I must be archive-inept because I'm sure this issue has come up many a time, but what is the procedure for installing an aftermarket CD Player into an 850, a friend wants me to do it for him, and I've done several of these, but they've been really straightforward. Are there any preamps to bypass or anything odd like that?

Thanks In Advance

Rob K.
Raleigh, NC

yup yup. jes get the wireing harness and the din pocket and ur all set. when i did the whole thing it cost 40 bux . its around 20 for each peice. at least around here.

You'll need a volvo wire harness and a pocket to fill the empty DIN. It took me less than 30 minutes to install my aftermarket unit.
Here's a head unit install tutorial:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=7420

I just bought a 97 850 and found the cd install to be quite simple. I bought an adapter from my local electronics store, wired it to my deck and just set it back in. There is also and a dash kit if you only have a single unit. Here's the URL for the wiring harness. Good Luck.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/2818784?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Okay,
First thing to know is that the stock radio head is Alpine; but that per Volvo's request they reversed the pins so that Alpine off-the-shelf stuff won't work with it.
The answer is called the "VolAlp" adapter. It basically reverses the pins back to the original orientation. (Just Google "VolAlp" and see what you get.)
You will need the VolAlp (which you have to solder in behind the stock radio), the CD changer, and the cable. - I got all three for under $200.00 Canadian, mostly from eBay.
Just make sure that you have the 4 digit reset code for the stock radio.
Installation is a no brainer - took me about 1.5 hours (wagon) to do it right.
Tell your friend it is really complicated, and guilt trip him/her for at least a two-four of premium beer.
Cheers!
Armie

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'94 850 154000kms '86 760GLE 272000kms