Radio wires

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 08 Mar 2005, 12:55

I want to tap into my switched wire to the stereo so I can hook up my satellite radio without using the cig lighter. Which wire is the positive and ground on a '93 850glt? I'm looking for the switched wire which isn't live when the car is off.

DCintraining · Post by **DCintraining** » 09 Mar 2005, 19:43

Hi Volvofreak.

There are two ways to figure this out.

1. pull out the stock radio and poke around with a multitester.
(becareful not to disconnect the radio if you don't have radio code)

2. On the suspected power, with the radio and ignition on, turn the vehicle ignition switch off and see if you lose voltage. If you did, that should be the power.

3. You can ground the satelite unit on any grounded metal in the car.

4. Send me an email and I'll attach a picture which shows the wiring harness adapter, if you follow the red and black wires to where they are on the car's radio harness that may help.

5. You can use an inline wire spliter to attach the wires to your satelite unit.

I have an early 93 850 with an integrated amplifier. When I replaced the head unit, the harness Crutchfield sent me was suppose to keep the keep the amp working the speakers. Unfortunately, it didn't. I had to run new speaker wire for the rear speakers. I spoke with several Stereo shops and they all agreed that running new wires was the easiest solution. The only other option was to take apart the dash to find the amp (no one seems to know where it is). Keep this in mind if you install a new radio.

Thanks,

Eoin

Linkt to the image:

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/produc ... 220-f.jpeg

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 10 Mar 2005, 07:44

Cool - thanks for the info. I'll poke around with am multimeter in a few days, hopefully the snow will have stopped by then :\

I don't plan on replacing the stock HU as it sounds pretty good and has a cd deck - it's out of a '97.. I just want to hard wire my Sirius so my cig lighter is free for my cell phone.

DCintraining · Post by **DCintraining** » 10 Mar 2005, 10:05

Good luck and don't let your hands freeze while you are working on it. It was 13 degrees here last night in Seneca Falls.

Eoin

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 10 Mar 2005, 10:47

DCintraining wrote:Seneca Falls.

Seneca Falls? I'm in Weedsport