Volvo Stereo Compatability 1995 850 GLT

Arlian · Post by **Arlian** » 20 Oct 2005, 17:44

I recently bought a used 95 850 GLT wagon for my wife and it has the stock cassette player, but no CD. She wants a factory in-dash cd player , but I'm not sure if I will have a problem plugging in the CD head unit. Are all of the factory harnesses compatable with all of the stereo options. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 20 Oct 2005, 20:58

If it's an indash CD player it will be part of the radio. A trunk mount changer is most common

Post by **kelvin6** » 20 Oct 2005, 22:42

You can alway look for the SC-816(grey) or SC-815(Black) on eBay. If you purchase any volvo radio, make sure you can get the security code required for it otherwise it will not work. Either the seller provides it, or obtain it from a dealership (with the VIN of the car it was taken from and the serial number of the radio).

Those two models are direct pop-ins, they use the same connectors, so all is good and removal of the radio is super easy and tool-free. The SC-815 is hard to find, and rare, because the only came in 1997 850s and no other year. If your wife can stand a grey headunit (SC-816) in the black trim, then you have a easy solution. This unit SC-816 runs for about $100-150 on eBay. BTW: The SC-815 and SC-816 are identical units, just different colors and the SC-816 comes from the Volvo S70, which also fits.

If you really want a CD Deck without the paying that much, go aftermarket...

Arlian · Post by **Arlian** » 21 Oct 2005, 04:31

Thanks for the information. I will consider aftermarket, but that will depend on her acceptance of that notion. If I do go aftermarket, are there suggested brands for fit/trim and ease of wiring harness compatability?

Post by **kelvin6** » 21 Oct 2005, 15:45

If you do go after market, you will have to wire the wiring diagram yourself. That means match the wires (not necessarily by color) by function from the included aftermarket harness the the Volvo harness that your would have to purchase as well (this way you would have a plug to plug into the wires coming from the car, so that you don't have to cut it off). Not a difficult job if you has a little electronics knowledge and know how to crimp (join) cables.

If you bought a Volvo stock HU, then its just plug and play. You should be done with the install for that within two minutes or less (that includes removal and install)! Make sure you have the security code for the new radio though.

If you do buy a aftermarket deck, you will also need a install kit that includes a bottom pocket to cover up that hole left behind. Also you CANNOT install a double DIN (aftermarket size that would in theory cover up the whole hole of the stock HU). Volvo uses slide rails that would get in the way of a double DIN. The only way is to modify/refabricate the whole thing, which is a lot of work. Stick with single din and you should be fine.

Personally, I like the Volvo deck, very easy to use, simple, sounds good, and no one will steal it. In my previous car, everything was aftermarket, and I reverted back for simplicity on the Volvo. For example to change the bass or treble on the stock HU, just move the slider. On a aftermarket HU, you have to go through all these little menus on the display and provides not so precise adjustments. If you want a simple to use, nice deck, Nakamichi makes one, but its expensive.

Let your wife make that decision.

BTW: The SC-815 and SC-816 are highly sought after by 850 owners who want to upgrade like you, I guess everyone who buys em, like the stock deck very much (according to those prices on eBay).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 01 Nov 2005, 20:32

bellow is a link to an ebay auction for a 815 deck but its way expensive 240 USD, I would like it over my 810 but not at that price

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VOLVO-S7 ... enameZWDVW