i can't seem to find a ground inside the dash. I've light tested everywhere. Any knowledgeable suggestions?

 

When I had my stereo installed in my IX, I attached the ground to a bolt that is part of the metal framing that is directly behind the head unit. There is one bolt to the left and one to the right. 10MM bolts if I remember correctly. Those will work for you. Hopefully my description will help you find them.

 

x2. I used the same thing, and believe it was a 10mm.