850r Radio Code

doublehorn · Post by **doublehorn** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:13 am

Hello. I've read the radio code FAQ on this site and my owner's manual (https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo ... ained.html).

I'm getting a very odd result. When I enter my code (from the card in my owner's manual) the numbers just stay displayed and the radio doesn't switch to "on." This is the first time I've had to enter the code during my brief ownership of the car, but the prior owner has indicated that he never had an issue and confirmed the code is correct. FWIW, I put in an intentional incorrect code and the car displayed 4 "e"s so it seems the code is fine.

Any ideas?

Post by **mecheng** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:31 am

if you enter 3 incorrect codes, you need to keep your ignition to position I for 2 hours until it allows you to enter the code again.

Just went through this last week.

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 1:16 pm

That's odd. Once you input the correct code, it takes a couple of seconds before the stereo 'kicks in'. I just went through unlocking the stereo on a V70 last week. You can see the delay I'm talking about here:

doublehorn · Post by **doublehorn** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 7:41 am

I don't have a problem with clearing an error. The radio is not accepting the code. FWIW, I've intentionally "errored out" the radio and cleared the code just to try that.

Here's a video of the behavior:

doublehorn · Post by **doublehorn** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:12 am

Mystery solved. My mechanic failed to insert the FM radio antenna input! Now I need to figure out the bluetooth and I should be good to go...

Post by **scot850** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:33 am

Glad you got the answer. I was going to suggest removing the radio and checking the connections, but you got there first.

There are some aftermarket Bluetooth connectors you can get. USASPEC I believe do one. I have one of their units but it was pre-Bluetooth and is for AUX and ipod/phone connections only. There is another brand who's name escapes me that does one also. If I recall the name I will add it in. The regularly used to advertise through re-sellers on Amazon and Ebay.

The name just came to me it was Yatour, and Grom also do one. They are fairly pricey units.

Neil.

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 4:30 pm

Glad to hear you got it figured out. Makes me want to try unplugging the antenna from my 850's stereo and see if it does that same weird thing.

Let us know what you find out for Bluetooth! I was considering getting an OEM Volvo dash pocket and putting in a good aftermarket deck. I'd go double-DIN but don't want to cut up my dash. The bluetooth solutions I've found online that work with the stock stereo are about as much as a decent aftermarket deck!