1991 240 radio replacement

Hi. I just inherited a 1991 Volvo sedan, so thought I'd join the group
and see if I can get some help. The radio is reading EEE (I was told
it has not worked in a long time), so I contacted my local dealer for
the code. Unfortunately, there is no change when I try to key it in.
I'm thinking that I might simply try to replace the radio, though I've
never done anything like that before. I don't see any screws on the
face of the radio allowing me to take it out. Any suggestions on:

1) How to get it out
2) What I should keep in mind when buying and installing a new one

Thanks
T

 

Hello:

Removing the radio is a simple task. If the radio is mounted on the
upper part of the dash area, and adjacent to the instrument cluster
(speedo etc, pry out the two square black panels to the left of the
radio (or to the right on a car from a RHD market...but I've referring
to a US or Canadian market vehicle.)

Once the two small panels are prised out (easily done with a small
flat screwdriver) you will see two small Torx fasteners at the left
side of the radio. Remove those and the radio should pull out. Pull
gently to the right and remove. Note..there is often a clip of sorts
at the back of the radio and one must reach behind to the back of the
radioi chassis to remove that.

Now..you mentioned that you got the code from the dealer, so I'll
assume you gave them the VIN nimber--as the only other way they can
look it up is with the actual serial number on the back of the radio.

If they gave you the code based on VIN number, I suspect the radio was
replaced under warranty with a reconditioned unit back when the car
was still under warranty. This was common--as were failures on that
radio in '91,92, and '93.

Once the radio is out of the vehicle you'll find the serial number on
the back. And if you are lucky, the tech who replaced the original
radio tagged it with the code somewhere on the radio chassis.

These radios are OK if one does not need a CD player, but an antenna
amplifier is a good idea in rural areas like mine as only the
strongest stations come in clearly.

Should you decide to buy an aftermarket unit, you'll need a wiring
adapter kit (specifically for that year and model Volvo) Places like
Walmart and chain auto parts stores have them for many cars--but not
for the Volvo (at least not in my area.)

That leaves specialty car installation shops or searching online.
Wiring kits are a bit under $20 USD in my area and a good idea as all
you'll do is simply plug it in to the old harness with no wiring or
cutting required.

Lastly, you'll need a new faceplate and mounting kit for the new radio
as you won't be able to use the one on the existing radio. These kits
also run a bit under $20.

Basically, add $40 to the cost of any aftermarket radio--and be
certain that the wiring adapter kit and the faceplate kit are
available for the radio you choose.

Pep Boys in my area had a nice Phase Linear Radio/CD player on sale in
my area a few weeks ago for $43. Hmmm...add almost $40 more and it's
getting closer to $90. I don't listen to CD's and also didn't care for
the bright blue backlights so that unit was out.

Walmart has a nice JVC and also a Pioneer that are both around $85 or
so and have black faces and green backlighting, so if I really want a
CD/Radio I'll go that route.

Good Luck,

Doc

 

Hi,
I really appreciate the instructions. They seem very clear and I'll
give it a shot this weekend. Double-checking, I find that the code
seems to actually be reading "FEE" and not "EEE" though I don't know if
that really makes a difference. I might try to see if another code can
be had once I get the radio out. Again, thanks for the help.
Tim

 

Hello Tim:

No problem on the instructions--just hope they were clear enough.

I can actually remove one of these radios in less time that it will
take me to type this message at 45 WPM.

Regarding the "FEE" code. It is actually an EEE code, but the LCD
display is not showing all of the first E.


I'll be doing some work on my wagon tomorrow, so will take pics of the
removal process and e-mail them to you tomorrow night if you wish.
I don't need to do anything to the radio, but it will only take 5
minutes or less for removal in re-installation.

Note: Be certain you have some Torx drivers. Can't recall the exact
size but they are not huge. Any small set will do--and you'll need
them many times in the future if you plan on doing any work on your
car.

Cheerio,

Doc

 

Thanks. For some utterly bizarre reason, the radio is now working
after what I believe was years of not. It's been reading the EEE code
since I picked it up on Sunday. After getting in it for the second
time this morning, I noticed it read "code" so immediately plugged in
the 4 digits and now it seems OK (so far). The only thing I can think
of is that I know I read someplace that you need to keep it turned on
for 2 hours to reset it and maybe I just left it on last night (that
is, the knob turned to the on position though the car was off). But
that still would not explain why it read EEE when I first got in this
morning and changed just about 20 minutes later when I returned.
Bizarre. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Now maybe I can look into
getting the fuel gauge fixed, as that hasn't worked in a long time
either.

Thanks again for all your help.
Tim

 

Hello Tim:

What you suggest is not bizarre at all--yet I also suspect the radio
has always worked.

Lash me with fettucine Al Dente as I forgot to mention something:

If at any time the radio loses power (ie. disconnecting the battery
for service) it will go into codE.

If an incorrect four digit code is entered incorrectly three times,
the radio locks and will remain in that state for two hours.

Note: to unlock, the radio must be in the on position for two hours
with ignition on for radio (ie...car is off but turn ignition to hear
radio.....lights etc will not be on.)

I've paraphrased what I recall from page 26 of the owner's manual for
a '93 240, but am confident it applies for most delivered between
1998 and 1993.

Fuel gauge issues?

I do recall the solution but it's late now here.

I'll get back to you tomorrow evening with an answer.

Cheers,

Doc

 

Halfway there

"Removing the radio is a simple task. If the radio is mounted on the
upper part of the dash area, and adjacent to the instrument cluster
(speedo etc, pry out the two square black panels to the left of the
radio (or to the right on a car from a RHD market...but I've referring
to a US or Canadian market vehicle.)

Once the two small panels are prised out (easily done with a small
flat screwdriver) you will see two small Torx fasteners at the left
side of the radio. Remove those and the radio should pull out. Pull
gently to the right and remove. Note..there is often a clip of sorts
at the back of the radio and one must reach behind to the back of the
radioi chassis to remove that."

I cannot get my big hands thru this tiny hole to undo the clip I cannot see behind the stereo.
- So -

If I use brute force will it break the clip, and do I need said broken clip?
If I break the clip, will it prevent the stereo from sitting properly after reinstallation?
Your post has been quite helpful, btw.