940 original radio does nothing - replace or fix?

[marm]

Well actually it sort of glows dimly when turned on. No sound, nothing on the display.

Was hoping it might just need a code. On the other hand I do have a couple of spare aftermarket units doing nothing...

I ordered one of these thinking I might fit something else.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Radio-Ada...0/173867838516

Been googling though and it looks like the original radio uses an external factory fitted amplifier etc. So maybe swapping is not straight forward? What about physically? Will a standard stereo fit in to the slot ok?

Welcome thoughts on what way to go. Not bothered about format as I still quite like cassettes and radio 4 but I am into music and hifi etc so would like decent ish sound.

[Laird Scooby]

Bit of a vauge desription of the fault on yours, if you're looking to replace one of these comes with a facia plate, adaptor leads to bypass the amp etc :

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-940...r/162552452884

Same seller has other options for the 940 so check "Sellers other items" too.

[marm]

OK.

Just checked it again and in bright light it is just possible to read the LCD display. It's showing "CODE".

Am I right in thinking I need to contact a Volvo dealer with my VIN number to get the code?

Any way to do it online?

[marm]

Found a post from Rufe offering to provide codes via email

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...o+code&page=18

Fingers crossed...

[MiniNinjaRob]

Have a look in the owners manual, the original owner may have written it in there.

Or replace it with a modern one as the originals are rubbish. They really are. I replaced mine (which was the top of the range one with CD changer etc) with a cheap modern one and the new one is miles better.

In car audio has come a long long way in 25 years. I have kept the original in case the next owner wants to put it back in, it’s a 5 minute job.

[Laird Scooby]

What Rob said and why i made the suggestions i did further up! ^^^^^^^

[Cuda]

Originally Posted by MiniNinjaRob

Or replace it with a modern one as the originals are rubbish. They really are. I replaced mine (which was the top of the range one with CD changer etc) with a cheap modern one and the new one is miles better.

Why are they rubbish? If i'm using a decent HU (SR-701) with an external amp and a BT module then how is it inferior to modern decks that you by at your local department store? Okay, ergonomics is an issue as you cannot control everything from your phone but classic periood correct looks count for something as well!

[Foeux]

How odd. Mine had just begun to do this too.

Took out radio. Wiggled all connections. Scrubbed boards. Nothing

Code works but dimly lit lcd and nothing good thereafter. No sound. No crackles. No proper lighting.

There are two plugs leading to the back, the third single black wire is the aerial cable.

There are two round, unused plug sockets on the back 'CD' & 'AMP'.

Am I correct to assume that if the amp socket lies empty, then I haven't got one or is it not that simple.

With reference to the blaupunkt unit mentioned earlier in the thread, they are pretty cool looking but cost almost what I paid for the whole car.

I am semi-inclined to just source a good cassette player and use an aux lead with it.

I have seen working stereos of this type (cr90x) for over £100 on ebay. Madness.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Foeux

How odd. Mine had just begun to do this too.

Took out radio. Wiggled all connections. Scrubbed boards. Nothing

Code works but dimly lit lcd and nothing good thereafter. No sound. No crackles. No proper lighting.

There are two plugs leading to the back, the third single black wire is the aerial cable.

There are two round, unused plug sockets on the back 'CD' & 'AMP'.

Am I correct to assume that if the amp socket lies empty, then I haven't got one or is it not that simple.

With reference to the blaupunkt unit mentioned earlier in the thread, they are pretty cool looking but cost almost what I paid for the whole car.

I am semi-inclined to just source a good cassette player and use an aux lead with it.

I have seen working stereos of this type (cr90x) for over £100 on ebay. Madness.

If you plan on using your phone to provide the music, why not get a mechless head unit with BlueTooth? Many have nuilt in USB sockets to charge the phone and/or play mp3 files directly from the USB but the benefit of using your phone is that many head units will also function as a handsfree kit and (new ones at least) often come with a handsfree microphone.

That means you can have music playing from your phone while the sat-nag instructs you to turn left etc and then when a call comes, you can talk handsfree using the car speakers as the other person and the microphone for you.

Even a BlueTooth-FM transmitter does the same job but the only microphone (if you'r lucky) is built in to the BT-FM unit or your phone.

Alternatively there are similar head units with a single shot CD player and the sound from a modern unit, even of similar spec to the original, is much better quality.