Have to replace HU-850 radio in 07 S60. Proper procedure?

JDavis · Post by **JDavis** » 07 Sep 2018, 13:53

Hi gentlemen. I'm new to this forum but not to Volvo.

I have to replace the HU-850 radio in my 2007 S60 after the original one died. I decided to use a used OEM unit from a nearby salvage yard that specializes in Volvo's only (Erie Volvo), but before I start swapping units I want to double-check that I have all the info correct regarding radio codes and security issues that I might run into. By the way, I really appreciate all the information on your site regarding radio codes.

So, from your site, I understand I'll need the radio code from the replacement radio, which I can get from Volvo customer service using the radio part no, model no, and serial no? Is that still correct? Secondly, after swapping the radios, disconnecting the battery first of course, is it simply entering the new radio code once the battery is reconnected? I'm unsure because I can only read part of a thread on here (Subject: S60 battery disconnected, radio now front only) that seems to talk about some security features that interact with the radio serial number, and if that serial number doesn't match what was originally in the car I might have security issues. Do you know if that's the case? I was originally talking with the dealer about replacing it with a new unit and he said I would also need a $85 software upgrade to make the new radio work in the car. Is that also something I'll have to deal with? The only other issue that's unclear to me is if the ignition key has to be in a certain position when the battery is disconnected and possibly another position when reconnected for this? I remember reading something about that but it wasn't completely clear.

Lastly, are there any tips or tricks regarding taking the dash apart to swap the radio?

Just FYI, as per the dealer, the HU-850 replacement part number for my VIN S60 is 36050444. From looking into this, it looks like there are different part numbers for that same model radio. I did read where it wasn't until part way through the 07 model year that the aux input was available in this radio. My current radio has that , definitely want it in the replacement unit, so do you think that could be a reason for different part numbers for the same model radio?

I've had the car since new, absolutely love it, and don't want to use an after-market system.

Thanks a lot for any info or help you can provide. It's very much appreciated. Sorry if that's too many questions, I am an engineer by trade so overthinking and over analysis are my specialty lol. Plus I do try to get all my info ahead of time before I start something like this, especially when security features and interactions between vehicle electronics systems are involved.

Jay

Post by **abscate** » 08 Sep 2018, 05:29

am an engineer by trade so overthinking and over analysis are my specialty lol.

You are going to fit in fine here...

Part numbers are king, the model number is not a definitive standardized set of product specs on electronics.

Just like V70s have lots of versions

It’s cool to find some close to Erie,,,,I’m weekends in ALB

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 08 Sep 2018, 06:04

There are several different hardware versions of the HU-850 and and several different software versions. So you asking us to untangle a web without a datum.

As an engineer, you should know the value of a datum and information details.

Lets see if we can establish a good datum. A good datum would be to fully identify what you have in the car now. I suggest you pull the old Head Unit (HU), take a picture of the information label and post it here.

If you have already bought a replacement HU, the year, model, VIN number of the car it can out of and a picture of the information label from the replacement HU would be useful.

This video should give you enough information to get the HU out without breaking something ... unless your one of them engineer that is great on static theoretical stuff but completely lost on applied technology.

[youtube][/youtube]

Post by **kranz** » 08 Sep 2018, 06:24

Unlike the P80 V70s, the HU-850 does not require a security code, so you won't need to bother with VOLVO customer service.

Prior to 2005, the common wisdom was to find a head unit with a manufacture date as close as possible to the unit that you are replacing. This would likely result in software compatibility and that the audio controls on the steering wheel would work with the replacement unit. Also one should not replace a unit with grey trim with a unit with black trim and vise versa. I don't know if these rules apply on 2005 and later models.

As with anything electrical on these vehicles, follow the VOLVO factory instructions for disconnecting and reconnecting the battery during the replacement of the radio. A PDF with these instructions can be found elsewhere on this site.

JDavis · Post by **JDavis** » 29 Oct 2018, 14:15

Apologies for the delay in responding fellas, I had some unforeseen health issues decide to rear their ugly head last month so things got delayed a bit.

Long story short, we, a friend of mine and myself, replaced the unit with a new HU - 850. Why I ended up going with new vs used was two reasons; first and foremost was insistence of the girlfriend lol. TBH, I would never hear the end of it if something didn't go right

It's her car primarily. Secondly, after speaking with Volvo customer service, they offered me a 30% discount rebate coupon on any OEM part, so with that the difference between new and used was less than $100.

So thanks for all the info and background on how to do the swap correctly. It was all very helpful.

And to address Mr RickHaleParker's question as to whether or not I'm a hands-on engineer or just book smart, absolutely hands on! I was a muscle car guy from the 80s, fixing my mini bike when I was in my teens, and/or trying to configure my 16 foot Baja boat to survive a 150 horse o/b transplant, long before I was ever an engineer. I'm definitely your engineering type that you would never find behind a desk! If I couldn't be on the production floor, without a tie, what's the point!

Again folks, much appreciate all the useful info on the site.

Thinking back, I had enough semi run-ins with the local PD in high school for too many speed mods on my big block 71 Cutlass SX... Who knows what kind of trouble I could've gotten into if we all had the Internet back then!

Not to mention all sorts of naughtiness with the ladies in high school, holy cow! Probably good thing all we had was the telephone and a parts catalog...

-Jay