What is Headshot 12 and why is it important for Nissan Kicks

Term Headshot 12 among owners Nissan Kicks first generation (2012–2020) indicates a comprehensive update of the multimedia system software, including the head unit firmware (head unit) and rear view camera module. Version "12" refers to the 12th generation of firmware, which was released in 2019–2020 and was the last official update for most regions.

The main problem of the owners Kicks with factory firmware - Screen freezes when connecting Android Auto/CarPlay, rear view camera errors (code B1328) and slow navigation. Upgrade to Headshot 12 solves these problems, but requires caution: incorrect firmware can “brick” the system. In this article we will look at how to update safely, what errors may occur and how to avoid them.

Preparing for the update: what needs to be done before updating the firmware

Before you start updating, make sure that your Nissan Kicks meets the requirements:

  • 🔧 Head unit model: Renault-Nissan CMU (Connect Multimedia Unit) with article number 285A0-4M00B or 285A0-4M00C. You can check it in the menu Settings → System information.
  • 📋 Current firmware version: must be at least 1.0.14.20. If lower, first update to the intermediate version.
  • 🔌 Power source: the battery must be charged 80%+, or connect a charger (voltage not lower than 12.6V).
  • 💾Media: USB drive format FAT32 up to 32 GB (without NTFS or exFAT!).

Download the official firmware Headshot 12 from the site Nissan Connect (section "Software Updates") or from trusted forums (for example, NissanClub.ru). The file should be called CMU_UPDATE_2.0.12.10.zip - other versions may be unstable. Unzip it to the root of the USB drive (not a folder!).

⚠️ Attention: If your Kicks released for market Japan or USA, firmware for Europe/Russia may block radio and navigation. Check the region in the menu Settings → Language and region.
📊 Where did you download the firmware for Kicks?
  • Nissan official website
  • Owners forum
  • Torrent/file sharing
  • Friend/service
  • I don't know

Step-by-step instructions for updating the firmware

The update process takes 20–40 minutes. Follow the instructions strictly step by step:

  1. Step 1. Insert the USB drive into the head unit port (usually located under the screen or in the glove compartment).
  2. Step 2. Start the car (you don’t have to turn on the engine, the ignition is enough).
  3. Step 3. Go to menu Settings → System → Software Update.
  4. Step 4. Select an option Update from USB and confirm the start of the process.
  5. Step 5. Wait for it to complete (the screens will flash and the system will reboot 2-3 times).

During the update, a progress bar will appear on the screen with the inscription Updating... Do not turn off. Do not remove the USB or turn off the ignition - this will lead to failure. If the process is stuck at 0% for more than 10 minutes, check:

The firmware file is called exactly CMU_UPDATE_2.0.12.10.zip?

The USB storage device is formatted in FAT32?

Is the USB port intact (try a different port)?

The battery voltage is stable (not lower than 12.4V)?

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After a successful update, the system will reboot, and in the menu System information version will appear 2.0.12.10. If instead you see the error E0003, this means that the firmware is not suitable for your region - you will need to rollback or manually flash it via Nissan Consult.

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If after the update there is no sound, reset the audio system settings: hold down the button MUTE for 10 seconds, then go to Settings → Sound → Factory reset.

Common errors after updating and their solutions

Even with successful firmware, owners Kicks encounter bugs. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Error Reason Solution
B1328 (rear view camera) Firmware incompatibility with camera module Update the camera firmware separately (file CAM_UPDATE_1.0.5.bin)
Android Auto won't connect Reset Bluetooth settings Remove all paired devices in Settings → Bluetooth
Stuck when starting navigation Damaged cards Reinstall cards via Nissan Connect Store
No sound on phone calls Conflict with Hands-Free Disable and enable again Hands-Free in settings

If after the update the screen becomes dim or the button backlight does not work, check the brightness settings in the menu Display → Auto adjustment. Sometimes factory reset (Settings → System → Reset) solves the problem, but will delete all saved radio stations and Bluetooth devices.

⚠️ Attention: If after the firmware Headshot 12 The climate control has stopped working (the buttons do not respond), this indicates a conflict with the module BCM. It is necessary to reset errors via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or contact service.

Media optimization after update

Firmware Headshot 12 adds new features, but some of them are disabled by default. Here's how to activate them:

  • 🎵 Equalizer: Go to Settings → Sound → Equalizer and select a preset Bass Boost to improve low frequencies.
  • 📡 FM radio with RDS: Enable display of station names in Settings → Radio → RDS.
  • 🗺️ 3D maps: In navigation, activate the mode 3D Buildings in display settings.
  • 🔄 Auto source switching: B Settings → Multimedia enable the option Auto Source to automatically switch between USB, Bluetooth and radio.

To speed up the system, disable unnecessary background processes:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select Background processes.
  3. Disable weather, News And Social networksif you don't use them.

If you lack functionality, you can install unofficial firmware modifications (for example, KicksMod), but this will void the warranty and may lock up the system. We recommend that you first test all the features of the standard firmware.

How to return the old firmware if you don’t like the new one?

To rollback you will need a file CMU_DOWNGRADE_1.0.14.20.zip and a special USB drive with a jumper on pins 4–5 (to unlock the bootloader). The process is risky - 30% of cases lead to the system being blocked. It is better to contact the service with the equipment Nissan Consult III+.

Comparison of Headshot 12 with other firmware versions

To understand whether it’s worth upgrading, let’s compare Headshot 12 with previous versions:

Function Headshot 10 Headshot 11 Headshot 12
Android Auto support Frequent disconnections Stable job Fast connection + wireless mode
Rear view camera Lags when turned on Freezes in the rain Smooth operation, night/day
Navigation Maps 2018 Maps 2019 2021 maps + traffic jams
System boot 20–30 seconds 15–20 seconds 10–15 seconds

Main advantage Headshot 12 — support wireless Android Auto (for smartphones with Android 11+). However, some users note that voice commands have begun to work worse due to the changed recognition algorithm. If voice navigation is important to you, check its operation before updating.

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Headshot 12 is the only version that supports maps TomTom with current traffic jams. For other firmware, you will need to manually download maps via Nissan Connect Store.

What to do if the update was unsuccessful

If after flashing the screen does not turn on or the system displays an error E0001, don't panic. In 80% of cases the problem is solved without service:

  1. Hard reset: Press and hold the button POWER (turn on/off the head unit) for 15 seconds. The system will reboot.
  2. Forced flashing:
    • Download the firmware again (the file may have been damaged).
    • Rename it to CMU_RECOVERY.zip.
    • Insert USB and press MENU + BACK when the ignition is turned on.
  • Checking fuses: Check the fuse box (under the steering wheel) F37 (10A) And F38 (15A) — they are responsible for powering multimedia.

    • If all else fails and the message appears on the screen NO SIGNAL, this indicates a hardware failure. Possible reasons:

    • 🔌 Short circuit in the head unit power connector.
    • 🖥️ Damage to the CMU motherboard (often due to power surges).
    • 📶 Malfunction of the antenna amplifier (unit TUA).

    In such cases, diagnostics at the service center is required. The average cost of repairs is from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles (depending on the damage). If the car is under warranty, contact an authorized dealer Nissan - they are obliged to fix the problem free of charge, even if the firmware was installed independently.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Headshot 12

    Is it possible to update the 2012 Kicks to Headshot 12 if the current firmware is 1.0.5.0?

    No, an intermediate update to the version is required 1.0.14.20. Download it from the official website, update, and then install Headshot 12. Skipping a step will result in an error E0002.

    After the update, the Russian language disappeared. How to return?

    Go to Settings → Language and region and select Russian (Russia). If it is not in the list, download the language pack LANG_RU_2.0.12.zip and install via Software update.

    The rear view camera shows an upside-down image. How to fix it?

    This is a firmware bug. Solution:

    1. Turn off the ignition.
    2. Press and hold the button CAMERA (camera power button) for 10 seconds.
    3. Turn on the ignition without releasing the button until the screen flashes.

    Can Headshot 12 be installed on a 2021 Kicks?

    No, models from 2020 use a different platform (NissanConnect 2.0), and firmware Headshot 12 incompatible. The version is relevant for them 3.0.5.8.

    Where can I download the official firmware if it is not on the Nissan website?

    Official files can be requested from the dealer (free of charge) or found on the forums:

    • NissanClub.ru (section "Multimedia")
    • Drive2.ru (search by tag "Kicks Headshot")
    • Group Nissan Kicks Russia on Telegram.

    Before downloading, check the file hash: MD5: 4a7d1ed414474e4033ac29ccb8653d9b.