Thank you so much, I do a lot of aftermarket stereo installs so understood everything you have said. The only thing I did different is put new speaker cable in from both rears and I cut both cables to the front door speakers from amp 1 and put new speaker cable in too. All 4 new speaker cables go to my aftermarket head unit. So I have the standard 4 way setup. Now I still have my indicator sounds and reverse chimes because what I realised if you cut the speaker wires from the original ehu, ( both rear 4" speakers and both dash 3.5") you loose the warning chimes. On my 93 aero 2005 (7 speaker) all my warning chimes come from dash left and dash right speakers. Only noticed this after connecting everything back to standard setup,coz I've upgraded the speaker wire. So yes I ve lost the tweeters but I can just run some more cable up from front door speakers to dash for that in time. So my advice is install new speaker cable from rears, disconnect 4" speakers upgrade to 6x9s (saloon model) Cut front door speakers, I managed to trace mine in both front foot Wells behind kick panels. Arse to do too. Wire new cable to them as your fronts. Add tweeters from there up to dash if you want As long as the dash speakers are still connected to the original ehu you won't loose any warning chimes. Hope this helps.
Thanks a lot, I managed to put the new autoradio and it's working fine in my saab 9.3NG 2002. I wanted to rewire the central dash speaker to the old ICM unit but it was accessible easily and I spent enought time soldering the ISO plug :)
Nicely done. Also in my 2005 93 i found i could i tuck the top 'brain' unit inside / behind the dash, lower the heating/AC unit down so its sitting pretty much on the ashtray and pull out the crazy cupholder. This gives enough space for a double din head unit in perfect position
I have a Jaguar X-Type that has the same problem.....FiberOptics. Thanks for the video. Now I know how to bypass it without rewiring all of my speakers
Have you tried to connect power and ground from ICM unit? You should get aftermarket head unit started when you put your key in the slot, no matter what position (lock, off, on .. ). But since you feeding all speakers through amps you probably don't need that. I'm planing to connect 4 front speakers directly to aftermarket head unit and 6x9s in back with amp. Plus bring amp remote from rear fuse box, to start amp when key position is ON. And that's a very useful video. Thanks.
Vaidas Kandratavičius I have not. I've heard nothing but bad things when people try that. That should work, and having the amp remote at the rear fuse box will be very convenient. Glad I could help you out; you're welcome!
Very informative video. I had a few quick questions if you don't mind. What model of head-unit did you use for this install? And if you're not changing amps or speakers, do you still need to splice cables to connect the single din unit, or are there 'plug-and-play' adaptors for certain single din units? Thanks again for the very helpful video. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am so glad I found this. Quick question. Bought my Saab used a while back and it had a stereo installed the way you described. I used the front cigarette lighter recently and it caused both the stereo and cigarette lighter to stop functioning. Fuses on driver's side panel are still good. Any ideas?
Great explaination, thank you! If i join/splice the speaker wires to my new after market stereo AND to the head unit, will my signal and door sounds still be there?
I don't think so. The reason being: the sounds are coming from the ECU that the speakers are attached too right now. Once you disconnect them, the sounds will be gone.
Thanks for the speedy response. My thinking/therory is to cut the wire and join all three strands (if that makes sense) into one, is it possible that that would allow both the ECU & the aftermarket to use the speakers?
I get the wiring solution makes perfect sense like you said everywhere says it's hard. Question though on running wiring for the amps. Where did you run the power cables? I'm hoping to go back to running my old kit fully active so I've three amps to get juice to.
Stephen Burroughs Glad things were clear for you! I ran my main power cable up my side skirt underneath my car. I couldn't find a place big enough inside the car to run it. So I ran it down the front wheel well, along the side skirt and up through the back wheel well.
Great video man. I have a 2007 Saab 93 2.0t sedan with the 2 din factory radio. Upon reading in different forums, the InCarTec FK-311 and the IX-SA001 was recommended to without messing with the fiber optics. What do you recommend?
Thanks for this video on replacing HU on a Saab 9-3. Your video is clear and comprehensive! Quick question, do you have a video that shows how to remove the CD ?
+Netrover EOF Thank you very much, I'm glad you found it helpful! Unfortunately I do not, but lucky for you that process is very simple. All you need to do is unplug the wires from the back of it and plug it into the new HU; with the exception of the fiberoptic loop which I explain what to do with in this video.
So my friend has the 7 speakers (two doors, two dash, and two speakers in the rear back side) in his 2004 Saab 9-convertible. Everything you said is the video matches and makes perfect sense. The problem is i can find the wiring for the door speakers. I found the fronts and the rear side but there are no other on the harness you mentioned. We have looked for and amp under both seats (pulled seats) and the trunk area with no luck. without running wires to the door how do we connect the door speakers?? thanks in Advance, Ed
+Ed Verstegen Unfortunately I don't know where you could find those wires. I ran a separate set of wires to the doors to bypass that problem. Sorry to be of no help.
Hey, doing a slightly different thing to my Saab, trying to add aux connection and don’t know what cables are ok to touch or move, any help would be appreciated
hey saab guy. Need some advice. I want to keep my blinker chimes and am trying to decide whether to splice aftermarket head unit into the existing speaker wires, or should i leave them alone and connect the aftermarket head unit to what exactly? Did your chimes stay on since you didn’t tap into the speaker wires? If so where did you connect them. Hope to hear from you thanks 🤘🏻
To my knowledge, the only way to keep the chimes would be to wire the front middle speaker to your new aftermarket head unit because that's where the noise comes from. I ran all new speaker wire (and replaced the speakers) so my chimes are all gone. You'd have to find where that wire is and reroute it to your new unit. Hope this helps
@@caveboy1111 hey thanks for the reply. I am a little confused. I want to either go the route you went or splice into the existing harness to save time and route new speakers from sub amp since I have the four speaker sabb icm1. I don’t have a centre speaker so how could I keep the blinker noises, to my knowledge the icm sends the signal to the cim for the speakers to make noise so I don’t see why my chimes would disappear by adding a single din. Let me know what you think thanks
@@nickzadrozny6799 If you're just changing out the head unit you'll keep the noises, if you're running new speakers you'll just have to make sure to run new wire to the ecm and then it'll work.
Is there any possibility that you could post a video of you actually performing the process correctly? Im having trouble following and would rather not brick my car when i dont plug something up correctly while just trying to upgrade the stereo.
I have an 07 SAAB 93 Aero and it looks different. The controls on my unit is only the stereo and the buttons only control the radio. Does that mean I do not have fiber optic on the sound system?
Since the 2 door speakers and the center dash one are powered by a separate "Amp 1", will they still work (once the optical loop is created) WITH the aftermarket deck?? Because the AMP will be wired to the original head unit (no RCA's connecting it to the new deck).. Thanks! Great Video!
+B Zuraw They will not work anymore unless you somehow wire them into the new deck. I'm not familiar with this setup because I didn't have it, but I'm sure there is a way to do it.
hey bryan can u please gimme a quick description on how to loopback the fiber optic cable i ordered the loopback connector ..... do u got to cut them or diconnect them some how and is it easy to connect them to the loopback connector
Hi, do you have turn signals, alarm signals, parking sensors in your installation. Which optical fiber you bridged from ehu or optical fiber from a cd drive. You could draw a diagram of the power connection and bypass.
Could you make a video on how to connect the fiberoptic loopback connector? I'd like to try this on my own but I didn't really understand the part with that cable and how to connect it. If you could it would be really helpful! Also the link to the page with that connector is apparently broken, says the page can't be found.
+Darude Sandstorm unfortunately I'll be unable to make a video on the connector as it's taped into place and would be a hassle to take it apart. I notice the link is broken, here is the new one: etadyne.com/product/part-4040-2003-saab-9³-most-loopback-connector/ The part comes with a very clear instruction manual on how to use it so you won't have any issues.
cracking video. and well done for takin the time too make it. looks very simple fibre optic loopback connector and a radio adaptor and i think you said there can be 2 different ones. im guessing the fibre optic goes into the back of the oem amp
Hey Bryan really helpful video thanks a lot. Quick question would you suggest going ahead and putting a sub while I do this or does it really matter when I do it? Thanks
+Alex Kidd Glad I could help! I would suggest putting a sub in while you put the head unit in just because then you only have to take the dash apart once. It's completely up to you, no problem with putting one in later, but from a timesaving standpoint, putting it in while you change the head unit is more logical.
I know this post has been around for a while, but I still need help! How do you know what antenna adapter to get? In the video you explained two different models, but did not specify how to determine which you have. Also you said you would have posted links to videos that showed how to set up the fiber optic loopback adapter, but only posted the parts(still helpful!) Was wondering if you could still post those.
I don't think there's an easy way to know which adapter to get, you have to buy them both and see which one fits (that's what I did). The loopback connector comes with instructions inside the box showing you exactly what to do. I'd post a video if I didn't have to take apart my whole stereo to show you; sorry!
Hi MrSaaBage, awesome video and great help hints!!! I want to put in a double din aftermerket stereo (with mirror link etc.) at the same position taking out my ashtray and cigarette lighter. I will cut a new panel for the stereo to cover up the sides, probably with ABS plastic. My questions is: Can I run just the new stereo when I push CD on my upper radio and that way still have steering wheel controls. Leaving the speaker attachment where it is and just looping my new stereo into the box above the old CD? Thanks!
That won't be possible unless you find an adapter to do so. The reason being: your speakers will all be attached to the new stereo, so the old stereo will be more or less useless.
My question is - can both be kept? I mean if my Saab has a cd/mp3 player integrated in the dash, can I also add an aftermarket cassette tape player, so I could use both the original cd player but also the tape player? Thanks
The reason that wouldn't be possible is because you'd only be able to wire the speakers to one or the other. The only way to have both would be to find an aftermarket stereo with both of the features you're looking for.
Hi Bryan, Do the old amps need to be working for the new stereo to fire the speakers?. The left side of the old system does not work, so i am hoping the left side of the new stereo will work, regardless of the 2 amps, in a 2006 9 3 combo wagon. Also will the existent woofer work?
Hey MR.SAAB Great Video !!! I do have one question for you.. How can i get the sound of the doors and turn signals on? since ive installed the after market radio ive lost all other sounds turn signals and what not is there a way i can have those back along with the aftermarket stereo ? everythign works for me except that
There's unfortunately no way to get these back unless you wire the speaker right in front of the infotainment screen into your new aftermarket radio; that's the speaker that provides all of these sounds!
Hey quick question, will probably be a stupid one but, I've heard of people using 1/8 vacuum line to combine the two fiber optic lines in the amp1(13 speaker system). Do you think that would work instead of buying the adapter, or is the adapter specific to this process? I got my radio from my jeep I'm taking out and putting into my 06 9-3, was planning on doing it today but don't want to try if it's not going to work. I'm sure your not going to know the 100% awnser but really just asking your opinion. Never dealt with fiber-optic before but it seems to be the "main vein" to these Saabs
As long as the light has a way to pass through the line without being interrupted it should be okay. What's nice about buying the adapter is that you "snap" the 2 fiber optic lines into place so they can't move and it's a perfect fit every time. If you were to use the vacuum line, you'd have to rig up your own way for the light to shine perfectly into it without ever moving so the system remains complete.
So the 2006 HU is different from urs. Was thinking of putting in a slimmer 2 din radio.. Where my stock radio is located. Would that mess with any other feature, asking since you said that area is where everything is controlled..from what it looks like seems its just the radio tho. I know ill probably need to rewire all the speakers. Or at least the ones that come from thr amp (under driver seat.) And if i did do this would i still get the chimes/warning beeps?
From my understanding, that control unit is basically the brain of the car; controlling all of the sensors, warnings, beeps, etc. The chimes/beeps come from the middle speaker in front of the screen displaying the time and other features. If you leave it connected, I'm assuming you wouldn't lose any chimes/beeps.
Hi Do you need a fascia kit for the single din ? Or does it just slot into place where the changer goes? Mine is only a single disc not a changer like yours. I guess in terms of dimension it should be the same rite?
This is probably going to sound stupid but do i rewire all of my speaker wire to the new head unit or do i cut and connect the old ones to the new ones in the kit? And if i cut and connect the old to the new do i use speaker wires behind the icm or from the cd player
ohxKizoh Unfortunately, no. The fiberoptic system in the car must have a complete loop or nothing will work, so the loopback connector is necessary. As far as the antenna adapter goes, you'll also need it. Without it, the stock antenna will not fit in any aftermarket head unit.
Hiya Bryan, can u please make some light for me? After everything is done, do u have the same controls like steering wheel volume and everything else? Mine for example does not have a cd changer so i'll just buy 4 door speakers to plug directly to the aftermarket player and a sub in the boot... in this case, how do i do the connections keeping count that i don't have a cd changer?! Cos u said u made a connection between the aftermarket player and original cd changer of the car... And that loop back connector is taken from old cd player and fitted onto the new aftermarket player? Thanks mate!
The steering wheel controls do not work with the aftermarket stereo. The way SAABs system works is that every fiber optic connection must be working or the car won't run. So the loopback connector has no connection to the new aftermarket stereo, the only purpose of it is to close the loop. The power and ground cables from the CD changer are the only things that are directly attached to the new stereo.
Hey, I know it was a while since making this video but maybe you remember, did the old speakers sounded better with a brand new head unit? And if so, could it be improved even further by rewiring speakers with new wires?
I never tried with old speakers with a new head unit, I changed everything at once. It's possible they would sound better with a new head unit, but I think the stock speakers are just really bad, personally.
Couple of questions. The optical loop that I use the connector on. Is that the optical cables that go in the back of cd changer that I use it on. With regards the speakers. I think there's only 4 speakers that are wired from that connector. Will the rest work through splicing the antenna out cable?
+Ruairidh MacLean Yes that is correct. The CD is the cables you use it on. Hmm, thats a good question. I'd go to your local car audio shop and ask them that question. I'm not sure enough to give you an accurate answer.
+Bryan Straatman Cheers mate. I'm still waiting on the loop connector to arrive, but will have a bash at getting the other stuff done this week. Good work on the video. Probably wouldn't have attempted otherwise.
My radio currently won't work and I have replaced the amp 1 and fuses and haven't been able to find the short causing it not to work. My question is if I install an aftermarket unit with I be able to use the existing wires to the speakers or would I have to run new ones? My main head unit original lights up but won't turn on. I want an aftermarket over the original anyway but with that one not working I wasn't sure if that would cause the aftermarket not to work
If there's a short in the original wiring, chances are the aftermarket unit will have the same problem. I think your safest bet will be to keep searching for the short, and then upgrade to an aftermarket unit after that!
MrSAABage I see the KDC-X599 it looks very similar. So if I get the KDC-X599, a fiber optic loopback connector, and the antennae adapter I have everything I need? and I have screwdriver of course.
Hey I followed your steps and bought the fiber optic loop and my after market radio will not turn on it just blinks red behind the faceplate any idea what is going on? I noticed when I got this car that the cigarette lighter doesn't work and it was missing the cap. is there any other alternative to getting switched power and ground to my radio?
If the cigarette lighter doesn't work, that'll be why your head unit isn't working. I don't know off the top of my head another place for switched power. The only thing I can think of (which is really inconvenient) is finding a fuse in one of the panels that is switched power, and piggy back off of that.
okay, how did you run a power wire from the battery in the engine compartment to the stereo unit inside the car? ....on mine I can't find an easy way to do it and I've hooked up many stereos before.
Yes, this car is ignorant to run wires from the engine bay.. I ended up drilling a hole in the top of the wheel well at the front and running the cable down the kick panel and drilled up through the rear wheel well and having my amps in the trunk. Really inconvenient, but it was the only option really.
Thanks dude. I ended up just running it along the gap in the hood and through a tiny hole I cut in the door seal. I'm hoping it'll still seal with the rain hits but I just didn't want to do any drilling. This car is built like a friggin tank, I've never had anything like it. Not fun to work on but at least you know it's not a piece of shit.
I hear you on that one. I had to buy an industrial drill bit to get through the wheel wells. They are very well reinforced (3 different metal layers) which made for a frustrating process. But yes, glad to know it's built well haha.
Thank, I did exactly that, left the fibre optic untouched only cut the speaker wires, installed optic loop bypass on the old CD player unit, any ideas? Middle speaker still makes noise just not the warning noise. Thanks
Just noticed the fibre optic that used to go into the cd player (I bypassed this with the loop bypass kit) the light was off, they were on before. I swapped fuse 14 and 25 in the trunk
Hello Bryan and thanks for posting this vid :) I would like to ask you, we need to buy both radio antenna adapters that are in the description or one of them?
Jose Vega I already have my aftermarket stereo setup so I won't be able to do that. All you need to do is match wire for wire to the harness provided with your aftermarket unit and the existing wires. If you need any help, I could make a video on what wires to match to the unit harness.
As far as I know, it's not possible to use your steering wheel controls after you install an aftermarket stereo. Unless there's a conversion kit I don't know about.
I have a 13 speakers 93 convertible when i do what you say the center, the sub and the front door speakers doesn't work on the aftermarket stereo but still give the sound from thesaab radio ... can i do something about it?
Hey. I have a 2005 saab 93, and I just replaced my cd player with a cheap little dual cd player, and I just started hooking it up power and ground like u did and all that jazz buy I haven't gotten the loop back cord yet and my new cd player plays cds and aux. Not sure about radio because I still have to get that adapter. But if I get the loop back will it give me all 6 speakers back and sound better? Right now only 4 speakers are playing. The wires in the stock harness weren't all color matched so I kind of just touched them together till I heard the music playing but it doesn't really sound like speakers that are powered by an amp. Well if you took the time to read this and reply I would appreciate it a lot. I just want to do it right
The loopback connector doesn't have anything to do with the speakers from the amp. If you want to get all 6 speakers back, you'll have to find where the wires from the amp are routed so you can fit them into your new cd player.
MrSAABage so yea what my car is doing is it cranks and cranks and studders and cranks and then possibly starts and idles rough for a sec, do you think that's because I dot have it looped right?
@@caveboy1111 Theres a optical cable connector (onstar delete)” on genuinesaab.com, will that do it? Im ordering some stuff from there soon here anyways
2003 Saab 9-3 2.0T SS. I have 2 subs and a 1000w amp. I would like to get those hooked up as well as a new head unit (w double DIN mount) and speakers (7 speaker set up, only getting 4 new [2 rear, 2 doors]). What exactly do I need (wires, tools, etc) if I'm looking to do this by myself? I'm a novice but all the shops I've been to say they don't work on Saabs and I simply can't put up with my stock radio/speakers... Please help
If I were you, I'd visit crutchfield.com and talk to one of their advisors. They have great customer service and they could help you better than I can.
They said they are unable to do it due to the door chime being lost (as if a dumb door chime was worth keeping over not getting a whole new stereo). Told them about this video and the loopback connector and they continued to just tell me they couldn't do it for my Saab.
@@caveboy1111 not really because I know in general what they look like but it has a special connector. I've taken a picture of it, the male end that goes into the cd player just can't find the proper female one
@@caveboy1111 actually I think it does help I'll go in reverse. The male plug is weird but looking at the female plug on the cd player seems to make it easier to find
+Bryan Straatman i am talking about the speaker wiering;) i just cut them and twisted them on to the new car player speaker wires😉 so it works for now😊
My radio channel in the top display went blank and the fuse isn’t blown. Also my system check still comes on I have temp and seatbelt warning all work... I have no sound with my turn signals. Any help would be appreciated... would this fix my issues?
what year is yours? I have an '04 i'm about to do this with seems like a simple process just waiting for the fiber optic loop and antenna adapter to come in
Yess you should post more lol. I have one question? I'm looking at radios now and they have different watts...is there a certain range I should stay in?
What model is it exactly? Single-din or double-din? Generally more power is better but it all depends on your setup. Is it going to be powering speakers? If so, what wattage rating are the speakers?
Oh man I have no idea lol I'll have to ask my dad. It's a 2004 93 linear. Far as the speakers go I'm not sure yet if I'll replace them or not. Do you have a fb?
I don't unfortunately. As for the head unit, if you're leaving the stock speakers in, low wattage should be fine. The stock speakers don't require much to power them.
Hello i did as you but i used fibre optic loop and i don't know why my front door speakers not working witch aftermarket radio, just them on the dashboard
Hi there I have recently done this mod but my SID Screen is dead after removing the CD changer. I used the green and red wire for constant live ( going into the block) switched live and Earth from cig lighter, speaker wire going into block. I have also looped the fibre optics from the cd changer. I've looked at every forum and cannot find the answer, can you help? Lol
If you cut off the fiber optic cable from your cd changer instead of using a loopback connector, you're in deep, deep trouble. The fiber optic system has to be fully intact for anything to work. This is why I preached it in my video. Cutting that cable is a big problem.
Hi. I have fixed after market cd unit instead stock cd changer. But now parking sensors not working and indicators signal not working. Can u explain how it’s been done wrong? Then i can show that to the guy who done it. Thanks
@@igorisvenediktovas1809 You can't get them back. Those sounds are from the stock speakers and setup. Once you put an aftermarket stereo in, that's gone.
+Bryan Straatman Its device what you can use if you have to program some new device etc on your car. Its like "computer" what helps you to get inside your cars "brain", if you know what i mean. There was some thread where someone said that "you need Tech2 to program new aftermarket stereo". I dont know why..
I had the 4 speaker system so I didn't have any amps to worry about. It depends what you plan on doing with your speakers, are you upgrading all of them, or are you just installing an aftermarket stereo?
Hi i manage to instal a double din unit on my 2006 93 ( is 02-06 model) i have used the wiring from ehu plug black from plug is ground to the new unit red/green from plug is +12v continuos ( memory ) and blue wire (antena) from plug i used to be the power for new unit . Everything was perfect when i tested but now my sounds dont work enymore ( turning, belt, doors ...) and when i tested was working and the new unit just keep turning off for 1-2 seconds reapeatedly. Is posible that i have burn the ehu and the new unit? Or the wires they dont have enought ampers for ehu and new unit ? Both ehu and n.u. are verry hot is normal ? My n.u. has a green rca output for sub and 2x red and white rca for front and rear left and right , i want to use the unit with an amplifier with 4 chanels ( 2 bridget for sub and 2 for shelft speakers , the amp can do this ) .the amp has 4 rca in and to use all 4 chanels needs signal on all 4 rca in. Is ok to use FR/FL RR/RL out from unit to amp? Enyone manage to conect swc with aftermarket ?
Laurentiu Roman The reason the belts, turning, doors, etc won't work anymore is because you replaced the speakers which were connected to the main EDU that made noises for the car; I don't have sounds anymore either but I'm not worried about it. You shouldn't have burned the new unit. You'll need 2 amplifiers to power what you have. A 4-channel amp is not sufficient because you have 4 speakers and 2 subs. You'll need a mono-block amp like I had for my subs and the 4-channel for your speakers. Then you'll have 6 rca outputs going to the back of your aftermarket unit and they'll all plug in (2 for sub output, 4 for speaker output)
Dash speakers i didnt chang them and are still conected to ehu . I use only one sub and 2 speakers on that amp ( amp is working ch1+2 bridged for sub and ch3 and ch4 for that 2 speaker) . Today i have change the wiring to new unit and dont use enymore the power from ehu. Again in the morning everything was fine and now when i come bake home sounds wont work again .
Laurentiu Roman The dash speakers aren't the ones making the sounds, the door speakers were the ones connected to the sounds which is why you don't have them anymore. I don't really understand your question so I'm having a hard time helping you.
Basic system doesnt have door speakers ( has 2 in dash and 2 on shelft on the back) the sounds are produced by ehu and delivered to the dash speakers . My problem is that the warning , turning and other souns they working only somethimes but i think i will leave it like that, probably some wires connections or ehu trouble ( it is a used one because the old one has gone ) . Now i just want to see if i can make to work the swc with new player .
Is there any way u can contact me to speak over the phone on how to do this i live in green bay but im only 17 and this is my first car so im really new to this thanks man
+ohhLGND Not really a way I can call you, sorry. If you closely follow the steps I outlined, you should be fine. I was 19 when I did this and I had no problems. Just trust yourself, you can do it!
+George Octavian That is a very good question. If you're keeping the stock speakers, I'd assume the high pass filters would be then turned off. However, most head units nowadays have high pass filter options on them, so if you set them, it should go back to the way the old head unit was.
+Bryan Straatman i was thinking to run my own head unit in parallel with the actual sound system as i have the crap 4 speakers system. So i want to do all my wiring and then put new 4 speakers in the front doors and 6x9 rear shelf. I was wondering if you got the wiring diagram for the front doors as you cannot add any extra wires. Them are all on connectors so my best bet would be to use the prewiring from the factory for door speakers.
+George Octavian I just used a basic wiring diagram off of google. If you did a setup like that you might run into problems when placing the speakers in your door; you'd need to make a custom door panel because I don't believe there is room. The stock wiring is a real hassle so I drilled through my door to run my own setup. I'm not using any of the stock wiring locations. SAAB is a really ignorant car to customize so you need to improvise a lot.
+Bryan Straatman i was thinking to use the stock wiring so i will not drill my doors (might need to take the doors off as there is not enough space to drill it in the right angle) and to feed it right after it comes in the cockpit if you know what i mean..
Hey! I wired my head unit to the cigarette lighter. Before I tore anymore wires up, I figured go ahead and turn the switch on and see if the head unit powers up. It did not. I don’t have a loop back. Is that why this isn’t turning on?
Not sure if this has already been covered (there's lots of comments) but what speaker wires do you use? I'd be tempted to feed my own through leaving the dash ones in place for indicators etc...
Not entirely sure what you mean by that. I put all new speakers in, so I didn't use any existing speaker wires. I know the indicators are hooked to the dash speakers (like you said), so if you just found out which speaker wires were for those speakers and linked those into your new head unit, that would work.
+Alex Kidd I'm running 2 10" JL Audio W3v3's and I absolutely love them. They're on the higher end of the market so they cost a decent amount of money, but they're totally worth it. I haven't had any problems with them and they have a great range of tones.
+Bryan Straatman But as a more general statement, JL and Kicker are both great companies for subs. JL has a great range of subs with really tight sound and they're crisp, while Kicker is more for if you just want something really really loud. For boxes, I prefer something sealed vs ported because I listen to a wide range of music so a sealed box keeps the sound tight. A ported box is for someone who wants really loud bass, but sometimes its not as tight sounding as sealing and it can be overwhelming.
You can tap into the rear 6x9" speaker wire with a line out converter. Then plug your RCA's into the line out converter. It needs to be the 6x9"'s in the 13 speaker system... Other systems i would try to find which speakers are making the bass and use them... This is not perfect as you are amplifying and already amplified signal but it works! Good Luck!
Thank you so much, I do a lot of aftermarket stereo installs so understood everything you have said. The only thing I did different is put new speaker cable in from both rears and I cut both cables to the front door speakers from amp 1 and put new speaker cable in too. All 4 new speaker cables go to my aftermarket head unit. So I have the standard 4 way setup. Now I still have my indicator sounds and reverse chimes because what I realised if you cut the speaker wires from the original ehu, ( both rear 4" speakers and both dash 3.5") you loose the warning chimes. On my 93 aero 2005 (7 speaker) all my warning chimes come from dash left and dash right speakers. Only noticed this after connecting everything back to standard setup,coz I've upgraded the speaker wire. So yes I ve lost the tweeters but I can just run some more cable up from front door speakers to dash for that in time.
So my advice is install new speaker cable from rears, disconnect 4" speakers upgrade to 6x9s (saloon model)
Cut front door speakers, I managed to trace mine in both front foot Wells behind kick panels. Arse to do too.
Wire new cable to them as your fronts. Add tweeters from there up to dash if you want
As long as the dash speakers are still connected to the original ehu you won't loose any warning chimes.
Hope this helps.
Thanks, for the advise, @David Wray! I'm about to do this to my 2004 9-3 Linear. I may have questions as to how yo did it once I get into it.
This is exactly what i was looking for 👌🏽 thanks
Hi, is there a new link for the fiberoptic loopback connector??
@@toddbourassa1825 у меня тот же вопрос
@@toddbourassa1825hey did you figure it out it’s been a year i got the same q
Thanks a lot, I managed to put the new autoradio and it's working fine in my saab 9.3NG 2002. I wanted to rewire the central dash speaker to the old ICM unit but it was accessible easily and I spent enought time soldering the ISO plug :)
Holy shit after hours I’m done my radios installed this video definitely helped and it was simple to do but complex to understand
Did you have to get a harness?
@@reaperairsoft9418 I’m wondering the same thing, if you did get one than could you provide a website for it as well?
Nicely done. Also in my 2005 93 i found i could i tuck the top 'brain' unit inside / behind the dash, lower the heating/AC unit down so its sitting pretty much on the ashtray and pull out the crazy cupholder. This gives enough space for a double din head unit in perfect position
I have a Jaguar X-Type that has the same problem.....FiberOptics. Thanks for the video. Now I know how to bypass it without rewiring all of my speakers
Glad I could help!
Have you tried to connect power and ground from ICM unit? You should get aftermarket head unit started when you put your key in the slot, no matter what position (lock, off, on .. ). But since you feeding all speakers through amps you probably don't need that. I'm planing to connect 4 front speakers directly to aftermarket head unit and 6x9s in back with amp. Plus bring amp remote from rear fuse box, to start amp when key position is ON. And that's a very useful video. Thanks.
Vaidas Kandratavičius I have not. I've heard nothing but bad things when people try that. That should work, and having the amp remote at the rear fuse box will be very convenient. Glad I could help you out; you're welcome!
Very informative video. I had a few quick questions if you don't mind. What model of head-unit did you use for this install? And if you're not changing amps or speakers, do you still need to splice cables to connect the single din unit, or are there 'plug-and-play' adaptors for certain single din units? Thanks again for the very helpful video. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am so glad I found this. Quick question. Bought my Saab used a while back and it had a stereo installed the way you described. I used the front cigarette lighter recently and it caused both the stereo and cigarette lighter to stop functioning. Fuses on driver's side panel are still good. Any ideas?
+Matthew Sanders So the way yours is setup, the cigarette lighter still has power?
Great explaination, thank you! If i join/splice the speaker wires to my new after market stereo AND to the head unit, will my signal and door sounds still be there?
I don't think so. The reason being: the sounds are coming from the ECU that the speakers are attached too right now. Once you disconnect them, the sounds will be gone.
Thanks for the speedy response. My thinking/therory is to cut the wire and join all three strands (if that makes sense) into one, is it possible that that would allow both the ECU & the aftermarket to use the speakers?
You can try that, but the quality from the speakers might not be as good as you'd like.
Did you tried that?
I get the wiring solution makes perfect sense like you said everywhere says it's hard. Question though on running wiring for the amps. Where did you run the power cables? I'm hoping to go back to running my old kit fully active so I've three amps to get juice to.
Stephen Burroughs Glad things were clear for you! I ran my main power cable up my side skirt underneath my car. I couldn't find a place big enough inside the car to run it. So I ran it down the front wheel well, along the side skirt and up through the back wheel well.
Great video man. I have a 2007 Saab 93 2.0t sedan with the 2 din factory radio. Upon reading in different forums, the InCarTec FK-311 and the IX-SA001 was recommended to without messing with the fiber optics. What do you recommend?
Do i have to wire that harness running from cd changer to each speaker or will it be plug & play jobby.
Each wire will need to be run individually to the new head unit.
Thanks for this video on replacing HU on a Saab 9-3. Your video is clear and comprehensive! Quick question, do you have a video that shows how to remove the CD ?
+Netrover EOF Thank you very much, I'm glad you found it helpful! Unfortunately I do not, but lucky for you that process is very simple. All you need to do is unplug the wires from the back of it and plug it into the new HU; with the exception of the fiberoptic loop which I explain what to do with in this video.
So my friend has the 7 speakers (two doors, two dash, and two speakers in the rear back side) in his 2004 Saab 9-convertible. Everything you said is the video matches and makes perfect sense. The problem is i can find the wiring for the door speakers. I found the fronts and the rear side but there are no other on the harness you mentioned. We have looked for and amp under both seats (pulled seats) and the trunk area with no luck. without running wires to the door how do we connect the door speakers?? thanks in Advance, Ed
+Ed Verstegen Unfortunately I don't know where you could find those wires. I ran a separate set of wires to the doors to bypass that problem. Sorry to be of no help.
Hey, doing a slightly different thing to my Saab, trying to add aux connection and don’t know what cables are ok to touch or move, any help would be appreciated
hey saab guy. Need some advice. I want to keep my blinker chimes and am trying to decide whether to splice aftermarket head unit into the existing speaker wires, or should i leave them alone and connect the aftermarket head unit to what exactly? Did your chimes stay on since you didn’t tap into the speaker wires? If so where did you connect them. Hope to hear from you thanks 🤘🏻
To my knowledge, the only way to keep the chimes would be to wire the front middle speaker to your new aftermarket head unit because that's where the noise comes from. I ran all new speaker wire (and replaced the speakers) so my chimes are all gone. You'd have to find where that wire is and reroute it to your new unit. Hope this helps
@@caveboy1111 hey thanks for the reply. I am a little confused. I want to either go the route you went or splice into the existing harness to save time and route new speakers from sub amp since I have the four speaker sabb icm1. I don’t have a centre speaker so how could I keep the blinker noises, to my knowledge the icm sends the signal to the cim for the speakers to make noise so I don’t see why my chimes would disappear by adding a single din. Let me know what you think thanks
@@nickzadrozny6799 If you're just changing out the head unit you'll keep the noises, if you're running new speakers you'll just have to make sure to run new wire to the ecm and then it'll work.
Is there any possibility that you could post a video of you actually performing the process correctly? Im having trouble following and would rather not brick my car when i dont plug something up correctly while just trying to upgrade the stereo.
What do you mean by performing the process? Are you referring to hooking up the loopback connector?
It would be great if you could post that..
I have an 07 SAAB 93 Aero and it looks different. The controls on my unit is only the stereo and the buttons only control the radio. Does that mean I do not have fiber optic on the sound system?
Since the 2 door speakers and the center dash one are powered by a separate "Amp 1", will they still work (once the optical loop is created) WITH the aftermarket deck?? Because the AMP will be wired to the original head unit (no RCA's connecting it to the new deck).. Thanks! Great Video!
+B Zuraw They will not work anymore unless you somehow wire them into the new deck. I'm not familiar with this setup because I didn't have it, but I'm sure there is a way to do it.
hey bryan can u please gimme a quick description on how to loopback the fiber optic cable i ordered the loopback connector ..... do u got to cut them or diconnect them some how and is it easy to connect them to the loopback connector
Hi, do you have turn signals, alarm signals, parking sensors in your installation. Which optical fiber you bridged from ehu or optical fiber from a cd drive. You could draw a diagram of the power connection and bypass.
Could you make a video on how to connect the fiberoptic loopback connector? I'd like to try this on my own but I didn't really understand the part with that cable and how to connect it. If you could it would be really helpful! Also the link to the page with that connector is apparently broken, says the page can't be found.
+Darude Sandstorm unfortunately I'll be unable to make a video on the connector as it's taped into place and would be a hassle to take it apart. I notice the link is broken, here is the new one: etadyne.com/product/part-4040-2003-saab-9³-most-loopback-connector/
The part comes with a very clear instruction manual on how to use it so you won't have any issues.
Alright, thanks a bunch!
Not a problem!
cracking video. and well done for takin the time too make it. looks very simple fibre optic loopback connector and a radio adaptor and i think you said there can be 2 different ones. im guessing the fibre optic goes into the back of the oem amp
The process is very simple, yes. I only had to use 1 fibre optic loop because I don't have an oem amp in my car.
MrSAABage so if theres one under the seat that would need looped aswell
I would assume so.
Hey Bryan really helpful video thanks a lot. Quick question would you suggest going ahead and putting a sub while I do this or does it really matter when I do it? Thanks
+Alex Kidd Glad I could help! I would suggest putting a sub in while you put the head unit in just because then you only have to take the dash apart once. It's completely up to you, no problem with putting one in later, but from a timesaving standpoint, putting it in while you change the head unit is more logical.
I know this post has been around for a while, but I still need help!
How do you know what antenna adapter to get? In the video you explained two different models, but did not specify how to determine which you have. Also you said you would have posted links to videos that showed how to set up the fiber optic loopback adapter, but only posted the parts(still helpful!) Was wondering if you could still post those.
I don't think there's an easy way to know which adapter to get, you have to buy them both and see which one fits (that's what I did). The loopback connector comes with instructions inside the box showing you exactly what to do. I'd post a video if I didn't have to take apart my whole stereo to show you; sorry!
Have you not got a video of you wiring the harness or doing the actual install.
Hi MrSaaBage,
awesome video and great help hints!!!
I want to put in a double din aftermerket stereo (with mirror link etc.) at the same position taking out my ashtray and cigarette lighter. I will cut a new panel for the stereo to cover up the sides, probably with ABS plastic. My questions is: Can I run just the new stereo when I push CD on my upper radio and that way still have steering wheel controls. Leaving the speaker attachment where it is and just looping my new stereo into the box above the old CD?
Thanks!
That won't be possible unless you find an adapter to do so. The reason being: your speakers will all be attached to the new stereo, so the old stereo will be more or less useless.
My question is - can both be kept?
I mean if my Saab has a cd/mp3 player integrated in the dash, can I also add an aftermarket cassette tape player, so I could use both the original cd player but also the tape player?
Thanks
The reason that wouldn't be possible is because you'd only be able to wire the speakers to one or the other. The only way to have both would be to find an aftermarket stereo with both of the features you're looking for.
Hi Bryan, Do the old amps need to be working for the new stereo to fire the speakers?. The left side of the old system does not work, so i am hoping the left side of the new stereo will work, regardless of the 2 amps, in a 2006 9 3 combo wagon. Also will the existent woofer work?
If you're using the existing speakers and amps, the only way they will work is if you plug them into the new stereo; same goes for the woofer.
Hey MR.SAAB Great Video !!! I do have one question for you.. How can i get the sound of the doors and turn signals on? since ive installed the after market radio ive lost all other sounds turn signals and what not is there a way i can have those back along with the aftermarket stereo ? everythign works for me except that
There's unfortunately no way to get these back unless you wire the speaker right in front of the infotainment screen into your new aftermarket radio; that's the speaker that provides all of these sounds!
o wel dont care i suppose that is a project im not willing to embark just yet ,,, awesome video thanks for having this up btw
You're welcome, glad I could help you!
and also i was wondering if the digital dash clock work and what happens to the stock radio ?
Do the steering controls still work with this wiring? I wonder if you need some steering control unit?
Hey quick question, will probably be a stupid one but, I've heard of people using 1/8 vacuum line to combine the two fiber optic lines in the amp1(13 speaker system). Do you think that would work instead of buying the adapter, or is the adapter specific to this process? I got my radio from my jeep I'm taking out and putting into my 06 9-3, was planning on doing it today but don't want to try if it's not going to work. I'm sure your not going to know the 100% awnser but really just asking your opinion. Never dealt with fiber-optic before but it seems to be the "main vein" to these Saabs
As long as the light has a way to pass through the line without being interrupted it should be okay. What's nice about buying the adapter is that you "snap" the 2 fiber optic lines into place so they can't move and it's a perfect fit every time. If you were to use the vacuum line, you'd have to rig up your own way for the light to shine perfectly into it without ever moving so the system remains complete.
So the 2006 HU is different from urs. Was thinking of putting in a slimmer 2 din radio.. Where my stock radio is located. Would that mess with any other feature, asking since you said that area is where everything is controlled..from what it looks like seems its just the radio tho. I know ill probably need to rewire all the speakers. Or at least the ones that come from thr amp (under driver seat.) And if i did do this would i still get the chimes/warning beeps?
From my understanding, that control unit is basically the brain of the car; controlling all of the sensors, warnings, beeps, etc. The chimes/beeps come from the middle speaker in front of the screen displaying the time and other features. If you leave it connected, I'm assuming you wouldn't lose any chimes/beeps.
Hi
Do you need a fascia kit for the single din ?
Or does it just slot into place where the changer goes?
Mine is only a single disc not a changer like yours. I guess in terms of dimension it should be the same rite?
You shouldn't need a fascia kit, it'll just slot into the space where the CD player goes.
Was just about to post the same question, glad I found this one! Thanks for the video, my dude, super helpful!
This is probably going to sound stupid but do i rewire all of my speaker wire to the new head unit or do i cut and connect the old ones to the new ones in the kit? And if i cut and connect the old to the new do i use speaker wires behind the icm or from the cd player
Cut and connect the old ones. You'll have to rewire from both the CD player and the ICM.
Will a new head unit work without buying the adapters and connectors you put in the description?? (I have a 2004 93)
ohxKizoh Unfortunately, no. The fiberoptic system in the car must have a complete loop or nothing will work, so the loopback connector is necessary. As far as the antenna adapter goes, you'll also need it. Without it, the stock antenna will not fit in any aftermarket head unit.
caveboy1111 how long did it take for the fiber optic adapter to come in?
ohxKizoh Only a couple weeks or so; it just depends where you live.
Hiya Bryan, can u please make some light for me? After everything is done, do u have the same controls like steering wheel volume and everything else? Mine for example does not have a cd changer so i'll just buy 4 door speakers to plug directly to the aftermarket player and a sub in the boot... in this case, how do i do the connections keeping count that i don't have a cd changer?! Cos u said u made a connection between the aftermarket player and original cd changer of the car... And that loop back connector is taken from old cd player and fitted onto the new aftermarket player? Thanks mate!
The steering wheel controls do not work with the aftermarket stereo. The way SAABs system works is that every fiber optic connection must be working or the car won't run. So the loopback connector has no connection to the new aftermarket stereo, the only purpose of it is to close the loop. The power and ground cables from the CD changer are the only things that are directly attached to the new stereo.
Hey, I know it was a while since making this video but maybe you remember, did the old speakers sounded better with a brand new head unit? And if so, could it be improved even further by rewiring speakers with new wires?
I never tried with old speakers with a new head unit, I changed everything at once. It's possible they would sound better with a new head unit, but I think the stock speakers are just really bad, personally.
Couple of questions. The optical loop that I use the connector on. Is that the optical cables that go in the back of cd changer that I use it on.
With regards the speakers. I think there's only 4 speakers that are wired from that connector. Will the rest work through splicing the antenna out cable?
+Ruairidh MacLean Yes that is correct. The CD is the cables you use it on. Hmm, thats a good question. I'd go to your local car audio shop and ask them that question. I'm not sure enough to give you an accurate answer.
+Bryan Straatman Cheers mate. I'm still waiting on the loop connector to arrive, but will have a bash at getting the other stuff done this week. Good work on the video. Probably wouldn't have attempted otherwise.
Can I just plug the power from the cd changer up to the aftermarket stereo? Do the battery and ground from the ashtray thing? To power the stereo?
Great video, many thanks. The fibre optics adapter on the description is out of stock. Do you know anywhere else I might be able to get it?
I'm not sure where else you could get it. I would search Google.
Hi, I am changing my unit, can't change the head unit because fibre optic. Is the link to the fibre connector still available? Cheers Steve
Link is in the description.
My radio currently won't work and I have replaced the amp 1 and fuses and haven't been able to find the short causing it not to work. My question is if I install an aftermarket unit with I be able to use the existing wires to the speakers or would I have to run new ones? My main head unit original lights up but won't turn on. I want an aftermarket over the original anyway but with that one not working I wasn't sure if that would cause the aftermarket not to work
If there's a short in the original wiring, chances are the aftermarket unit will have the same problem. I think your safest bet will be to keep searching for the short, and then upgrade to an aftermarket unit after that!
So do I have to get the fiber optic whatever if I just want to use the auxiliary for music idc to have fm and radio stations or whatever
Excellent video, thanks, quick Q for you, does the conversion require two of the loop back connectors? One for each unit?
You're welcome!
btw, does the conversion require two of the loop back connectors? One for each unit?
Nope. Just one loopback connector total.
what head unit did you install? and do you still have to get the Tech II to enable the aux?
Kenwood KDC-599 I believe. I don't have an aux cord, I just use bluetooth.
MrSAABage
I see the KDC-X599 it looks very similar.
So if I get the KDC-X599, a fiber optic loopback connector, and the antennae adapter I have everything I need? and I have screwdriver of course.
That should be everything; that's all that I used.
MrSAABage
thanks for the tips. I've been thinking of getting Bluetooth in there for a while. I'll let you know how it goes
so no soldering or anything simply clip and play?
will i need to crimp/splice the copper cables as you explain on the video
How did you get the speaker wire through the doors. I’m running new wires to components, do I have to drill my own holes.
Yes, you do.
MrSAABage that freaking sucks but thank you for the response.
@@mustangmatt410 It does suck.. It takes a long time but the result is worth it
Hey I followed your steps and bought the fiber optic loop and my after market radio will not turn on it just blinks red behind the faceplate any idea what is going on? I noticed when I got this car that the cigarette lighter doesn't work and it was missing the cap. is there any other alternative to getting switched power and ground to my radio?
If the cigarette lighter doesn't work, that'll be why your head unit isn't working. I don't know off the top of my head another place for switched power. The only thing I can think of (which is really inconvenient) is finding a fuse in one of the panels that is switched power, and piggy back off of that.
okay, how did you run a power wire from the battery in the engine compartment to the stereo unit inside the car? ....on mine I can't find an easy way to do it and I've hooked up many stereos before.
Yes, this car is ignorant to run wires from the engine bay.. I ended up drilling a hole in the top of the wheel well at the front and running the cable down the kick panel and drilled up through the rear wheel well and having my amps in the trunk. Really inconvenient, but it was the only option really.
Thanks dude. I ended up just running it along the gap in the hood and through a tiny hole I cut in the door seal. I'm hoping it'll still seal with the rain hits but I just didn't want to do any drilling. This car is built like a friggin tank, I've never had anything like it. Not fun to work on but at least you know it's not a piece of shit.
I hear you on that one. I had to buy an industrial drill bit to get through the wheel wells. They are very well reinforced (3 different metal layers) which made for a frustrating process. But yes, glad to know it's built well haha.
Hi, just wondering if you remember the which colour wires for which speakers on the saab harness? Thanks
It's the same colours as the speaker wires, just match them.
Thank, I did exactly that, left the fibre optic untouched only cut the speaker wires, installed optic loop bypass on the old CD player unit, any ideas? Middle speaker still makes noise just not the warning noise.
Thanks
Just noticed the fibre optic that used to go into the cd player (I bypassed this with the loop bypass kit) the light was off, they were on before. I swapped fuse 14 and 25 in the trunk
Hello Bryan and thanks for posting this vid :)
I would like to ask you, we need to buy both radio antenna adapters that are in the description or one of them?
Just one of them; whichever suits your car. If you go to a car audio dealer, they can tell you which one you need.
Can you make a video on how to wire up the after market stereo onto the existing wires in the car?
Jose Vega I already have my aftermarket stereo setup so I won't be able to do that. All you need to do is match wire for wire to the harness provided with your aftermarket unit and the existing wires. If you need any help, I could make a video on what wires to match to the unit harness.
Heya mate can you get steering wheel control after you install after market headunit..? Like an separate adaptor to connect to it
I'm not entirely sure about that. I think they do sell adaptors that will work with a setup like that, yes.
If I wire the coloured wires direct to the wiring from my aftermarket unit, will my speakers work? I was told the speakers also run off fibre optics?
Yes, that will make the speakers work. However, you need a fiberoptic loopback connector like I showed in the video.
Hi,thank's for video is very good,but i want to ask you what i need to do for i can use my steering wheel control?
As far as I know, it's not possible to use your steering wheel controls after you install an aftermarket stereo. Unless there's a conversion kit I don't know about.
thank you
TheMarcelunicul i
I have a 13 speakers 93 convertible when i do what you say the center, the sub and the front door speakers doesn't work on the aftermarket stereo but still give the sound from thesaab radio ... can i do something about it?
Hey. I have a 2005 saab 93, and I just replaced my cd player with a cheap little dual cd player, and I just started hooking it up power and ground like u did and all that jazz buy I haven't gotten the loop back cord yet and my new cd player plays cds and aux. Not sure about radio because I still have to get that adapter. But if I get the loop back will it give me all 6 speakers back and sound better? Right now only 4 speakers are playing. The wires in the stock harness weren't all color matched so I kind of just touched them together till I heard the music playing but it doesn't really sound like speakers that are powered by an amp. Well if you took the time to read this and reply I would appreciate it a lot. I just want to do it right
The loopback connector doesn't have anything to do with the speakers from the amp. If you want to get all 6 speakers back, you'll have to find where the wires from the amp are routed so you can fit them into your new cd player.
MrSAABage would the loop back have anything to do with my car having trouble starting?
Yes it would. The car needs to have a completed fiber optic loop to run correctly, the connector is necessary.
MrSAABage so yea what my car is doing is it cranks and cranks and studders and cranks and then possibly starts and idles rough for a sec, do you think that's because I dot have it looped right?
MrSAABage which fiberoptic to I loop?
Does that cigarette lighter still work? Also the link for the fiber optic adapter cant be found.
No it doesn't. You'll have to just Google a SAAB fiber optic loopback connector, it wasn't overly difficult to find.
@@caveboy1111 Theres a optical cable connector (onstar delete)” on genuinesaab.com, will that do it? Im ordering some stuff from there soon here anyways
@@tylerwitmer3769 I would imagine that'll work.
2003 Saab 9-3 2.0T SS. I have 2 subs and a 1000w amp. I would like to get those hooked up as well as a new head unit (w double DIN mount) and speakers (7 speaker set up, only getting 4 new [2 rear, 2 doors]). What exactly do I need (wires, tools, etc) if I'm looking to do this by myself? I'm a novice but all the shops I've been to say they don't work on Saabs and I simply can't put up with my stock radio/speakers... Please help
If I were you, I'd visit crutchfield.com and talk to one of their advisors. They have great customer service and they could help you better than I can.
They said they are unable to do it due to the door chime being lost (as if a dumb door chime was worth keeping over not getting a whole new stereo). Told them about this video and the loopback connector and they continued to just tell me they couldn't do it for my Saab.
Hey what does the fiber optic loopback connector you're using look like? that link is long dead and can't really see it in the video
If you Google "SAAB fiber optic loopback connector", the first 4 images are what it looks like. Hope this helps.
@@caveboy1111 not really because I know in general what they look like but it has a special connector. I've taken a picture of it, the male end that goes into the cd player just can't find the proper female one
@@caveboy1111 actually I think it does help I'll go in reverse. The male plug is weird but looking at the female plug on the cd player seems to make it easier to find
@@abdomination I'll a tedious process, but if you're careful I'm sure you can figure it out!
hey. did you use some converters for the cables, or did it fit with the original?
+Ride 4 Life Are you talking about the speaker wire or power/ground for the head unit?
+Bryan Straatman i am talking about the speaker wiering;) i just cut them and twisted them on to the new car player speaker wires😉 so it works for now😊
Thats exactly what I did and I haven't had any issues!
+Bryan Straatman okay thanks for the answer😎
Not a problem!
Can you send another link for the loop back connector? The link in the description isn't working.
I can't seem to find the link anymore unfortunately.
You say "Two additional cords". Do you just mean the loopback connector and the adapter?
Yes.
As far as the fiber optic connection, which one do I disconnect and plug into the loopback connector?
The one from the cd changer.
My radio channel in the top display went blank and the fuse isn’t blown. Also my system check still comes on I have temp and seatbelt warning all work... I have no sound with my turn signals. Any help would be appreciated... would this fix my issues?
I'm not sure how this would solve your issue. It seems like there's an underlying problem with your stock radio.
MrSAABage found out amp1 is done for
Hey, where do I get the loopback adapter? Link broken :/
will this still be able to be done if it has the ICM2 upper unit?
I'm not really sure, sorry.
Which colors go to which speakers? They are not matched colors as I am using a pioneer deck and I have no idea which ones match
I'm not really sure what you mean by that. The only colours on the back of my deck were red and white (for left and right).
Hello! Is there by any chance you can do a video while doing the installation?
I'm sorry but that won't be possible. I've had the equipment installed in my car for over a year and I don't want to take it out and reinstall it.
what year is yours? I have an '04 i'm about to do this with seems like a simple process just waiting for the fiber optic loop and antenna adapter to come in
Ahhh you are awesome. Thank you
+Lorraine Rodriguez You're welcome! Glad I could help!
Yess you should post more lol. I have one question? I'm looking at radios now and they have different watts...is there a certain range I should stay in?
What model is it exactly? Single-din or double-din? Generally more power is better but it all depends on your setup. Is it going to be powering speakers? If so, what wattage rating are the speakers?
Oh man I have no idea lol I'll have to ask my dad. It's a 2004 93 linear. Far as the speakers go I'm not sure yet if I'll replace them or not. Do you have a fb?
I don't unfortunately. As for the head unit, if you're leaving the stock speakers in, low wattage should be fine. The stock speakers don't require much to power them.
Where can I get that lol black thing that u used to put to aftermarket radio n how do I do it.
If you want to keep the stock speakers how do you do the hard wiring to hook up the deck?
I explain it midway through the video. You have to match each wire to it's specific colour.
Hello i did as you but i used fibre optic loop and i don't know why my front door speakers not working witch aftermarket radio, just them on the dashboard
Did you wire the door speakers into the aftermarket radio?
no is there any separate wires??
You must disconnect the speaker wires from the original head unit and rewire them to your new head unit for them to work.
I have just 8 wires cutted from original radio and plugged into aftermarket unit i don't know where to find other wires???
i did that and i have just 8 wires which are plugged to aftermarket unit and front door speakers are not playing
Thank you for respond but in you video you mention the you going to do a description of the fiber optic and I can't found it thanks again
etadyne.com/docs/DIYmost.htm
Hi there I have recently done this mod but my SID Screen is dead after removing the CD changer. I used the green and red wire for constant live ( going into the block) switched live and Earth from cig lighter, speaker wire going into block. I have also looped the fibre optics from the cd changer. I've looked at every forum and cannot find the answer, can you help? Lol
If you cut off the fiber optic cable from your cd changer instead of using a loopback connector, you're in deep, deep trouble. The fiber optic system has to be fully intact for anything to work. This is why I preached it in my video. Cutting that cable is a big problem.
I have rhis same problem. Did everything right and now my aftermarket head unit wont turn on and my SID went out...
Hi. I have fixed after market cd unit instead stock cd changer. But now parking sensors not working and indicators signal not working. Can u explain how it’s been done wrong? Then i can show that to the guy who done it. Thanks
Are you talking about the sounds?
MrSAABage yes. Sounds not working
@@igorisvenediktovas1809 You can't get them back. Those sounds are from the stock speakers and setup. Once you put an aftermarket stereo in, that's gone.
Hello! Do i need tech2 or something else to do this? i already ordered that loop connector. Do i have to "install" something that it will work?
+Veli-Pekka Kivimäki What is tech2?
+Bryan Straatman Its device what you can use if you have to program some new device etc on your car. Its like "computer" what helps you to get inside your cars "brain", if you know what i mean. There was some thread where someone said that "you need Tech2 to program new aftermarket stereo". I dont know why..
I understand what you mean now, but you don't need anything like that to program the stereo.
+Bryan Straatman Ok! So, how about AMP1, three speakers comes from there, under drivers seat. Do you have 7-speaker system? What i do with this amp?
I had the 4 speaker system so I didn't have any amps to worry about. It depends what you plan on doing with your speakers, are you upgrading all of them, or are you just installing an aftermarket stereo?
Hi i manage to instal a double din unit on my 2006 93 ( is 02-06 model) i have used the wiring from ehu plug black from plug is ground to the new unit red/green from plug is +12v continuos ( memory ) and blue wire (antena) from plug i used to be the power for new unit . Everything was perfect when i tested but now my sounds dont work enymore ( turning, belt, doors ...) and when i tested was working and the new unit just keep turning off for 1-2 seconds reapeatedly. Is posible that i have burn the ehu and the new unit? Or the wires they dont have enought ampers for ehu and new unit ? Both ehu and n.u. are verry hot is normal ? My n.u. has a green rca output for sub and 2x red and white rca for front and rear left and right , i want to use the unit with an amplifier with 4 chanels ( 2 bridget for sub and 2 for shelft speakers , the amp can do this ) .the amp has 4 rca in and to use all 4 chanels needs signal on all 4 rca in. Is ok to use FR/FL RR/RL out from unit to amp? Enyone manage to conect swc with aftermarket ?
Laurentiu Roman The reason the belts, turning, doors, etc won't work anymore is because you replaced the speakers which were connected to the main EDU that made noises for the car; I don't have sounds anymore either but I'm not worried about it. You shouldn't have burned the new unit. You'll need 2 amplifiers to power what you have. A 4-channel amp is not sufficient because you have 4 speakers and 2 subs. You'll need a mono-block amp like I had for my subs and the 4-channel for your speakers. Then you'll have 6 rca outputs going to the back of your aftermarket unit and they'll all plug in (2 for sub output, 4 for speaker output)
Dash speakers i didnt chang them and are still conected to ehu . I use only one sub and 2 speakers on that amp ( amp is working ch1+2 bridged for sub and ch3 and ch4 for that 2 speaker) . Today i have change the wiring to new unit and dont use enymore the power from ehu. Again in the morning everything was fine and now when i come bake home sounds wont work again .
Laurentiu Roman The dash speakers aren't the ones making the sounds, the door speakers were the ones connected to the sounds which is why you don't have them anymore. I don't really understand your question so I'm having a hard time helping you.
Basic system doesnt have door speakers ( has 2 in dash and 2 on shelft on the back) the sounds are produced by ehu and delivered to the dash speakers . My problem is that the warning , turning and other souns they working only somethimes but i think i will leave it like that, probably some wires connections or ehu trouble ( it is a used one because the old one has gone ) . Now i just want to see if i can make to work the swc with new player .
Laurentiu Roman Oh okay I understand. Yes it must be a soldering issue.
The link for the fiber optic loop back doesn’t work anymore
Is there any way u can contact me to speak over the phone on how to do this i live in green bay but im only 17 and this is my first car so im really new to this thanks man
+ohhLGND Not really a way I can call you, sorry. If you closely follow the steps I outlined, you should be fine. I was 19 when I did this and I had no problems. Just trust yourself, you can do it!
Will this change the sound of the actual speakers or it will still have the high pass filter on?
+George Octavian That is a very good question. If you're keeping the stock speakers, I'd assume the high pass filters would be then turned off. However, most head units nowadays have high pass filter options on them, so if you set them, it should go back to the way the old head unit was.
+Bryan Straatman i was thinking to run my own head unit in parallel with the actual sound system as i have the crap 4 speakers system. So i want to do all my wiring and then put new 4 speakers in the front doors and 6x9 rear shelf. I was wondering if you got the wiring diagram for the front doors as you cannot add any extra wires. Them are all on connectors so my best bet would be to use the prewiring from the factory for door speakers.
+George Octavian I just used a basic wiring diagram off of google. If you did a setup like that you might run into problems when placing the speakers in your door; you'd need to make a custom door panel because I don't believe there is room. The stock wiring is a real hassle so I drilled through my door to run my own setup. I'm not using any of the stock wiring locations. SAAB is a really ignorant car to customize so you need to improvise a lot.
+Bryan Straatman i was thinking to use the stock wiring so i will not drill my doors (might need to take the doors off as there is not enough space to drill it in the right angle) and to feed it right after it comes in the cockpit if you know what i mean..
+George Octavian Only problem is, the stock wiring has special plug which can't be used as far as I know.
Is it possible to make the loop without the loop Back connector
I don't think so, unless you found out what the internals of the connector looked like and tried to mimic them.
Do you need stock radio for this to work?
Yes
how did you actually secure the headunit?
Can I connect rca cables to stereo?
Yes you can. If you're talking about the aftermarket stereo, that is.
Do I need the radio adapter for it to work ?
Yes. For the radio to work, you need the radio adapter.
hi Bryan am a lil confused on how to loopback connector on my sabb can you please help me out
What are you confused about?
Hey! I wired my head unit to the cigarette lighter. Before I tore anymore wires up, I figured go ahead and turn the switch on and see if the head unit powers up. It did not. I don’t have a loop back. Is that why this isn’t turning on?
That could be part of it. When you take out the CD changer, a loopback is absolutely necessary or your car won't turn on.
The vehicle starts up without the loopback
For the cigarette lighter you won't need it, but for the CD changer you will. I'm not really sure why your head unit isn't working right now, sorry.
Koby K did u ever figure it out
Vernon Young I did not.
Not sure if this has already been covered (there's lots of comments) but what speaker wires do you use? I'd be tempted to feed my own through leaving the dash ones in place for indicators etc...
Not entirely sure what you mean by that. I put all new speakers in, so I didn't use any existing speaker wires. I know the indicators are hooked to the dash speakers (like you said), so if you just found out which speaker wires were for those speakers and linked those into your new head unit, that would work.
Ok any suggestions for brand or type of sub?
+Alex Kidd I'm running 2 10" JL Audio W3v3's and I absolutely love them. They're on the higher end of the market so they cost a decent amount of money, but they're totally worth it. I haven't had any problems with them and they have a great range of tones.
+Bryan Straatman But as a more general statement, JL and Kicker are both great companies for subs. JL has a great range of subs with really tight sound and they're crisp, while Kicker is more for if you just want something really really loud. For boxes, I prefer something sealed vs ported because I listen to a wide range of music so a sealed box keeps the sound tight. A ported box is for someone who wants really loud bass, but sometimes its not as tight sounding as sealing and it can be overwhelming.
Hi I like to know how to connect fiber optic cables please let me know thank you for posting this video
Instructions come with the fiber optic loopback connector.
I have an 03 93ss what antenna adapter should i use?
How would I go about adding a sub and amp to my stock radio in a 2006 Saab 9-3?
I'm not sure that's possible.
You can tap into the rear 6x9" speaker wire with a line out converter. Then plug your RCA's into the line out converter. It needs to be the 6x9"'s in the 13 speaker system... Other systems i would try to find which speakers are making the bass and use them... This is not perfect as you are amplifying and already amplified signal but it works! Good Luck!
BP I actually found this out by someone on the Saabs of America group on Facebook. I have it hooked up. Thanks anyway though.
@@tylermiller3367 word!
Hey man you’re from SF I see your floor math great GO NINERS
I'm actually from Canada, but I'm a big 9ers fan. Go 9ers!
Do you need a harness?
Thaaaaank yooouuuuu
I still need to find out what I need to get my radio working
So the fibre optics just plugs in that harness then you hardware everything ? You can really see in the video how the fibre optics plugs in
Yep, they come with instruction so it'll show you exactly how.
Is there a chance a 7” screen navigator Bluetooth unit can fit in that space?
Not unless you took out the compartment for storing things completely.