SC-900/901 Head units for sale question?

Post by **scot850** » 12 Mar 2015, 19:45

I've had a couple of posts on the forum in the last few weeks asking questions about these Volvo head units. Through the process of going to PnP on a few occasions I have one of each of these unit spare that I may put up for sale having got the codes and cleaned the cassette heads and lasers, and finally tested the units.

I remember someone making a point that the trouble is no-one sells the amps that go with them and the cables to connect to them, or not all the cables.

I have 2 amps and the cable harness and the 2 mounting bolts for 2 units, but how much of the harness is required? I have the 3 cables that run from the amp to the head unit, well actually 1 goes to the unit and the other 2 multi-cables go to connecters up behind where the head unit mount. I can photograph and post if needed. I'm one of those anal people that can't sell something that doesn't have all the pieces needed.

(also have 2 6 disc changers, one that goes in the glove box which cables and glove box, and one that goes in the rear of a wagon, but that has no mounting bracket or cable to the head unit).

All this stuff seems to appear in my hoard, and now is time to start clearing the excess out. My wife will appreciate your help on this (As will I!)!

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **E Showell** » 13 Mar 2015, 05:24

As I am finding out, the cables running from the SC - 901 head unit (may be the same cable for the SC-900 as well, but I don't know) to the underseat amp - PN 9452030 - is unobtainable new from Volvo. An aftermarket car audio place like Crutchfield may supply an equivalent, but I am not sure and haven't checked. The cables are quite rare.

As a tip for anyone performing this extraction at a junkyard, any car equipped with these head units has to have an auxiliary amp since the head units have no internal amplifier. When you remove the head unit, take the amp, (underseat, trunk mount or behind the radio) and all the associated harnesses and mounting hardware as well. These are complete systems and to maximize their value [and utility], the various components should be kept together. I still can't fathom Ebay sellers who split the amp and wiring harness.

Post by **JRL** » 13 Mar 2015, 05:49

Evan
You of all people should know this belongs in the for sale parts section.
To answer your question as to why the amps are left?
1: It's a lot of work to remove the amp and harness when removing the radio takes about a minute
2: Most people just want to replace their broken 900/901 not build a high end factory system in a 15-18 year old car especially when they can buy a good aftermarket radio that will usually blow a 901 away, have B/T, iPod/iPhone capability, etc for $150!

Post by **E Showell** » 13 Mar 2015, 06:38

Jim -- Not my post. Are you suggesting I shouldn't respond to something that might arguably be posted in the wrong section of the forum?

Post by **precopster** » 13 Mar 2015, 07:48

Something in the radio circuit of my 98 V70R keeps blowing the 10A fuse and it's not the head unit.

Looks like I may need an under seat amp. Have to remove it and power it out of the car's electrical system and see how much current it draws. Will report back this weekend.

Post by **scot850** » 14 Mar 2015, 00:19

Jim, if you read the post I made, it states I wanted clarification I had all the parts needed for a 'possible' sale of the parts. I don't like selling stuff, but if I do I make sure to the best info I have it works as intended, and all of it is there.

I do know that stuff for sale goes on the Sale board. But if you read my post, you would see I have not even posted a price or any other details. As it is, Evan pointed out I have the majority of parts but possibly not all. I have now answered my own question by having another look at Vida, and found the harness he mentioned. I really need to go back and cut out a bit more of the harness as the harness appears to be N/A.

Sure I, and anyone else, could chuck in an aftermarket unit. Are they better? Possibly, but not everyone want non-Volvo stuff in their cars or prefer original options for originality. An original unit can modified to work with ipods, etc. if you wish. This hobby or necessity for all of us on the forum caters for all variety of enthusiasts. I'm a big JRL fan and glad to have you here as well as all the other great supporters of Volvos!

I used to love listening to music and had high end turntable, amp, speakers etc., so I like to think I know good sound when I hear it. The old Volvo system that was in our old 93 850GLT was excellent for a factory install for any year of car. A system is also only as good as the amplification and the speakers and wiring used.

Neil.