Lada Granta head unit: characteristics and disadvantages

The manufacturer installs audio systems of various types on Lada Kalina 2 and Lada Granta cars. In this review, we will look at the operation of the audio system (FM, USB, SD card, Bluetooth, Handsfree) with catalog number for Lada Granta: 2190-7900010-20 and Lada Kalina: 2190-7900010-40, the only difference between them is in the fastenings. These standard radios are Kalina 2 and Granta, installed on the “norm” package.

First impressions

At first glance at the radio, you can say that it fits harmoniously into the interior of the car. There is nothing superfluous that would raise questions from a design point of view. The build quality is pleasing; it is worth noting the smooth, smooth movement of the buttons, the absence of backlash and the plastic of the radio that is pleasant to the touch. The radio backlight is green.

The radio is turned on by pressing a special button in the upper left corner of the radio. Loading occurs within a few seconds, during which the inscription “Lada Kalina” is briefly displayed on the display.

Radio capabilities

On the right side of the radio there is a USB connector, which is designed to connect:

1. USB Flash card (USB 2.0 and 3.0 up to 64 GB);
2. USB Flash player with a memory capacity of at least 1024 MB;
3. USB HDD with FAT32 file system;
4. Mobile phone (only in charging mode).

On the left side of the radio there is a slot for SD cards. SD Memory Card Slot: Supports SD, SDHC cards of size 32 X 24 X 2.1 mm. SDHC up to 32 GB, SD up to 32 GB.

The file allocation table (FAT) of the connected device must be version FAT16 (2 GB). The maximum number of primary partitions should be no more than 4. It is advisable that the directory tree of the connected device have no more than eight levels. There should be no more than 1000 files in one directory.

While playing files, the display shows all the necessary information about the track. The playback source is selected using the AUDIO button on the left side of the radio. The radio has equalizer presets (JAZZ, POP, CLASSICAL, VOCAL and USER). The range of timbre adjustments for bass, treble, balance, front/rear balance is from “-7” to “+7” units.

The radio has Bluetooth and Handsfree functions. You can connect your phone by long pressing the handset button. When pairing on the phone, the inscription “MMC12” should appear in the list of found devices, the default password is “0000”. After successful connection, the BT icon will appear on the display of the radio. There is no phone book on the Kalina 2 and Grant radio, but it is possible to save up to 6 numbers in the radio’s memory. The audio system also remembers the last outgoing and incoming calls. The manufacturer does not guarantee operation of a phone in Handsfree mode that uses two or more SIM cards.

The radio allows you to listen to audio files from your mobile phone. To do this, you need to connect your phone to the radio via Bluetooth and launch the player on your phone. The manufacturer states that certain cell phone models may not work correctly with this radio, but this is not a sign of a malfunction.

The Kalina 2 and Granta radio has its own battery, which allows you to save user settings after disconnecting the battery for 10 days.

Other features of standard multimedia

The general feelings of owners who have a standard radio in their car are positive. The display is informative and easy to read. The touch keyboard functions flawlessly. The standard radio itself is capable of high-quality reproduction of sound programs from micro-SD cards. However, using USB format media can be challenging.

The device also has some nice options:

• equalizer;
• activated replay mode;
• random sequence of playing tracks (“Random”).

Multimedia LADA Granta is capable of supporting images in 5 formats, which allows you to view photos without any problems. But not everyone can make the correct settings for the “phone” option on the first try. This function will be convenient for a busy owner who is forced to communicate by telephone even while on the road.

The standard speakers of the LADA Granta disappoint many, since even at a 45 percent volume level they emit wheezing, characteristic of bass overload. Some timid music lovers are alarmed by volume jumps when switching to “radio” mode.

Here is a list of shortcomings that provoked many Grantavods to purchase an alternative version of the radio. Today, the progressive version “2191” claims to replace the outdated standard device “2190”. The new device will please you:

• improved sound;
• interface for connecting with a rearview camera;
• navigation complex;
• integrated input for connecting a subwoofer.

Video review of the radio

The standard radio for Kalina 2 and Grant has all the necessary functions for a modern car. The audio system works flawlessly, there are no freezes, all operations are performed instantly. The build quality is at a high level. The only disadvantage is the lack of a CD/DVD drive, but nowadays discs are becoming a thing of the past. The standard radio of Lada Kalina 2 and Granta without an LCD display is a good alternative for those who find physical buttons more convenient than a sensor.

Download the manual for operating the radio (from page 173): To download files you need to log in to the website

Let us remind you that AvtoVAZ installs radios with an LCD display on the “Lux” configuration.

In a modern car, not only the engine and chassis are of decisive importance, which allows us to judge the comfort of movement.

At the time of the new era of multimedia technologies, it is becoming extremely important to provide the car with high-quality sound and image, providing the driver and passengers with a level of comfort that will allow them to fully enjoy the journey in the vehicle.

How to update the radio firmware to ver.38 (23.0.2.38)

Archive password: club-lada.rf

Features of assembly with altmenu:

1. The build is based on version 23.02.38.
2. Has built-in Russian localization.
3. Launching the altmenu without rebooting from the standard menu (by long pressing “Settings”).
4. Built-in driver for GPS receiver BU-353s4.
5. Initialize sound and time without the participation of the MMC.exe process.
6. Display of engine temperature and remaining fuel (provided the CAN bus is entered into the MMC).
7. Screen and sound settings.
8. There is a radio.
9. Support for radio buttons.

Firmware: Unpack the contents of the archive to the root of the SD card:

Next we proceed as described above. This assembly can work without an SD card, or you can delete the Install and Firmware_v38 folders. The Navigation folder must be present on SD or USB, it was created for navigation programs, for example, for Navitel you need to put Navitel in this folder.

Now all that remains is to install the navigation program, configure the GPS and GSM modem. In the comments, share your reviews of the firmware and links to them. By the way, do you know how to play most video formats on the standard radio?

Radio on Lada Granta: multimedia happiness

Owners of Lada Granta, having acquired a new car, want to bring everything in it to perfection: they do anti-corrosion treatment, install an alarm system, and tint the car. But there is one more procedure that every car enthusiast does when he acquires a brand new Granta - this is installing a radio on the Granta.

There is probably not a single person who does not like to listen to music, and doing it in your car is doubly pleasant.

This article will help all car enthusiasts who own such an attractive and reliable car to install a radio on a Lada Granta on their own, without resorting to the help of such expensive and sometimes unprofessional craftsmen. Moreover, the result of self-installation will be no worse than installation by a specialized service.

It should be said that the manufacturer significantly eased the fate of the owners of the Lada Granta car, since it took pity and initially installed all the necessary connecting wires to power the radio and the speakers themselves.

Compared to the “ten” and “twelve” families, whose owners were forced to carry out wiring procedures from start to finish, Lada Granta owners are freed from such a tedious and expensive manipulation.

How to flash MMC 2190 Granta firmware

To flash the MMS you need an SD card

To flash the MMS, you need an SD card. The firmware procedure is incredibly simple. You will also need an SD card. In order for the card to be used, it will first need to be formatted in the FAT16 system. Sometimes during the firmware a problem arises, which is that the Lada logo freezes. Why is this happening:

• formatting options do not meet system requirements;
• sometimes it could be an outdated SD card.

This is why special attention needs to be paid to formatting. If there are difficulties with the firmware, then you need to check everything

You can select NewMenu V7.391Nitro as the new software. To do this, you need to find and download it on the Internet, and then unpack the archive onto a card.

Dimensions of the radio for installation in a regular place

The niche where the Lada Granta radio is installed is located on the instrument console and is designed for a regular 1 DIN car radio.

Owners who want to install a 2-DIN car radio will have to resort to a trick and cut the partition up and adjust the console frame to the dimensions of the audio system. Although this is a little, it still complicates the life of a music lover.

How to connect a radio to a Lada Granta: course of action

The very first manipulation that needs to be performed in order for the installation of the radio on the Granta to be successful with your own hands will be the dismantling of the plastic pocket installed in the place of the future audio system. This procedure is easy to perform by using a screwdriver that has a flat blade.

When removing the pocket, the driver will find that on the reverse side there are slots where ISO connectors are inserted - connectors for connecting a car radio. These connectors are held quite tightly in your pockets, which means you don’t have to look for them on the panel for a long time to connect all the connections.

Next, we remove the metal frame from the car radio and install it in the place where until recently there was a plastic pocket. Reliable fixation can be achieved by unbending the frame antennae.

The next step will be to connect the connectors to the car radio and install it in the frame already installed in the niche. When performing the installation, the installer will only need tools to change the shape of the holes (this could be a saw or a file). It should be taken into account that all sizes are already made in accordance with the housing standards for 1 DIN car radios.

How to install

Installation of the radio on the Grant is carried out in a standard socket located above the climate control controls. Thanks to the use of a factory wiring harness, accelerated connection of acoustic equipment is ensured. Laying additional lines is required when using a low-frequency loudspeaker in the luggage compartment or high-frequency tweeters mounted on the front roof pillars.

All installation work is carried out indoors with artificial lighting; in clear weather, installation in open space is allowed. For safety reasons, it is necessary to disconnect the standard battery from the vehicle's on-board network.

Car radio

Step-by-step instructions for installing a radio in a Lada Granta of the “standard” or “norm” modifications:

1. Hook the central pocket-plug by the edges to remove the latches from engagement with the front frame.
2. After removing the element from the socket, it is necessary to disconnect the plugs of the factory wiring harness, located in special sockets on the rear part. The car has 2 8-pin connectors for connecting power and speakers.
3. Fold the glove box housing down; there are travel stops on the upper part of the rear wall that need to be disengaged from the dashboard frame.
4. To expand the working area, it is recommended to remove the cover by pulling it towards you.
5. Raise the decorative floor covering of the car along with the soundproofing mat near the passenger seat. Pull out the factory antenna cable equipped with a plug that needs to be extended to the installation location of the player.
6. Place standard slides for attaching the radio using special bendable elements.
7. Further installation of the radio in Grantu is carried out after switching the loudspeakers.

Installing speakers in the front doors on a Lada Granta

Installation of a multimedia system is not limited to installing a car radio. For normal operation of the entire audio system, it is also necessary to install acoustics and speakers in the doors of the Lada Granta. To cut holes in the plastic door trim, it is better to remove it from the car.

We remove the door handle, then dismantle the plastic casing of the door opening lever and the glass position adjustment lever.

The front door trim already has a hole for the speaker, equal to 16 cm. Next comes connecting the speaker and installing it in its original place using 4 screws, followed by installation of the door trim and installation of the speaker grille

Removing the device according to the instructions

The algorithm for removing the radio if you have the keys is outrageously simple. It is worth considering in order to understand how to act if they are lost. The order is as follows:

1. Remove the front panel of the player and the decorative plastic frame, prying it up with a flathead screwdriver if necessary.
2. Insert the first key into the gap between the housing and the mounting frame, located at the end. You should feel slight resistance as the tool bends the latch.
3. Repeat the same action with the second key.
4. Grasp the radio with your hands by the protruding parts on the sides of the case and carefully remove it from the niche.

To remove the radio, 2 keys are used

Special keys must be inserted into the side openings

When the radio is equipped with four latches, access to them is through 2 pairs of round holes. You need to insert 2 U-shaped keys into them and pull them out by the body, as described above.

The music center can be easily removed using keys

Installation of an audio system on Granta of different configurations

In the “standard” configuration in Grant, power wiring harnesses are already pre-installed, which are located in the console opening. The wires are connected exclusively to the car radio, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find them in the doorways.

In the Lada Granta Norma, the power wires coming from the console are already connected to the doorways. You just need to connect the sound system in full accordance with the assembly diagram. It often happens that the pre-installed door wiring does not match with some speaker connectors. Here we get out of the situation by purchasing additional suitable wires.

During assembly, the Lada Granta “luxury” is equipped with a special touchscreen multimedia system and already installed speakers. The improved radio is complemented by a Bluetooth system and a 5-inch display with a linear output.

Among other things, the built-in car radio allows you to connect a memory medium – a USB 2.0 flash card, through which you can listen to recorded music.

Connecting an audio amplifier and subwoofer

The sound provided by the standard Granta 2190 multimedia system does not suit everyone. Some owners are happy with the 2190's display, but not the sound quality, so they find ways to install custom amplifiers and subwoofers to get a more acceptable sound that suits their needs.

In order to independently connect the amplifier and subwoofer to the standard radio, you must first remove the lower part of the central panel. Having removed the console, we see mini iso type connectors and into one of them, the yellow one, we insert the plug of a pre-purchased adapter. Leave the blue and green wires as is. Those who have done this have noted that standard wires can no longer be used here, so mini iso is used.

Self-installation of car radio in Granta standard

The people's car Lada Granta will delight you with the presence of an audio system only in the top-end configuration. A radio is not provided for the Standard and Norm options, so the owner will have to buy it separately. The choice of devices is huge and can satisfy any, even the most demanding, requirements. Installing a radio in a car does not require much effort.

The designers of the Lada Granta designed and implemented full audio preparation in the car. This means that the owner of the Grant will not have to disassemble half of the interior, run wires along the floor and in the doors, and then put everything back together. A pocket for a radio is already provided in the console. It has a 1-din standard. If desired, you can install 2-din, but this will require cutting down the upper partition.

To install the radio, you first need to remove the pocket cover. It is removed quite simply - using a flat-head screwdriver. Wires with ISO connectors for connecting the device are hidden in the pocket. These connectors are an international standard and allow you to connect radios from almost all manufacturers. If the owner has chosen a radio with a different connector for his car, a special adapter can be used. Usually it comes with the device.

Also, owners of the Lada Granta Standard should not be surprised if they do not find wires for connecting speakers in the doors. This happens quite often. After the radio is connected to the wires, it needs to be inserted into your pocket. If the device matches the 1-din size, it will fit neatly and accurately. You will have to tinker with installing speakers in the front doors. Primarily due to the fact that the “seats” for the speakers will have to be cut out yourself.

To avoid damaging the casing during the process, it is recommended to remove it first. Lada Granta offers a niche for speakers with a diameter of 16 cm. If the speakers of the selected audio system do not fit into the standard size, you will have to use a grinder and carefully enlarge the niche. After the speaker is connected to the radio with wires, it is screwed with self-tapping screws. A protective plastic casing is mounted on top of the casing.

When choosing speakers, it is important to consider the thickness of the protective casing. The Granta's speaker is located in such a way that, due to the too thick casing, it is impossible to open the glove compartment lid with the door closed: it will rest against the speaker casing.

Features of audio system installation

When connecting the audio system wiring, you should take into account some of the power supply features of this unit. This is provided in the car via red and yellow wires. The task of the first is to remember the audio system settings, and the task of the second wire is to turn off the radio, the process of which depends on the position of the ignition key.

The manufacturer recommends using a parallel method of connecting both wires; in this case, the audio system will only be turned off manually, and the ignition key will not influence the operation of the radio.

You can find many videos on the Internet where a radio is installed on a Grant video, but there is no universal option for installing an audio system on this car. Here, a lot depends on the equipment of the Grant, and the richer it is, the less headache it gives its owner with the installation of the radio.

Almost always, when a radio is installed in Grant, the installation is carried out with the negative terminal on the battery removed. Failure to comply with basic safety requirements can not only damage the acoustic equipment, but also significantly damage the entire electrical system of the car.

In such a matter as installing a Grant radio, haste cannot in any way contribute to a successful installation, because the stable operation of the audio system and the good mood of the driver who has decided to acquire car “music” depend on the quality of the installation and compliance with safety measures.

Tools:

• Open-end wrench 10 mm
• Small flat screwdriver
• Knife (if necessary)
• Soldering iron (if necessary)

Parts and consumables:

Notes:

Initially, in this car model, the calculation is made for a 1-DIN radio. If the owner wants to install another type, a newer one, for example 2-DIN, he will need to start sawing the partitions in the console itself. And if the size is not suitable, then a suitable cantilever frame will have to be cut into the panel. This is much more complex than the first type of installation listed. In the second option, it is better to entrust the installation to a specialist, because there is a high risk of damaging the interior trim.

Here is a description of how to install a 1-DIN radio.

1. Remove the negative terminal from the battery.

2. Remove the plastic pocket installed in place of the future radio using a flat-head screwdriver.

Standard audio system for top-end Grants equipment

Unlike the Lada Granta in the Standard configuration, its luxury “friend” comes with a 2-din radio. The supplier of devices for AvtoVAZ products is one of the largest manufacturers of components for cars, Itelma. Lada Granta became the first Russian-made car to have such a new product in its standard equipment.

Needless to say, it is of considerable interest to car enthusiasts, because it is not just an advanced radio, but a whole multimedia complex. Of course, you shouldn’t expect much from him, but the very fact that AvtoVAZ has begun to develop a similar direction is already encouraging. The first thing that catches your eye is the large touch screen of the radio.

It is based on resistive technology, which is not as convenient as capacitive technology in terms of control, but allows uninterrupted operation in more severe conditions, for example, in severe frost. Capacitive screens in this regard are significantly inferior to resistive ones. Color rendering leaves much to be desired, especially in comparison with LED panels, but is quite decent. There are no problems with reading inscriptions in sunny weather.

The standard radio of the Lada Granta “Itelma” 2190 is controlled by WinCE 6.0.0.3 OS. The system boots quite quickly. Turning on the radio takes only a few seconds. An intuitive, Russified interface makes it easy to learn the capabilities of the radio even without a user manual (which, by the way, is not included with the equipment). The radio takes files for playback only from flash drives and SD cards.

Bottom line

Not every minimum configuration of a car today will please you with the presence of a standard radio. If, nevertheless, such a device is present in the database, it is far from a fact that it can please you with its informative interface and sound quality. If your version of the car has a push-button radio, then, as we found out from the article, installing a more modern radio, as well as the subsequent connection of the radio, is not a difficult matter, the main thing is to approach everything correctly.

The LADA Granta model also did not acquire the role of an exception in this list. After all, the trend of a modern car suggests the owner’s ability to carry out exciting measures to improve and tune his “iron horse,” and you shouldn’t be upset, because a push-button radio is easily replaced with a modern one.

Purpose and disadvantages of the radio

The main purpose of a car radio is to play music. Itelma MMC 2190 easily recognizes files with MP3, WAV and WMA extensions. The sound quality is quite decent. It is clean, there is no overkill with the tops or bottoms. During playback, artist and album information is displayed on the screen. The album cover may also be displayed, if there is one on the drive. The built-in equalizer offers preset sound options: rock, jazz, voice. Often, Lada Granta owners note that the 13 cm diameter speakers that come with the radio are weak.

The problem is solved by replacing or installing additional speakers on the rear doors. Sound insulation will also help improve sound quality. In addition to playing music, the multimedia center can display photos and videos. The software allows you to recognize the most popular photo files, such as JPG, BMP, JPE, PNG, JPEG, GIF. Pictures up to 1 MB in size are opened in one second. If the photo weighs, for example, 7 MB, then the radio will “slow down” for ten seconds.

The video player easily accepts the WMV standard with an extension of 320*240. The AVI 720 format turned out to be too complex for the multimedia center. The video plays with freezes, the sound lags significantly behind the picture. Therefore, owners who want to view higher-level videos will have to turn to various converters for help.

Firmware for stock radio

In general, the Itelma radio has both strengths and weaknesses. The first generation of devices is disappointing with the lack of ability to connect a rear view camera and navigation, a slow-thinking processor, despite the declared Dual Core, and a purely symbolic amount of built-in memory (only 128 MB). Despite the fact that the presence of a radio with a color touch screen makes the Lada Granta look like a foreign car, its functionality is poor.

While Itelma developers, together with AvtoVAZ designers, are working to eliminate the shortcomings of the device, the owners of luxury Grant cars are independently bringing the radio to perfection. The easiest way to optimize the performance of the multimedia center is to reflash it. Alternative firmware can significantly expand the capabilities of the radio:

• add navigation;
• install a rear view camera, the presence of which greatly facilitates reverse parking;
• optimize the interface;
• connect the radio to the Internet via 3G;
• remove unnecessary options from the menu;
• add a convenient on-screen keyboard, etc.

The flashing operation is quite simple and will not take much time. However, if the owner is determined to change the software of the head unit, he must take into account that the warranty on the device will be lost. Firmware files are easy to find in the public domain. After the firmware is found and downloaded, it is written to an SD card that has been previously formatted in the FAT system.

It is not recommended to use a memory card with a capacity of more than 4 GB. At the time of flashing the firmware, all drives must be removed from the radio. Files from the “FirmWare” directory are copied to the root of the memory card. An SD card with firmware files is inserted into a working radio and rebooted by long (at least 15 seconds) pressing the “volume” icon.

The software flashing will start, the user will be able to monitor its progress using the status bars. After the new firmware is installed, the car radio will reboot by itself and show the desktop. After calibrating the screen (Recalibrate button), the device reboots into a new menu.

Important! If the user does not like the operation of the device after flashing, he has the opportunity to return to the factory software.

Modern radio for Lada Granta FL 2019-2021

I want to share my joy.
Not long ago I had to get rid of my old Lada Kalina 2008. I needed a new car with a large trunk for work. I purchased a new 2022 Lada Granta station wagon. The car is empty as a barrel. Well, at least they installed power steering and power windows. First of all, I took care of the safety and security of the car. For this purpose, an alarm system with auto start was installed. Next came the question of music in the car. Having visited several car audio stores, I came to the conclusion that I don’t want to pay 1,500 rubles for connecting two connectors, and I don’t want to install the cheapest radio for 4,300 rubles. If you buy music for your car, then buy only a modern radio with a screen. The store “delighted” me by informing me that I would have to fork out for a car frame for the new Granta, because the panel has its own shape, and you can’t just install a standard 2 Din radio in it. They gave me a price tag of 12,800 rubles for the radio with a frame, and another 1,750 for installing all this in the car.

The amount is not small. I decided to hold off on music.

And then I remembered about the well-known Aliexpress. Maybe I’ll be able to find something there for my new Grant.

To be honest, I searched for a long time, but it was worth it.

It turns out that the Chinese quickly jumped in and created a ready-made solution for the Lada Granta FL. They made a car multimedia center with navigation, Internet, speakerphone, and all sorts of other bells and whistles. But what surprised me most was the price of this fancy radio. For only $98. Just imagine, 6500 for such a device!

Ordered on the same day. I understood that I was taking a risk. The product is new, there have been no buyers yet. And there’s no one to even ask. But who doesn't take risks?

Received it in 21 days, intact. They brought it straight to your home and handed it over personally. I open it, and there.

Radio with huge touch screen. On top of the sensor there is very high-quality anti-reflective glass, like on expensive Samsung devices. Everything is in films. I went to install it.

Installed it myself in 10 minutes. It turned out that everything fits perfectly.

I removed the regulators (left and right) on the heater control unit, pryed the unit with a screwdriver around the perimeter, and it snapped off. Next, I unscrewed the 2 screws that hold the radio, also pryed it open with a screwdriver, and it came out.

I disconnected the power connector, the antenna, and removed the radio. Next, I connected all the connectors that came with the radio to the radio, having previously extended the GPS and USB antenna into the glove compartment. I connected the main connector to the car, and that’s it.

The radio tape recorder fit like original, without gaps. The standard connectors for connecting power and speakers fit perfectly. Nothing needs to be redone.

The kit also included a bunch of wires for connecting a camera, an amplifier, an antenna for GPS navigation, USB extension cords, and much more.

I immediately switched the settings to Russian. Set up the radio and equalizer. The sound of the radio is amazing! Bass and treble are adjustable. And it’s normal to hammer like that! I turned on the video clips, the screen and the image are absolutely amazing! There is enough RAM. The memory is 16 GB, you can put a lot of things into the radio’s memory, and you don’t need to carry any flash drives with you. I installed Yandex navigator with Alice, talked, she understands everything, it works. There is already a microphone built into the radio. I tried calling and talking through the radio. Very comfortably.

Now in one device Radio, Music, Video, Navigation, Bluetooth and speakerphone, Internet via Wi-Fi via smartphone, camera, DVR.

You can watch TV and YouTube via the Internet. The kids can play games, watch cartoons. Later I will install a rear view camera and a front camera with a DVR.

Before I ordered the radio, I found a way to save more than 1,200 rubles when purchasing this radio and two cameras. It turns out that you can get these cameras for free by applying special discount coupons when purchasing.

I cheated a little and registered again on the site, as if I was a new customer. Well, this is to get coupons for purchases.

Then I received coupons for $19 and applied them to the purchase. Link to coupons

I found a radio for 6500 here (I immediately added it to the cart so as not to have to look for it again)

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