How to Connect Bluetooth in an Old Santana?
4 Answers
Turn on the radio system. Press and hold the function button [PHONE] to activate Bluetooth; briefly press the function button [Find Phone] on the screen. Select the mobile phone you want to pair from the list of found Bluetooth devices. Enter the PIN code displayed on the infotainment system screen on your mobile phone, then confirm. The main phone menu will appear, automatically loading the phonebook, call list, and text messages stored in the mobile phone.
I've been driving my old Santana for almost ten years, and this classic model simply doesn't have built-in Bluetooth functionality. There are three solutions: The cheapest option is to buy a cigarette lighter Bluetooth receiver, which costs just a few dozen yuan. After plugging it into the cigarette lighter, pair your phone via Bluetooth, then tune your car's FM radio to the same frequency as the transmitter. However, the sound quality may have some static, and it's prone to interference on highways. Another method is to purchase a universal car stereo, remove the center console panel yourself, and replace it with a Bluetooth-enabled head unit. If you're handy, it can be done in about two hours, and it also supports USB music playback. The most hassle-free solution is actually a portable Bluetooth speaker. Just place it on the dashboard, connect it to your phone, and turn the volume up—it's generally sufficient, though you'll need to remember to take it with you when you leave the car.
I've tinkered with retrofitting Bluetooth in old cars several times. For a hassle-free solution, get an FM transmitter-style Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter (auto powers on) - just pair your phone and tune the car radio to the matching frequency. Pro tip: choose a dual-USB port model for simultaneous charging. For better audio quality, you'll need some actual modifications: order a Santana-specific wiring harness online and pair it with a used OEM head unit featuring Bluetooth - just connect the power and speaker wires. Crucial safety note: always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working (learned this the hard way after short-circuiting a fuse). Nowadays many Bluetooth receivers come with clip mounts for attaching to sun visors, which works great for temporary setups.
Adding Bluetooth to an old Santana is actually quite simple, with three main solutions. For a budget under 100 RMB, buy an FM Bluetooth transmitter, plug it into the cigarette lighter, pair it, and tune to an empty channel—the downside is the presence of static noise. For a mid-range budget, replace the car stereo; you can find universal VW-compatible head units on Taobao for around 200 RMB—just be careful not to misconnect the yellow 12V power line during installation. The advanced option is to connect via an AUX cable, but most older cars lack this port, requiring an additional converter module. The simplest method is to use a phone mount with a small Bluetooth speaker placed near the AC vent for decent sound. A key reminder: always opt for Bluetooth 5.0 devices, as older versions have severe latency issues that cause music playback to stutter.
