I am looking for dialog and a way forward to fix my 2008 XC 90 radio. This is the stock unit with multi CD player, FM radio and AM radio. Currently all functions (CD, FM, etc) work fine with the exception of the AM radio. When AM is selected I get zero audio. When I put AM into a scan mode it continues non-stop scanning. I am interested in any advice and information on the process to remove the unit, fixing the unit and the possibility of the issue being external to the radio such as an antenna issue, etc. I haven't spoken with the dealer yet but I remember that when some of the light bulbs went out in my 1994 850 radio the dealer response was pull the radio and swap it out with an exchange program they had for $800. needless to say I picked up the bulbs and swapped them out myself.

I have the same exact problem now. Did you ever find a solution other than the $800 fix by the dealer?

Volvo had a problem with earlier models:
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/907360/S80/radio_static.html

We have a bit of this problem on our 05 S80. The AM band is totally worthless. The FM band works but not as well as on my 03 V70 which has the antenna layed out on the side cargo window.

As for the S80, it does seem that when a station doesn't come in good and strong the tuner wants to automatically scan to the next "receivable" station. I've always wanted to explore that antenna issue that others have talked about, but just never got around to it. That may just be your problem. Let us know if you do dig into the antenna and what the outcome is.

Thanks for the dialog. I probably should clarify my post. I currently have zero AM audio. And in scan the AM just continues to scan which would lead me to believe I am not getting a signal. I ruled out, perhaps prematurely, an antenna issue. I would assume that both the FM and AM sides of the radio use the same antenna, thinking some compromised hybrid that works equally well or equally poorly on each radio. I know nothing at the moment about the circuitry or what elements of the radio if any that the two side share. My current thought pattern is to pull the radio, look for the obvious. When I pull the unit I will look closely at the antenna make up and connection(s). If I Find nothing I was going to try to bench test it and read it out a bit or turn it over to an audio shop. I will also at least check with the dealer on what they recommend or have experienced but I fear their approach is a swap out. Which means you replace your unit with one they repaired after receiving it from someone else. I remember the 850 was a snap to remove the radio. The XC-90 doesn't look that easy. Looks like trim and such must be removed. Thanks again for the comments and dialog.

Before you go tearing into the unit either by yourself or an audio shop remember that the dlr swap goes out the window if the unit's been tampered with. You also might just want to contact a salvage yard for a new radio. They're fairly cheap considering what the alternatives are. Try erie vovo or there's a couple of Volvo salvage yds in Sacramento that do a good job. Swedish auto warehouse or something like that. www.sawvolvo.com

erie vovo has about 10 of the 6 cd units for $360, guaranteed for life. Give them a call and ask them about the am issue and they might have an answer. They'll probably be more responsive than the dlr.

Thanks for the info/thoughts. With the warranty long gone I didn't give any thought to a problem making a swap (core value) with a dealer unit but your point is well taken. I did do some on line searches and found a number of units in salvage yards most going for $360, as you did. More than I wanted to have to put into it but less than I thought it might be. I will do some phone calling before I rip into it. Take care and happy motoring.

The XC90 does not have a conventional radio. It is a component system. CD changer separates from the audio module in the dash. The audio module is basically the display and controls. The antenna module is in the rear roof area under the headliner, and amp will be under the pass seat. Everything is connected with fiber optics.

Thanks for the info. Are you inferring that the problem could actually be an antenna issue? I am a little confused. If the audio module is basically display and controls where is the receiver(s), I.E. RF amp or pre-amp(s), mixers, oscillator, Filter(s), IF Amp, Detector, AF amplifier(s), etc that make up the radio? Is there a separate AM and FM antennas or is it a common antenna to both AM and FM? I felt the problem had to be in the AM portion of the receiver because AM was the only thing that was not working. Am I all wet here?

It has been several years and a few brain cells. Best of my recollection is the receiver/tuner/antenna is in the roof toward the rear. Accessed by removing the plastic section of the headliner at the rear. Pop out the dome lamp. screw under lamp, then, then unclip by pulling the panel down. As I recall, Volvo refers to this component as the "AFM" Module. Like I said, it has been a few years and my memory is fuzzy.

Please note, while the S-80 antenna info for am reception is a valid repair for older cars, (99 to about 03) it does not apply to your XC90. Completely different system. Wish I could be more help.

Check out this entire thread:

http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1086778/S80/radio_signal_sucks.html

Just keep in mind the one guy confuses "A" pillar with "C" pillar.

From what those guys are saying, it's absolutely possible to have OK FM reception and zero AM reception because of an antenna problem. I would surely check it out before plunking $360 down on another radio.