Just received a 95 850 wagon. Nice car. Movin' on up from the 89 245.
The radio has a CD button, but I don't think it has a CD changer. Is there factory wiring to add one? I assume I can easily find a used factory changer from a yard. Where are the changers in the wagons? Any comments appreciated.
-Art

I chose an FM modulator approach - the type that is wired into antenna circuit, not the type transmitting to the antenna in free space. This will allow you to put in any kind of line-level auxiliary source, like IPod, MP3, etc., not just CD, though not controlled by the factory stereo controls. As I understand the Volvo CD interface is Alpine, but not compatible with standard Alpine interfaces (M-bus or AI-bus). 99 and newer are different from 93-98. I think some mfrs. are starting to market IPod interfaces which will respond to the factory radio controls.

Thanks for the replies. I did search and did find lots of info. Turns out I do not have the factory cable. So, now I just decide what unit I want, and where I want to put it.
-Art

Hey Art, I replied to your message earlier. I don't have the cable either. I'm thinking the glove box is the easiest to wire it to. Did you determine how to get power to the changer?

Ben,
Since I don't have the factory cable to the cargo area, I'll probably mount it under the front seat. The glove box is easy but you lose the storage. A few people mentioned the passenger front seat if it's not a power seat, and it's only a short run from the dash under the carpet/door sill. While searching I found a post where a guy did just that. Most don't mention where they got power, but this guy did.
"Posted by someone claiming to be Mike Veglia on Mon Oct 29 19:18 UTC 2001: I used wire-tap (they fit over an existing wire and provide a 1/4" QCD connection) and insulated 1/4" male QDC Crimp-On terminals to make the Accy and Batt B+ connections. Pick your poison there. I used the pin-out information at Bay 13 on volvospeed.com to determine wiring locations and verified them with a meter. On my car the Red with black was Accy and Yellow with Violet was Batt B+ but your car may differ....The large DIN connectors are pretty common. Also, on the factory changer I am pretty sure you don't need to splice into the Accy and Batt B+ lines…but that was no big deal to do."
Now, I don't know if he tapped into wires under the seat or under the dash. Probably under the dash. You could do either.

my 95 DIDNT have the wiring...

but if you get a alpine 630 and a VOLALP converter (buy NEW from a retailer - search the web) it comes complete with the cable and instructions, run the cable, mnount in the boot takes an afternoon...

I did it!

You have to pull the pasenger knee bolster, the radio, the lower cick panel coveres, the rear seat, the boot interior - but thats like 20 minutes!

seriously its DIY, and it cost me about £180 ($360) for the stuff new...

if you have the factory volvo wiring u have to use a volvo changer (unless you run a new wire) - the volvo changers were made by alpine but used diferent plugs and command sets...

hence you plug a VOLALP into the radio, the alpine lead into this, and into the changer at the otehr end..

Hey Art,

I'm researching the same issue on my 99 v70AWD. There is oodles of information on this by using the search function on this website; http://brickboard.com/FIND/

My radio has a "CHGR" button. I'm sure if the CD button means your radio is not compatible. Your owners manual may be a good reference for you. From my research, it sounds like the cable is in the cargo area on the left side near the tail light harness. I was just out in the parking lot of my office looking for it and cannot find it however. The changer is to be mounted in the glove box or underneath the two hatch panels in the cargo area.

Alpine CHM models supposedly are compatible or buy an OEM one. Ebay has several of both. Best of luck! I just bought one but haven't rec'd it yet. I got it cheap, but I'm half guessing it's be DOA!


Ben

99 V70 AWD
90 240 DL