NISSAN LEAF SD card protection. How to obtain SD card password?

SD card problem 

Very often, the problem for Nissan Leaf owners is a stolen or lost SD card. Usually, cars bought from auctions arrive without an SD card. Just a “blue screen” is displayed with a message “NO SD CARD”. SD card contains not only the maps, but also part of the navigation unit software. Without it navigation unit cannot be used and some vehicle features will not work ( AC, navigation, Bluetooth, radio, …)

nissan leaf no sd card

 

Second-hand SD cards bought from eBay or borrowed from another vehicle will not work, because each SD card is locked with a unique password calculated from the navigation unit’s serial number. SD card works only on the unit assigned to it and cannot be used on another unit. If the wrong SD card is inserted, the navigation unit can’t unlock it, and the message “SD UNLOCK NG” is displayed.

nissan leaf sd unlock ng

 

NISSAN Leaf navigation systems made by Clarion, for SD card content protection, use SD card locking with a password. Password locking is used in 1st generation units until 2016. The distinctive feature of these units is 2 SD card slots marked Slot A and Slot B. Navigation units from 2016 have a 1 SD card slot and don’t use SD card locking anymore.

So, where to get an SD card if it’s lost, or how to make a copy in case your SD will gets lost or damaged?

nissan leaf sd cards

A spare SD card can be ordered from a Nissan dealer, but it’s pretty complicated and sometimes cannot be accomplished at all. Another way is to order an Update SD card from Nissan Navigation Store and use it as the main SD card (a Confirmation number is needed to order it).

And the last but not least way is to unlock the SD card and make a copy. To unlock the SD card, we need a password for it.

Where to get the password?

SD Card password calculation algorithm is not known to me, so the only way is to extract it from the navigation unit itself. There are several different methods to accomplish that:

  • Read the internal Flash and find it there
  • Sniff it on the SD card interface
  • Read it via the debug interface

I have tested all 3 methods to obtain a password, and all are valid and can be used in real life.

SD Card password is 16 bytes in length. The first 4 bytes are unique for each unit, and the other 12 bytes are common for all units (ASCII string: Clarion95321).

Password sniffing

 

Password sniffing on SD card interface data lines can be done using a logic analyzer, and is not very convenient for everyday use. SD card sniffing interface must be built, and/or some wires attached to the SD slot for physical access. Also, it’s necessary to know the SD protocol to analyze captured data. I have accomplished this attack successfully, but will not go deeper into details unless there is interest in it.

Flash chip reading

The navigation unit’s main MCU is built on a separate PCB as a microcomputer with all main components: MCU, RAM, FLASH, Display interface, SD Slots, and I/O interface.

clarion main mcu

CPU: Renesas SuperH Family (SH-4A)
FLASH: SST 38VF6401

Flash Chips are BGA type, and it is probably the most complicated method for password reading, because BGA Flash chip rework is needed, as well as a chip programmer with an appropriate BGA adapter for programming. Using this method, the whole flash memory dump is read, and the SD password, identification numbers, and all other data can be read and/or modified easily. There is a special region at address 0x0000 A000h used as EEPROM area where identification numbers, configuration data, SD card password, and some other info are stored.

EEPROM area
Debug interface

Like most of the navigation units, this one is not an exception, and it has a debug interface. It is easily accessible without disassembling the navigation unit and should be the fastest method to access internal memory contents if we gain access to it.

The debug interface has an Rx, Tx, and Mode select lines. To communicate with it, an interface circuit must be built to match the voltage levels between the navigation unit and the PC. I have built this interface in the  SD Toolbox hardware and implemented SD card password reading from the navigation unit. The debug interface can be used not only for password reading, but the whole internal memory can be accessed.

Description of how to build an interface for password reading with the SD toolbox described in this post: SD Card Toolbox -Nissan Leaf navigation interface

92 Comments

  1. Subject: Request for SD Card for Nissan Leaf Head Unit QY7200NH
    Hello,
    I am the owner of a Nissan Leaf. Unfortunately, the onboard computer / head unit is not working because the SD card is missing from the multimedia system.
    Here are the details of the unit:
    Head unit model: QY7200NH
    Software version:
    Sno: 00023403
    navi-1 181
    Without the SD card, the system does not boot and the onboard computer functions are unavailable.
    I would like to kindly ask if you can provide or ship the correct SD card for this head unit, or advise how I can obtain a compatible replacement.
    Please let me know:
    Availability of the SD card
    Price (if applicable)
    Shipping options to Ukraine
    Thank you in advance for your support.
    I look forward to your reply.

  2. Hi can you supply a SD card to make my SAT NAV work…
    2014 Leaf
    Duel slot
    NAVI-2 FILE READ NG
    SET: QY7211NK NAVI-1: 080
    SNO:00008837 NAVI-2: 080
    Thanks

  3. Hi
    I have a 2015 Leaf with the dual SD head and have the same issue.

    Mine says

    SET:QY7221NL Navi-1: 100
    SNO: 0016287 Navi-2:

    We have a Nissan Connect 2 Europe V6 Card which I assume is the map database

    Can you provide an unlock soloutionfor this>
    If so how much?
    Best Regards,
    Steve

    • Hi,
      “Nissan Connect 2 Europe V6” is for different type navigation system. It is used in Nissan Connect units made my Bosch.
      Your unit is a Clarion made and I can offer you a necessary SD Card.
      You can order it here: https://zelemar.eu/product/nissan-leaf-sd-card/
      Please leave a SET, NAVI-1 and SNO numbers in order notes on chekcout.

      • Hi,

        My SD card cane today and we installed it in the car.

        When it turned on we got the “Navigation System” message and then just a blank screen until the “No SD Card” message came up.

        The only difference now is that the AC controls below do work with the new card.

        What am I missing?

        Thanks
        Steve

        • It looks like the navigation system can’t read the SD card. This usually happens when the card cannot be accessed properly. I recommend removing and reinserting the SD card several times, as the issue may be caused by poor contact in the card slot.

  4. Hi good evening
    I have a 2011 leaf in UK
    And unfortunately I have no sd card at all and the head unit only comes up with blue screen and says no sd card!
    I’m just wondering if you are able to source me an sd card so I can use the head unit please
    Also how much would be it?thank in advance

    • Hi there! To determine whether I have the correct SD card for your system, I’ll need some information from you.
      👉 Please provide your unit version details by doing the following:

      Turn on your unit and wait for the blue screen.
      Locate and write down the following information:

      SET version
      NAVI-1 version

      Once you share this information, I’ll be able to check do i have a SD card compatible with your system.

        • The Blue Screen with message No SD Card have some more info, such as SETxxxx and NAVI1:xxx. SNO:xxxx.

          • I have actually checked the screen is grey and I get no sd card displayed with white I don’t know what would that mean !no other info

  5. Hello, from New Zealand. Just bought a 2011 Leaf and the No SD card message is up. Can you help?

    • Hello, I have a SD cards for a USA and EU markets only. So i cant supply SD card for you. If you are willing to experiment and try to clone card from other car, let me to know.

    • Yes, this card will work, but to make sure do i have a necessary version, i need a version info from your unit. I can ship items worldwide.

    • Hi, code will not help you. Replacement/update cards are not available from the dealer anymore. I can offer you a necessary SD card. You can order it on the webshop. Please write a SET, SNO and NAVI1 version in a order notes.

  9. Hi
    Thanks for all the support you give through your website. I had a read through all the comments and you seem to be a very good source of information for missing SD Cards.

    Can you help me with my missing SD card problem? I am based in the UK and have just bought a 2015 Leaf. It has no SD cards and I didn’t realise these were so important. I’ve seen you offer ‘hacked’ cards. If I purchase one from your site will I be able to use my touchscreen controls and sat nav etc?

    My screen display is as follows:

    Set: QY7211NL
    Sno: 00016311
    Nav-1: 100
    Nav-2: (blank)

    Thanks
    F.

    • Hi,
      Yes, i can help with a missing SD card. Purchased card form my web shop will solve your problem and you will be able to use your navigation unit with full functionality.

  10. Hello !! I lost the memory card on my Leaf 2015. Will the card you offer for 80 euros work for my car?

    SET: QY7214NK
    SNO: 00008859
    NAVI-1:080

  11. SET: QY7200ND
    SNO: 00009601
    NAVI-1: 147

    2011 Nissan Leaf… more than happy to send you something on cashapp if you can help with this!

    • Confirmation number for your unit is 7D81.
      But it will not help anymore, as Nissan discontinued support of older units and you will not be able to order SD card from them anymore i guess.

  12. Thank you. Average delivery time to USA is ~12 days for a free shipping option, but sometimes it can take longer.

  14. I have a 2013 Nissan leaf what’s the confirmation code for:
    Set: qy7210na
    Sno: 00000736
    Navi-1: 064

        • Confirmation number is needed when ordering SD card on Nissan site. But i think these models are not supported anymore and you will not be able to order from nissan.
          I can offer you SD card for your unit. You can order on my webshop. Enter model number and version in order notes. (qy7210na, 064).

        • CID can be read from any SD card.
          But if you are talking about the unlocking password locked cards from eclipse, Clarion and Panasonic units, then you should know unlocking password.
          Just a some ‘fixed password’ SD card unlocking is included in software allowing to unlock without knowing the password.

  15. Hej har lige købt en leaf fra 2014 hvor der ikke er nogle kort i så der er en del der ikke virker. Kan du hjælpe.
    Set. QY7220NA
    Sno. 00002340
    Navi. 064

  16. Hello. i have 2011 nissan leaf without an SD card . i can another car same year which had SD Card . is it possible to clone SD card and give it to another car ? i read forums and i think its possible. i think i need linux for clone . and how to upload it on another sd card i have this question . which program i need to do it .

    • Hi, yes it is possible to clone from another car with the same version. But you have some skills and tools to do that. You will have to read out the SD card password from both units, unlock original SD, clone it to another SD and lock back SD cards with corresponding passwords.

  17. I have a 2012 Nissan Leaf in the US that has lost the SD card.
    Can you please provide the confirmation number?

    SET: QY7200NE
    SNO: 00012885

    • Hello, I have a 2016 Nissan Leaf without an SD card. I copied a copy of the section from my friend, but I get a query about “INPUT ACTIVE KEY”. Is the number you provide this number? Mine are:
      SET QY8252NB
      SNO 0006049
      Can you help me?

      • Hi, as you copied SD card from another unit with different software versions, you have to activate it. I dont know how to calculate activation key for it. I can provide ‘confirmation number’ which is different from activation key. Activation key comes with SD card when ordered from nissan.

  18. Hi, just bought a 2018 LEAF (USA version sold in Chile).
    No SD card 🙁 but center console screen (radio, phone, clock, etc.) works fine, with MAPS option greyed out.
    In any case NAV useless in Chile, no local maps.
    But radio presets, phone pairing, time zone settings gets reset each time cars is switched off for a few seconds or more, rendering it useless. I assume these params stored on SD.
    No SET or SNO codes
    What are my options apart from ordering a new and very expensive SD from NISSAN
    Thanks!

    • SD cards on Leaf from 2016 not locked to the unit nor sd card CID. You can take SD from another unit and clone it (not copy). The only requirement – sw versions must match. If you will take SD with different sw versions, it will not work. Update card from nissan will not work, as it requires old card during installation.
      Also you can look for another solutions on internet.

      • Hello zelemar,

        What software can be used to clone the SD card? I have a 2018 leaf. I just tried copying it over, the navi doesn’t work with the copied sd card.

  19. Hi, Zelemar !
    Please help me find the confirmation number.
    SET: QY6217NK
    SNO: 00014651

  20. Привет, Зелемар, помоги пожалуйста
    SET: QY7210NN
    SNO: 00011851

      • Большое спасибо. Но есть еще одна проблема. У меня Nissan 2014 года, дилер мне ответил, что поддержка моего авто только 5 лет. Где взять содержимое SD я не знаю. Можно еще раз попросить тебя о помощи?

  22. Hi sir I’m from srilanka can I get my Confirmation code please sir
    SET:
    QY7201NG
    SNO:
    00008169

    • Hi, Confirmation code for your unit is CD4A. But I think nissan discontinued updates for these units and you will not be able to order SD anymore.

  23. MY2018 Leaf with single card slot; I have a working original SD card with old maps, can I just get new maps SD and update with that without any card password or confirmation codes?
    thanks!

    • If you update your maps from update SD, it will ask for an activation code after the update. If update SD is obtained from Nissan, you will get an activation code together with SD card. I don’t know any other way to get the activation code, but you have to search the internet and maybe you will find another way to get it.

  24. Hi,
    I have nissan leaf 2018 with japan sd card and work well. But I need english and up to date maps. what you suggest me ?

  26. Hello,

    I have a 2015 Nissan Leaf Tekna, with the 2 slot head unit.
    My codes are
    SET QY7221NL and SNO 00013515. It does not show the code, but I have found it from another side and looks to be EFCE. With these codes the Here website allows me to purchase a card. My question has anyone got it to work? I think you said it was possible in the past?

    Paul

    • Hi,
      Yes, your confirmation number is correct. A few years ago SD cards ordered from Here website worked without any problems with the newest maps without an old SD card. Update SD card updates head unit and stays in the unit as the main SD instead of the old one. So if Here doesn’t change anything in the software, I hope it should work.
      Some newer navigation models (QY82xx, QY86xx), require to insert an old SD card several times when installing new maps, and without old one isn’t possible to install new maps.

  27. Hi sir. My car is Nissan Leaf 2018. SD card password require, 16 digit number. Set: QY8600NB, SNO: 00006071. Can you help me about 16 digit sd card password?

    • Hi, I cant calculate SD card password from Set and SNO. You can obtain it using the methods described in the post.

  28. Thank you very much for this information. I also need help obtaining my confirmation code. It is a 2012 Leaf SL.

    SET: QY7200NH
    SNO: 00023320

  29. Can you help me to discover my confirmation code please?
    Set : QY7200NF
    SNO: 00014295

  30. I have a 2015 Leaf without an SD card. Can I order from the Nissan Navigation store? If so, what do I use as the confirmation number?

    My head unit shows
    SET: QY7223NN
    SNO: 00000796

    I assume these are model and serial numbers, respectively.

    • SET and SNO are model and serial numbers. Confirmation number is calculated from these 2 numbers.

      Confirmation number for your unit is 5D99

      Earlier it was possible to order update SD card from Nissan Navigation Store using these 3 numbers and use it as the main SD with latest maps.
      But, I didn’t tested it with the latest versions, so not sure 100% will it work. Because newer models from 2016 asks to insert original SD card when installing new maps from update SD.

      • Thanks so much for your work and the info you have documented here! With the cost of a map card from the Nissan Navigation Store running $208.95 USD for a “maybe” solution, I think I’d rather go the route of the Debug interface with your modified SD tool and have a sure thing. A friend of mine has a 2017 with a card that I can copy.

        Would you sell an SD tool that is modified for the debug interface? I’m not proficient with SMD soldering.

        Andrew

        • SD card from the 2017 leaf will not work on your unit. From 2016 it’s a different navigation model and SD cards are not locked anymore. Only the units up to 2016 with 2 SD slots using SD locking with the password.

          If you have an SD toolbox, you can do modifications by yourself. If not, then I can sell it modified with cable for leaf. But getting the password from your unit is just the first step. So if it’s just for one unit, this approach is to expensive.

      • Hi, could you please help me with the confirmation number as well?

        SET: QY7214NK
        SNO: 00015428

      • I have a 2014 Nissan Leaf in the evropa that has lost the SD card.
        Can you please provide the confirmation number?

        SET: QY7211NB
        SNO: 00006399
        Thank you

        • Hi, you can get replacement SD card on my webshop (photo of blue screen required)
          Confirmation number for your unit is B225, you can try to order update SD card on Nissan site, but as i know Nissan support for these vehicles already discontinued and you will not be able to order card for a dealer.

  31. Dear author I quote You…..

    ((Another way is to order a Update SD card from Nissan Navigation Store and use it as main SD card (Confirmation number is need to order it).))
    My question is can I use an update instead of a missing card in my car.
    And if so what is the confirmation number needed to order it as you mentioned above Where can I get it. And how do I know the right card.
    My car is a 2018 nissan leaf manufactured the UK.
    Thank u.

    Please advise

    • In earlier models(up to 2016) it was possible to order update SD card and use it instead of a missing card. Newer models don’t need a confirmation number to order SD card and it can be ordered online without it, but the original update SD card will not work on models from 2016 without original SD.
      The only solution is to order a “hacked” SD card with new maps.

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