Installing a radio in a Lada Granta with your own hands. Advice from the experts

Since the beginning of 2011, all Lada Granta models have been manufactured with audio preparation: factory radios and receivers. The quality of reception and sound is not always at the highest level due to its cheapness and simplicity. When purchasing a Lada Grant from the showroom, the owner receives audio preparation, acoustic wires, and installed electrical wiring.

The door panels have already prepared openings for installing speakers. True, few people use the standard seat, as they prefer the rear shelf to improve the sound.

Choosing the right radio size

We carry out installation either independently or by contacting specialists at the service center. In the second case, the service is paid.

By default, all VAZ and Lada models are equipped with a 1-DIN radio. The opening dimensions correspond to: 180 x 50 mm. This is an old standardization that has been in force since the times of the USSR. Modern audio modules can be purchased complete with a pre-installed LCD display. The size of the opening must comply with the standard: 180 x 100 mm, that is, doubled in height. Size marking: 2-DIN.

To install the radio in the Granta liftback, cut out the top pocket, remove the plastic, and install the assembled module. For a beginner, the process will seem somewhat complicated, so strictly follow the instructions.

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Review of modern car radios

The variety of car radios is great, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose. The perfect choice of car radio depends entirely on certain rules. First of all, you need to make sure that the car has a special connector for this type of equipment. If there is one, you need to determine its size and only then go shopping.

Next, the driver must familiarize himself with the functions of modern equipment: the ability to reproduce audio recordings, receive radio signals, and broadcast television programs. The latter is not welcomed by car enthusiasts, since there is no full opportunity to watch TV while driving, and the signal quality leaves much to be desired.

Most modern car radios have additional functions: reading information from a flash drive, connecting a laptop and other gadgets, bluetooth, navigation, remote control and much more. Therefore, when buying a radio, you can not only get the opportunity to enjoy your favorite music on the road, but also many useful and interesting functions.

The car radio is the main element of a car's stereo system; the sound quality depends on it. The subwoofer will provide surround sound. It must be selected in accordance with the desires and requirements for the quality of music reproduction. All devices are divided into two types: 1 din radio tape recorders with a height of 50 mm and 2 din radio tape recorders with a height of 100 mm. This or that model is selected taking into account the opening on the car control panel. In this case, an adapter frame will help in installing the radio.

The power of car radios depends on the indicators declared by the manufacturer. The higher the rated power, the better the sound. Control occurs from the panel on which the buttons to press are located. An addition may be an FM tuner that can automatically search for radio waves. Using a removable car radio means regularly checking its fastenings.

How to connect a Lada Granta head unit with a 1-DIN connector

• We carry out the work inside the car, having previously disconnected the terminals from the battery in order to prevent a short circuit in the circuit;
• We remove the plastic partition - pocket. It covers the hole, preventing objects from falling inside the torpedo. We use a flat-head screwdriver to unscrew the bolts;
• Two ISO plugs are visible behind the partition body. These types of wire terminals are manufactured in accordance with international automotive standards. More than 98% of all automakers use the standard when equipping technical equipment;
• We remove the metal frame - the block - from the body of the audio unit and place it in the cavity of the torpedo.
• We first connect the blocks with wires. Fitting into the connectors is accompanied by a characteristic click;
• We insert the module into the metal frame.

Note to the driver!!! Incorrect terminal connections result in a short circuit. To ensure the safety of the connection process, the connectors have guides that allow you to install the block in only one position.

Common mistakes when installing a standard Granta liftback radio with your own hands

• when connecting additional terminals, manual twisting of wires is used instead of classical soldering;
• regular insulating tape is used on connections instead of heat-resistant sleeves;
• Incorrect connection of a large number of speakers on one branch leads to overload, heating, and short circuit.

Installing a sound amplifier

By liftback radio amplifier we mean:

• crossover installation;
• subwoofer installation.

The choice is up to the owner of the Lada Grant, as different goals are pursued: cleanliness, sound quality. Obviously, the cost of equipment will also increase. Crossovers are installed in the cavity of the glove box, since their dimensions do not exceed 100 x 150 mm and are rectangular in shape. Subwoofers are fixed in the luggage compartment. Equipment requires more space.

Connection of an external device is carried out strictly in accordance with the operating instructions:

• brown wire color: responsible for the operation of the system;
• black: power supply to equipment;
• yellow: audio module activation;
• red: settings and programming.

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At the very end, do not forget to connect a red wire with a pre-installed fuse to the positive terminal of the battery. It directly connects the amplifier (subwoofer) to the current source.

Installing two speakers in the front doors

1. dismantle the door card, handle, control unit;
2. We compare the standard cutouts for the speakers with the actual dimensions. If necessary, expand with a file or fine sandpaper. It is strictly forbidden to use cutting objects, as there is a high risk of damage to the plastic of the door card;
3. we check for the absence of roughness in the hole, install the speaker, fix it, connect the standard terminals with wiring;
4. we check the operation of the speaker, install the door card, and fix the metal grille to protect the speaker from mechanical damage.

Pinout of a standard Euro connector

What does a car owner need to know about the pinout of the Euro connector? Let's look at the notation using output 10478 as an example.

Upper power connector "A"

As already reported, this output is intended for connecting power supplies to the electrical circuit of the vehicle.

And although the device is equipped with eight contacts, all of them can not be used to connect the head unit. But these contacts would not exist if they did not perform certain functions. The first three outputs, as well as the sixth, are rarely used, especially for connecting budget device options. Typically, their use is due to the need to connect additional functionality, and we are talking about more advanced car radios. Please note that contact colors may vary.

If we talk about additional options, we mean:

1. ANT output. This pin is used if the vehicle is equipped with a retractable antenna.
2. Remote function, thanks to which external amplifiers can be connected to the head unit. This will increase the number of connected speakers. This is relevant for music lovers and owners of vehicles with a large interior, which, with proper installation of the speakers, will increase the sound quality.
3. Illumination function. This option allows you to automatically change the brightness and color settings of the head unit display. If the car is moving at high speed, the screen brightness will drop so that the system does not distract the driver from driving the car. When the vehicle stops, the radio will return to the initial settings.
4. Mute function. Today, many head units have this option. But this option can be activated either by clicking on the corresponding button or automatically. In particular, if an impulse from a mobile device passes through the head unit receiver, the system will automatically lower the volume so that the driver can talk on the phone without being distracted from driving.

Connectors for radios from different brands

The fourth contact is responsible for powering the vehicle's audio system. The wire from it must be connected to the ignition switch terminal and powered from the battery, but for this you should also use a fuse. This method of connecting the wiring will protect the battery from discharge, since activation of the head unit is possible after the key is turned in the ignition.

The fifth contact is for connecting the antenna wire. As for the seventh contact, it is important because it is responsible for powering the volatile memory of the head unit. That is, if it accidentally turns off, this will reset all settings of the car radio. It’s unlikely that anyone will like losing all the parameters after setting it up.

It is necessary that each of the power cables be protected by a fuse for safety purposes. If malfunctions sometimes occur in the operation of the audio system, it is advisable to install a capacitor between the seventh and eighth outputs. As for the capacitor capacity, this parameter must be selected individually. The capacitor performs a filtering function, that is, the element is designed to smooth out various fluctuations in the on-board network.

Characteristics of the standard radio "Lada Grants Liftback"

The radio for the Lada Granta liftback is supplied as standard equipment. Product in 2-DIM format (100 x 180 mm).

In addition to the classic radio, there is a built-in card reader, Bluetooth, and a USB output for connecting flash drives. The only disadvantage of the audio module is that it is a push-button type. Which is not to the liking of many car enthusiasts, which is why they install more modern modifications.

During the startup of the audio module, a greeting from Lada Kalina 2 is displayed. This is not an error, as many owners think. This type of audio was originally developed for the Lada Kalina 2. Obviously, the manufacturer did not change anything and started production for the Granta. Installation/disassembly of the module is somewhat complicated due to the tight fit, so be prepared for this.

It is based on the Windows operating system, which allows you to connect to the World Wide Web via a 3G modem. There is no such option out of the box; you first need to reflash the device, but more on that later.

Via Bluetooth, it is possible to connect to a phone, and the “hands-free” option is activated. Which is very convenient and practical when driving. The owners were also pleased with the stock radio. At first glance it looks simple, but it turns out not to be so. Available programming function for a specific channel on a given topic.

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For example, as soon as a news broadcast comes on, the radio automatically switches to the programmed channel. The audio module reads the following formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, WMV. Control of the standard radio of the Lada Granta liftback is accessible and intuitive, even for an inexperienced owner.

Functions and installation 2 din

2 din differs from a stamped radio in the type of size. This designation conveys information to the owner about the dimensions of 178×50×180 mm. This device cannot be installed in any car. This radio has a sufficient number of functions:

• combined amplifiers increase signal reception several times;
• radio search is simplified due to the permissibility of viewing existing files or folders;
• the router map is calculated in the integrated radio navigator;
• with the help of shock protection, the service life is increased;
• access to interesting programs from radio stations in the FM and AM bands;
• enhanced low frequencies in music;
• Music Zone made it possible to switch the listening frequency while in the car;
• ability to connect external drives using a USB connector.

The development of digital technologies at the highest level is used in modern cars. But the size of a 1 din radio has a fit in any car, which cannot be said about a 2 din one. AvtoVAZ is mass selling the improved Lada car. The front-wheel drive sedan is recognized by many car enthusiasts in our country because it has an excellent combination of cost and quality. The modest configuration of the Lada Grant does not include some car devices, including a radio.

How to flash the firmware

• Buy an SD card, format it in FAT, exFAT format;
• We download the firmware for free on the manufacturer’s official website;
• We save the data in the root directory of the SD card;
• We insert the SD card into the slot on the radio, start it, wait for the update to finish;
• Turn on and off the module;
• We customize the new interface for ourselves.

If the firmware is installed incorrectly, additional screen calibration using the CAN bus will be required. It is impossible to do this yourself, only in a service station. After successful flashing, the following is available:

• graphic equalizer;
• viewing photos, pictures, videos;
• improved sound quality;
• possibility of installing a navigation system.

Disadvantages of a standard radio

• Outdated firmware from the “box”;
• Not all options are initially available;
• The need for periodic software updates;
• Push-button interface.

How to install a head unit on a car with basic equipment?

Since the Lada Granta base is not equipped with musical equipment, and only a push-button radio is installed on board, the question justifiably arises: how is the standard radio installed in the cabin? In reality, this is a simpler procedure than it might seem at first. The occurrence of problems during installation is excluded, since a seat is already provided for the standard device on the Lada Granta panel, regardless of the level of equipment.

You can purchase the device in a retail chain or on an Internet site, where you can actually find an improved version, equipped with a navigation system with a detailed map of the Russian Federation. Don't forget to buy an additional luxury panel. Although multimedia will fit into the standard panel without any problems, the appearance will not be so beautiful. The price for this device reaches 2.5 thousand rubles.

Reviews

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Conclusion The opinions of motorists on the functionality and sound quality of the standard radio are divided, which is obvious. Everyone evaluates according to their own criteria. Some people care about sound, others about functionality, and others about control. Regardless of the type of radio: push-button or touch-sensitive, the workmanship is good. No massive breakdowns or defects were recorded. Maintenance is not expensive, parts and components are available both at official representative offices and on the Internet. Now it will not be difficult for the owner to remove the radio on the Granta liftback with his own hands without contacting a service station.