FM Failure 2006 S60 Volvo Hu850 Radio

[CarterOrlikoff]

Hello Everyone,

Before starting, I want to note that this is not my first post on this topic. I am unable to access my account, cartero333, where I previously discussed this problem with HU850 radios. I was hoping I could follow up and have someone tag my forum, as I don't know how.

Just a quick update on what has happened:
- My HU850 Radio FM channels do not produce any noise. I get noise from AM and can get AM channels (probably CD too, but I haven't checked). From what I have gathered, it's not antenna-related, as it doesn't produce any noise at all. Unfortunately, like once a month, the channels will work for like 20 minutes, which makes me think I could get an antenna amplifier thing, but I don't know if that will help.
- I am interested in an aftermarket product, but I don't know how that will work. I read on some website that installing an aftermarket might mess with my backup parking sensors and possibly my center speaker. I wouldn't want to do any aftermarket changes if it got rid of those two aspects.

My couple of questions for you guys,
- Is it worth it to just buy a $150ish aftermarket screen to get Bluetooth audio? Will it affect my car in any aspect?
- Also, what is the installation process for something like that? Is it as simple as plugging it into the 12V slot, or would I need to uninstall the HU850 altogether?
- Where would I buy a HU850 radio if aftermarket wasn't the move? Or something different? All I want is Bluetooth back in my car. I couldn't care less about how it looks. My A/C already doesn't work either, so I am not worried about messing any of that up either.

Thank you all for your patience. I appreciate any response at all. I would just like to be able to connect my phone to my car for Bluetooth audio again.

[scot850]

Unfortunately the Hu-850 unit is not very robust at this age. My friend has signal/sound issues with his car recently bought (06 V70 T5).

He has been looking into it in terms of replacing the unit. I'm not as familiar as with P80 head units, but as I understand it the HU-850 has an external amplifier, where the more basic units like the HU-650 have built in amps. On the rear the basic units have a single rectangular plug as they feed the speakers directly. The high end units have 2 rectangular multi-plugs, one takes the signal to the amp I believe and the other returns it . I may be wrong on that.

When my buddy was looking into swapping his unit he wanted to keep the HU-850 unit initially. There are plenty for sale on EBay for example, some are supposedly refurbished, but as they only give 1 month warranty, you have to ask haw good they are.

They are not cheap unless you take a chance on pulling one from a junkyard.

The aftermarket route to update to have bluetooth is worth considering. If you don't know how to do this yourself, or don't have the skills, it is worth trying to find an installer. When I did this 7 years ago with my Toyota 4Runner, I had a local store install it and they did a great job as they used the original JBL Toyota amp which apparently is a bear to work with. I also got them to run wiring to the tailgate so I could hook up a back-up camera which the Sony unit I bought had input for. At that time all in (I did the camera final install in the tailgate) came to around $1000 with having remote start installed too.

My buddy was looking into it, but I think someone is taking him for a ride. I think they were wanting $2000 for a unit and install. Head units have got more expensive in the last year, but hard to believe it costs that much to install.

There are now cheap wiring harness inserts for the stock head units that fit in between the head unit and the feeds to the head. They will give you Bluetooth. I've seen them for less than $50.

Anything you buy used, check what warranty they give you.

Good Luck!

Neil.

[CarterOrlikoff]

Thank you for all of that! It seems like the HU850 radios online are quite expensive, being upwards of $300-400. I have been able to find people that would install it but they don't have the parts.

I am really interested in those wirning harness inserts? Is there an installation video or guide for how to do that, and where would I purchase one of those? I want to make sure I am purchasing the right thing as I would probably do the installing myself. Again, all I would want is bluetooth.

Thank you so much!

[EngineeringBloke]

I had a HU650 and am not certain about the 850. I have installed 2 aftermarket head units on my 06 s60.

Anyway, these Volvo head units have an input socket I, a speaker wiring socket S, an antenna with power socket A and a DIN amplifier output D.

Socket I has inputs to dim the display when interior lights are off and other functions including the CAN bus data. It includes constant 12v and ground, and the radio on (ignition/accessories on) signal.

If there's an external Volvo amp under the passenger seat, the amps DIN input lead is plugged into the head unit socket D the car speaker leads plug is disconnected from the original head unit 25 watt output socket S (front left and right, rear left and right speaker pairs), and connected to the amps speaker output cable. This inserts the external amp into the circuit. Quite clever for easy amp upgrades to 200 or 300 watt amps.

I'm not sure how parking sounds enter the system but it is likely to use the CAN digital signals. Bluetooth is a radio rather than a wireless technology and doesn't use wiring.

A new head unit will likely provide a Bluetooth input (850 or aftermarket), but an aftermarket unit will not know the Volvo CAN signals for parking sounds.

Also the optional center speaker in the dash will not be supported by an aftermarket unit. Bridging some combination of left and right speaker wires may provide sound from that speaker but the level may be too loud or quiet, it may reduce the separation of left and right sounds, and it could damage the amplifier.

If the parking sounds come from the center speaker, then you need it to work.

Despite the posts above concerning reliability, I would try an hu850 for your needs.