Radio . . What am I missing?

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 13 May 2011, 17:45

greeting matthew and his forumites

first time poster here, new volvo owner.
1995 850 glt - 173k.this car is great but the radio doesn't work.

i took it out and it wasn't connected. behind it i saw what looked like the remains of a harness and i saw an alpine coverplate holder in the glove so it must have had an aftermarket and the previous owner took it out and just pushed in the radio, then sold it.

so i removed the harness, plugged in the the antennae pole wire thing, and the two connectors (one big/ one small) turned on the car and the radio still doesn't power up. checked the fuses, there was a 15a fuse there but it wasn't broken, tried switching a 10a fuse to go with the fusebox guidelines, but nothing changed with either.

so i removed the radio again and looked behind it and there was really not much else there except some tubes which i'm guessing is for the airs. AMP IS MISSING???

soooooooo

what am i missing?

from what I've had lurked is there supposed to be an amp behind the radio?
I've been googling and ebaying for an oem amplifier and cant find anything.

What are my options now? i think i will eventually replace the stock radio with an aftermarket.
what should i buy an amp (oem or aftermarket)

thanks for help.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 May 2011, 18:20

Welcome to MVS,

What is the model number on the radio?

Does it show a screen display of either code or off?

Some of the radios require an amp and others don't. The ones with an amp should at least light up the tweeters in the dash unless the magnets have fallen off.

...Lee

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 13 May 2011, 22:39

the display doesnt show anything

ill post the model number next time im in my car.

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 14 May 2011, 09:34

Here's a pic, not sure which number is the model number.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Anyone know a good receiver with bluetooth, USB charger, and aux input? Double or single din.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 14 May 2011, 09:45

Actualy, the model number is printed on the front of the radio - 801, 816, something like that.

For a little over 100 bucks I picked up a single DIN Kendwood unit that isn't too bad. I oped for the HD tuner instead of the BT, but it comes with a module to add it, or you can go with the BT instead of the HD with another model. It has a USB/iPod port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 50w x 4 and 6 RCA Out jacks - not too bad. There's some little niggly things about it but for 100 bucks I can live with them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00383HMES

... and if you get it, use the Amazon link above!

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 14 May 2011, 09:52

ohhh lol

the model is SC-811

Post by **jt74** » 14 May 2011, 10:44

Welcome to the site brother. It's kind of hard for anyone to tell you what to get. You really need to figure out what you want from your deck, if you decide to go aftermarket. Try this. Go to crutchfield.com. Compare the different head units that interest you as you can use different filters dependent upon your wants, then once you have a few you like, check Amazon using the link at the top of the page( you can usually get free shipping on anything you buy and it's almost always cheaper.)

I am getting mine from Crutchfield just because you get the free wiring harness, adapter plate and a few manuals with your purchase and they also deliver for free. Hope this helps.

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 14 May 2011, 10:50

Well i was just looking for recommendations.
I'm kinda liking this Sony: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MEX-BT3800U- ... B0032FOJPM

But what I'm trying to figure out if it's just my radio that is broken, or if there was supposed to be a special amp behind it and that would be the reason why it's not working.

Post by **PCars** » 14 May 2011, 14:58

Make sure you have power to the radio before condemning it. On the larger black connector in back, check for power at the red wire with the black stripe. This should be powered with key on or off. Check at position 4 and 12 of that connector. With the key on check for power on the yellow and purple wire in position 13. You should also check for continuity with ground on position 14 and 6, black wires. If these all seem good, you may have a failed radio. The radio should turn on, it doesn't need an amp to do so. It gets power directly from the fuse panel. I know you replaced the fuse already but there could be a break in the wiring between there and the radio.

zomawia · Post by **zomawia** » 14 May 2011, 16:34

ok i tested it and im not seeing any voltages on my multimeter.

also this yellow connector is dangling below the speedometer in an eletrical highway area.