Recently I got a new Perodua Axia and I went for the low spec model which was quite bare. No radio, no central locking and only available as a manual.


This gave me an opportunity to install my own DIY car radio. I could have gone for a standard single DIN car radio with Bluetooth but that’s boring. Having recently drove a new Kia with Android Auto, this gave me an idea.
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features from an Android device, such as a smartphone, to a car’s compatible in-dash information and entertainment head unit.

I searched on the Internet for Android Auto projects and came across Crankshaft running on Raspberry Pi.
Therefore, I started shopping for parts (new and secondhand).
- Raspberry Pi 3 ($40)

2. 7-inch Touch Screen ($100)

3. A pair of car speakers ($27.50)

4. Audio Amplifier Board ($9.20)

5. DC-DC Converter ($3.31)

This is a buck converter so it’s more efficient and runs cooler compared to linear voltage regulators.
6. 12V Delay Relay ($2.68)

7. Sandisk Ultra MicroSD 32GB ($8.90)

Designed a basic schematic for all the connections:

First, we need to load the Crankshaft OS image into the Micro SD card.


Setup the test connection at home first before transferring it to the car.

Removing the dashboard panel to install the Raspberry Pi, Touch Screen and audio amplifier.


Then I proceeded to move the dashboard panel home so I can install it comfortably and solder the connections carefully.






I didn’t want to use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable which takes up space so I directly soldered the audio connections between the Raspberry Pi and the Audio Amplifier.

Mounting all of the components on the back of the dashboard panel.


Testing to ensure everything is working fine.

Time to take apart the door panels to install the pair of speakers.





Rinse and repeat for the right hand side door


I decided to tap the 12V DC power from the cigarette lighter socket because it is the most convenient


Installing back the dashboard panel with all of the components

And… It works!

I now have a fully functioning Android Auto head unit on my low spec Perodua Axia

The total cost for this project is as follows:

If you need any guidance on your DIY Android Auto project feel free to contact me 🙂
Огромное тебе СПАСИБО