Connecting the buttons on the steering wheel to the Android radio in Gazelle Next: complete guide

Installation of modern Android radios in Gazelle Next significantly improves the functionality of the car, but often owners are faced with a problem: the standard buttons on the steering wheel stop working. This is because the factory wiring is not compatible with the new head unit. Fortunately, you can connect the buttons yourself - you don’t have to be an auto electrician for this.

In this article we will look all connection methods - from a simple adapter to manual soldering of wires, and also tell you how to configure the buttons in radio firmware. You will learn which modules and adapters are suitable for Gazelle Next, how to avoid errors when connecting and what to do if the buttons do not work correctly. The instructions are suitable for most Android radio (for example, Pumpkin, Joying, Xtrons) and do not require deep knowledge of electronics.

Why don’t the buttons on the steering wheel work with the new radio?

The standard radio Gazelle Next uses analog signal to control the buttons on the steering wheel, while most Android devices work with digital pulses. When replacing the head unit, the signal from the buttons is simply not recognized - the radio does not understand it.

There are three main reasons inoperability:

• 🔌 Protocol incompatibility: the factory control unit uses RESISTOR LADDER (resistor matrix), and Android radios usually support CAN-BUS or discrete signals.
• 🔧 Lack of adapter: without an adapter, a signal with buttons are not converted into a format understandable for the radio.
• ⚙️ Incorrect settings: even with correct connection, the buttons may not work if support is not activated in the firmware Steering Wheel Controls (SWC).

Most problems can be solved by installation SWC adapter or manual modification of the wiring. Below we will look at both options.

Methods of connecting the buttons on the steering wheel to the Android radio

There are several methods for integrating control buttons. The choice depends on your skills, budget and radio model. Let's consider each of them:

For Gazelle Next they are considered the most reliable, since they support the resistor matrix used in this car. If you do not want to bother with soldering, it is better to choose a ready-made solution. If you have experience working with electronics, you can save money and do everything. yourself. PAC or Metra adapters, as they support the resistor array used in this car. If you don't want to bother with soldering, it's better to choose a ready-made solution. If you have experience working with electronics, you can save money and do everything yourself.

⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing an adapter, check compatibility with your radio model! Some Chinese devices (for example, Xtrons or Eonon) require special ones. firmware for working with SWC modules.

Connecting via an SWC adapter: step-by-step guide

This is the easiest and most reliable method:

• 🔌 Adapter PAC RP4-GM11 or Metra ASWC-1 (check compatibility with your radio!).
• 🔧 Screwdriver and plastic pullers for the panel.
• 📶 Multimeter (optional, for checking signals).

Sequence actions:

1. Remove the decorative panel around the radio. Gazelle Next it is secured with latches - carefully pry it off with a puller, starting from the bottom edge.
2. Disconnect the standard ISO connector from the radio. Usually it is located at the back and is marked as ISO CONNECTOR.
3. Connect the adapter:
   • Connect the adapter connector to ISO connector the car.
   • Connect the second end of the adapter to the radio connector (usually this is SWC IN or STEERING).
   • If the adapter requires power, connect +12V (red wire) and GND (black) to the corresponding contacts of the radio.

1. Press and hold the "MUTE" button on the radio for 5 seconds.
2. After the sound signal, press the buttons on the steering wheel one by one.
3. Confirm saving by pressing "MUTE" again.

The negative terminal of the battery has been removed|

The panel around the radio has been removed|

The standard ISO connector is available for connection|

The adapter is compatible with the model radio tape recorders|

Have a multimeter at hand to check the signals-->

If after connecting the buttons work with a delay (for example, the reaction occurs after 1-2 seconds), this is normal for most adapters. To reduce the lag, you can try update firmware radio tape recorders or adapter.

⚠️ Attention: Some cheap adapters (for example, from AliExpress) may conflict with CAN bus the car, causing errors on the dashboard. If after installation it lights up CHECK ENGINE, immediately disconnect the adapter and check its compatibility!

Manual connection of buttons without an adapter (for experienced ones)

If you do not want to spend money on an adapter, you can connect the buttons directly using resistor matrixThis method requires soldering and basic ones. knowledge of electronics.

You will need:

• 🔧 Soldering iron, solder, heat shrink.
• 📐 Multimeter for measuring resistance.
• 🔌 Resistors with ratings from 1 kOhm to 10 kOhm (exact values depend on the car model).
• 📄 Connection diagram for your Gazelle Next (can be found in the manual or on the forums).

Action algorithm:

1. Find the contacts of the buttons on the ISO connector Usually this is contact A6 (signal) and B5 (GND).Check the diagram!
2. Measure the resistance of each button:
   • Connect the multimeter in ohmmeter mode to the contacts buttons.
   • Press the buttons one at a time and record the readings (for example, VOL+ = 2.2 kOhm, VOL- = 3.3 kOhm).
3. Assemble a resistor matrix:
   • For each button, select a resistor with a resistance corresponding to the measured value.
   • Solder the resistors into the circuit as shown in the diagram below (example for 4 buttons).