Installing a radio on a Nissan Almera Classic: a detailed guide with photos and diagrams

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B10 in some markets) is a popular sedan that is still used by thousands of owners. The standard audio system of this car often does not meet modern requirements: there is no support Bluetooth, USB or Apple CarPlay. Installing a new radio solves these problems, but requires knowledge of the connection nuances. This article contains detailed instructions taking into account the features of electrical wiring. Almera Classic, choice of equipment and typical mistakes.

Radio in Nissan Almera Classic installed in a standard size location 1DIN (height 50 mm) or 2DIN (100 mm) if a multimedia system with a screen is planned. The main difficulty is the incompatibility of standard connectors with most universal radios. Here you will need ISO adapter or direct soldering of wires. We will analyze both options, and also tell you how to avoid a short circuit when connecting to the on-board network.

Choosing a radio for Nissan Almera Classic: key parameters

Before purchasing, decide on the type of device. For Almera Classic (2006–2012) fit:

• 📻 1DIN radio - classic format with push-button control (for example, Pioneer DEH-S4200BT or Sony DSX-A415BT). Suitable if you don't need a screen.
• 📺 2DIN multimedia systems - with touch screen, support Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (For example, JVC KW-M750BT or Kenwood DMX7020S). Requires panel replacement or modification of the seat.
• 🔌 Universal radios with remote screen - a compromise option for saving the 1DIN format (for example, Alpine iLX-W650).

Please note output power: for standard acoustics Almera Classic (4 speakers) 4×50 W is enough. If you are planning to upgrade your speakers, choose a model with pre-output to an amplifier. Also check:

• 🔋 Availability built-in amplifier (important for high-quality sound at low frequencies).
• 📱 Support wireless technologies: Bluetooth (for hands-free), USB/Aux (for connecting a smartphone).
• 🎵 Playback formats: MP3, WMA, FLAC (if sound quality is important).

Important: Radios with support Android Auto require connection to the vehicle’s CAN bus for correct operation of the steering wheel buttons (if your equipment includes them). Without this, the steering wheel control function will not work.

Installation Tools and Materials

To dismantle the old radio and install a new one you will need:

Tool/material	Purpose	Note
Plastic pullers (or flat blade screwdriver)	Removing the decorative panel	Metal tools can scratch plastic
Phillips screwdriver (PH2)	Unscrewing the radio mounts	Some configurations use turnkey bolts T20
ISO → Nissan adapter (or soldering iron + heat shrink)	Connection to standard wiring	For Almera Classic adapter fits Metra 70-7301
Multimeter	Checking voltage and polarity of wires	Required if connecting without an adapter
Electrical tape or heat shrink	Connection insulation	It’s better to use heat shrink – it’s more reliable

If you don't have an adapter ISO → Nissan, you can do without it, but you will need to manually connect the radio wires to the standard wiring. To do this:

1. Cut off the standard connector (leaving enough wire).
2. Strip and tin the ends.
3. Connect to the wires of the new radio according to color scheme (see next section).
4. Insulate each wire separately.

⚠️ Attention: Never connect wires by twisting without soldering or crimping! Vibrations in the car will lead to poor contact and possible short circuit.

Connection diagram for radio to Nissan Almera Classic

Standard wiring Almera Classic has a non-standard connector pinout, different from ISO. Below is the color scheme for connecting a universal radio:

Car wire color	Purpose	Compliance on the radio (ISO)
Yellow	Constant plus (+12V, from battery)	Yellow (BAT+)
Red	Controlled plus (+12V, from the ignition switch)	Red (ACC or IGN)
Black	Weight (–)	Black (GND)
Green with white stripe	Right front speaker (+)	Purple (FR+)
Green	Right front speaker (–)	Purple-black (FR–)

For complete pinouts for all speakers, see the repair manual. Nissan Almera Classic. Important: do not confuse constant plus (yellow) with controlled (red)! If you mix it up, the radio will drain the battery when it is turned off.

To check if the connection is correct:

1. Connect the radio to the wires without fixation in the seat.
2. Turn on the ignition and check if the display lights up.
3. Listen to all speakers for distortion or lack of sound.

Removing an old radio: step-by-step instructions

To remove the original radio, follow these steps:

1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!). This will prevent short circuit.
2. Remove the decorative frame around the radio. To do this, insert the plastic pullers into the gaps on the sides and gently pull them towards you. B Almera Classic The frame is secured with latches.
3. Unscrew the 4 screws securing the radio (two on top and bottom). In some configurations, the screws may be hidden by plugs.
4. Pull the radio out of its seat, disconnect the connectors at the back (power and speakers).

If the radio does not come out easily, do not use excessive force - check that all screws are unscrewed. B Almera Classic Sometimes there is an additional fastening in the form of a metal bracket.

⚠️ Attention: When dismantling, do not pull the wires - you can damage the contacts in the connector. If the radio is stuck, check for hidden latches on the sides.

What to do if the radio mounting screws are rusty?

If the screws do not come out, use a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40). Apply it to the thread and wait 10-15 minutes. If this does not help, carefully drill out the screws with a drill with a diameter of 3–4 mm, but be careful not to damage the plastic of the panel.

Installing a new radio and setting it up

After connecting the wires, fix the radio in the seat:

1. Insert the radio into the socket and secure it with the screws (included in the kit).
2. Install the decorative frame (if it is included with the new radio).
3. Connect the battery and check the operation of the device.

If you have 2DIN radio, you will need to modify the seat:

• 🔨 Expand the hole using a jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal.
• 🖌 Putty and paint the edges (if the plastic has been cut off).
• 🔧 Install additional fasteners to fix the heavy radio.

After installation, configure the radio:

• 🔊 Adjust the balance and timbre to suit the car’s acoustics.
• 📶 Tune radio stations (in Almera Classic the antenna is connected via a connector DIN or Motorola).
• 📱 Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and check the hands-free quality.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with careful installation, problems can occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem	Reason	Solution
The radio does not turn on	Incorrect connection ACC or BAT+	Check the voltage on the yellow and red wires with a multimeter
There is sound only from two speakers	Rear channels not connected or polarity incorrect	Ring the speaker wires, check the balance in the settings
Constant background in the speakers	Poor ground or interference from power wiring	Connect the ground to pure metal of the body, not to plastic
The radio is resetting	There is no permanent plus (BAT+)	Connect the yellow wire directly to the battery through the fuse

If after installation the radio is unstable (it turns off on its own, “glitches”), check:

• 🔌 Quality of contacts in connectors (especially if soldering was used).
• 🔋 On-board network voltage (should be 12–14.4V when the engine is running).
• 📡 Presence of interference from other electronic devices (for example, GPS trackers).

Additional options: rear view camera and amplifier

To increase comfort, you can install:

• 📹 Rear view camera - connects to the connector RCA on the radio. B Almera Classic The wires for the camera are usually routed through the trunk and the camera is mounted above the license plate.
• 🔊 Sound amplifier — you will need to lay a power cable from the battery (cross section of at least 4 mm²) and signal wires from the radio (RCA).
• 🎤 Microphone for hands-free — installed on the sun visor or windshield pillar.

To connect a rear view camera:

1. Lay the video cable from the trunk to the radio (preferably along the existing wiring).
2. Connect the camera to the wire reverse (usually purple with a black stripe in the headlight unit).
3. Set the radio to automatically switch to the camera when you engage reverse gear.

If you are installing an amplifier, do not forget about fuse (calculated by the formula: amplifier power (W) / 12V = current (A)). For example, a 500 W amplifier needs a 40-50 A fuse.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about installing a radio

Is it possible to install a radio with Apple CarPlay in Almera Classic?

Yes, but it will be required 2DIN radio with support CarPlay (For example, Pioneer AVH-Z5200BT). You also need to make sure that your iPhone supports this feature (iOS 9 and later). For correct operation, you may need to connect to CAN bus (via an adapter, if there are steering buttons).

How to connect a radio without an ISO adapter?

If there is no adapter, connect the radio wires to the standard wiring Almera Classic according to color scheme. Use solder or crimp terminals, then insulate each wire separately. Before connecting, check the polarity with a multimeter!

Why doesn't the radio save settings after installation?

This means it is not connected permanent plus (yellow wire). It should go directly from the battery through the fuse. If you connect it to ACC (red wire), the radio will be reset when the ignition is turned off.

Is it possible to keep the stock speakers or is it better to replace them?

Standard speakers Almera Classic are of mediocre quality (paper diffusers, weak magnets). If you have a powerful radio (more than 50 W per channel), the speakers will quickly fail. We recommend replacing them with models with an impedance of 4 Ohms and a power of 60–100 W (for example, JBL GTO629 for front doors).

How to connect steering wheel buttons to a new radio?

For this you need CAN bus adapter (For example, Pac RP4-NIS01 for Nissan). It decodes signals from the steering wheel buttons and transmits them to the radio. Connects to the connector behind the steering wheel (usually a blue or green connector). Without an adapter, the buttons will not work.