whole package deal is more than I need as I've already replaced the head unit and just want to get the dash language switched.

I will post a followup in this thread when the new device arrives to confirm if it all works or not. I suspect there will be a lot of people looking to switch the dashboard language as time goes by with all the 2ndhand Leafs (leaves?) coming in to the country now

nutbugs

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#3057068 31-Mar-2023 11:43

Note that you do need the Pro (paid) version of Leafspy to access the Change Dash Language functionality

cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#3057070 31-Mar-2023 11:50

nutbugs:

Note that you do need the Pro (paid) version of Leafspy to access the Change Dash Language functionality

This is true; however there is another free app, LeafHacker, which purports to be able to do language switch and a couple of other things. LeafSpy has all the visible metrics and so on but LeafHacker looks like it can do the tweaks.

michaelmurfy

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#3057087 31-Mar-2023 12:45

Neat - I wasn't actually aware of a software solution to change them to English! I honestly thought you had to take the whole cluster etc out and reflash them that way.

cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#3059343 5-Apr-2023 13:06

I can confirm that the Konnwei KW902 works with a 2014 Leaf and the LeafSpy software. I have successfully used LeafSpy Pro with the KW902 to change the dashboard language to English.

Also, avoid the LeafHacker software. Once it actually made a connection to the car, this 'free' software started to demand credit card details in order to charge me 500 roubles (~NZ$10) for ONE action of changing the dashboard language. For 1500 roubles a time it will also let you change your odometer, which is of dubious legality. Leaving aside the inadvisability of giving credit card details to Russia, I'd rather pay $24 to a reputable place to get a forever copy of Leafspy Pro than $10 to Vlad's dodgy mate for one action only.

cheshirecat

49 posts

Geek

#3059455 5-Apr-2023 17:27

Also - anyone near Flat Bush in Auckland who wants this done, I already have the device and the software and am happy to do this on your car for you for free, if you come to me. PM me if so.