Electrics: XC90 Stereo

[stevieb_xc90]

I am sue to take delivery of a late 53 plate xc90 on the 15th December.

OVerall i am over the moon with the car..

BUT i have one problem. I do not think the stereo os upto standard and do not want to upgrade via the dealer to the premium audio pack.

So i want to put in a new headunit and a roof mounted screen. The problem i see is that the stereo is linked to some other parts of the car.. Rear Park assist being one of them.

Is it the case of finding somewhere behiond the dash to tape up the old stereo controls and then install a new one with a ISO connector?

Finally is there any how to guide to remove the trim around all of the speaker locations.. Also where are they as there is ment to be 8 speakers..

Many Thanks in advance

steve

[GSMGuy]

This is nowhere near as easy as it seems... Also the premium sound system is a factory fit option, not dealer fit.

Firstly, what system is actually in the car?? Ihave a 53 plate with the Premium Dolby Sound System, and it's nothing short of fantastic....

The main problems you wil have are that not only is the system tied into many other parts of the car - The immobiliser, airbags, reverse sensors, sat nav and phone option if fitted - to name a few, but it's all linked via a loop of fibre optic cable that goes from the tuner and (gps if fitted) in the rear roof area, to the subwoofers and their amp i the luggage area, then onto the amp under the drivers' seat, from there to the cd changer or MD player, and then to the ICM, or infotainment control module - thats the bit with the display and controls on it. Not sure how it's connected to the steering wheel controls though.

It is an incredibly complex setup, and if anything goes wrong - EXPENSIVE - I had my ICM and a wiring fault fixed @ Volvo - not much change from £2000!!!

I am very competant when it comes to this sort of thing, but on an XC90, I'd leave well alone...

Speakers wise (again I find them excellent) Mine has a mid and tweeter in each front door, a centre speaker, same in rear doors, two single units on rear pillars for seats 6&7 and twin subs on the left as you look into the boot from the rear.


Mike

[stevieb_xc90]

I seem to only have the basic stereo which is a shame.. So need to upgrade at some point

It says it has the "High Performance Audio System" which from waht i take is the standard audio system as it does not have any subs etc.

I am Looking to upgrade the whole lot. But keep the existing system in some how.. Taped up behind the the new install. I can spend around £1500 on a new install which should get something reasonable.

But i am more than happy doing it myself, being a qualified aircraft electrician, but i do not like the fibre optics in the volvo and am trying to steer clear.

I also do not know where all the speakers are or there sizes to i need to sort that out as well before i order new ones.

Thanks

Steve

PS it does have the rear parking aid fitted hence the reason for me to keep the existing system in but hidden somehow!

[stevieb_xc90]

I have seen some picture of some american XC90 and it appears that there is a battery under the floor in the boot? is that correct or is that something they have added.

Cheers

Steve

[GSMGuy]

Originally Posted by stevieb_xc90

I have seen some picture of some american XC90 and it appears that there is a battery under the floor in the boot? is that correct or is that something they have added.

Cheers

Steve

The cars battery is in the boot. behind the 3rd row of seats..

Mike

[stevieb_xc90]

Originally Posted by GSMGuy

The cars battery is in the boot. behind the 3rd row of seats..

Mike

MAny Thanks That makes wiring up a power sub Easy. Just need to sort out the issue of the head unit now.

Many Thanks

STeve