95 850 radio advice

kiddynamite · Post by **kiddynamite** » 25 Jan 2009, 13:47

So my 850 had a broken antenna for the longest time - it was there, but it was always up and not actually connected to anything. Radio reception was fine, but I did want an operating power antenna so I fixed it (ultimately by replacing the whole motor, but that's a different story)
So now the power antenna works beautifully, but the reception is so much improved that the FM transmitter I've been using with my iPod can no longer find a clear enough station to broadcast on.
I've tried using a tape adapter, but the deck seems to be stuck; all I get is a clicking sound like the auto-reverse is trying to engage, but it never does anything.

So what should I do?
1 - Pull my existing head unit out (it's an SC-710), take it apart, and see if I can get the tape deck working? I've tried it once and I didn't see anything obvious, though the radio was not connected to power. Has anyone else fixed this problem? Would the radio respond in some sort of workbench setting or is it just going to flash at me and not let the tape deck engage?

2 - Spend $25-$50 on a salvage OEM head unit from ebay or a salvage yard. My car has an SC-710 right now, would a different Volvo head unit (like an SC-811) work in it?

3 - spend $100+ on a new aftermarket head unit. I'd love to have a new one but I probably shouldn't be spending more money than I have to.

thoughts?

thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 Jan 2009, 14:06

A variety of radios will work including the SC-810, SC-811, etc. Some years and models require the amp as they are just a line level output.

Here is a thread that has details on years and models:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... opic=21088

There is also a SC-710 on eBay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-Vol ... 0003r33093

...Lee

Post by **JRL** » 25 Jan 2009, 15:33

I have a nice SC 811 (812)? AM/FM Cassette out of a 96 850 for sale.
Excellent working order and in excellent cosmetic condition with all lights working with code
for $30 plus shipping
I can box and send it out tomorrow with a Pay Pal payment
to: [email protected]

kiddynamite · Post by **kiddynamite** » 25 Jan 2009, 15:50

Thanks for the link, Lee.

I'm having a little bit of trouble parsing it, though.
Does the 'amp connector' field in the table refer to the presence of a connector on the back of the head unit, or a connector on the vehicle's wiring harness? In short, would this prevent an SC-811 or SC-815 from working on a base '95 850 that has a SC-710 as stock?

JRL, I'm still mulling my options, but I may be in touch in the next week or so.

thanks again.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 16:44

All of the SC's will work in your car as long as they're hooked up right and all wiring is good.

kiddynamite · Post by **kiddynamite** » 25 Jan 2009, 19:16

Thanks MIJ.
After poking around in the repair database, I might break out the soldering iron and try this, since I'm not so much looking for a working tape deck as a reliable way to get iPod input into the stereo without using the FM transmitter. If I fail miserably I might get in touch with JRL about his SC-811.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 20:40

Or....you can do my solution: USA-Spec adapter (direct connect through the CD changer input on the back of all SC's...controlled by the SC!). Crutchfield sells them and I see them on eBay too...you'll need the Volvo cable with it.

dimasp · Post by **dimasp** » 06 Mar 2010, 11:57

I have a '95 - 850 with the original radio, do take it out do I need any special tool/intructions ?
Thanks
Dimas!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Mar 2010, 13:17

dimasp wrote:I have a '95 - 850 with the original radio, do take it out do I need any special tool/intructions ?
Thanks
Dimas!

I use my key to pop it out. There are a couple of tabs next to the bass control and the preset number 6. Just push them in and the the handles will pop out. You will need to know your code if you disconnect it.

: DSC01947.JPG (211.83 KiB) Viewed 2268 times

...Lee

dimasp · Post by **dimasp** » 07 Mar 2010, 06:04

Ozark Lee wrote:
dimasp wrote:I have a '95 - 850 with the original radio, do take it out do I need any special tool/intructions ?
Thanks
Dimas!
I use my key to pop it out. There are a couple of tabs next to the bass control and the preset number 6. Just push them in and the the handles will pop out. You will need to know your code if you disconnect it.

DSC01947.JPG
...Lee

Thanks ! Another question, how I know my radio code, is a SC-811 ?