'04 volvo xc90 replacing oem stereo

Hi all - I've researched this quite extensively, and looks like it's not a straightforward job to replace the factory 6-disc CD changer in my 2004 XC90. The factory unit in our car has jammed and, with the car now out of warranty, the dealer wants $620 to replace it, presumably, with the same poorly designed unit. :-/ I have come up with the following plan to replace the CD changer with an aftermarket DIN-sized unit, with iPod interface - so I can do without the clunky CD changer mechanics. Especially for those that have done this before, please let me know if I'm on the right track: 1. Remove the factory unit, making sure to have the ignition off before removing the connectors on the back of the factory unit. I've read that doing so with the ignition on can cause the Air Bag light to come on, which can be cleared only by the dealer. 2. I found a DIN-sized dash kit by Metra that looks like it will work. Has anyone else used this? Here's a link to the product: http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=99-9225 3. Since from what I've read, Volvo uses optical from the headunit to the amplifier, but uses regular wiring from the amp (under the front passenger seat) to the speakers, I planned to run my on speaker wiring under the carpet from the headunit to the amp under the front passenger seat, and connecting directly to the wires leading to the speakers. 4. Also from what I've read, Volvo uses optical from the headunit to the antenna in the back of the vehicle, I need to run my own antenna cable somewhere. I found the following adapter at Circuit City (also by Metra) that appears to be for connecting an aftermarket radio to the factory antenna. Has anyone used this product? http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=54778&c=1 5. As for feeding power to the head unit, does anyone have any suggestions? Can I tap into the existing harness that plugs into the factory head unit? 6. Finally (and this is the part I am most unsure about), there is the issue of potentially having to plug back in the factory harness, or maybe even keeping the factory headunit connected and just stuffed under the dash. I've read that leaving the harness disconnected can cause the Air Bag light to come on, as well as preventing the A/C controls from working. Does anyone have any information on this part? Altogether, assuming the dash kit as well as the antenna adapters work, I think this is actually doable. Comments, anyone?

Anybody? Hopefully someone out there's done this and is willing to share their experience! Thanks!

joelq wrote: Anybody? Hopefully someone out there's done this and is willing to share their experience! Thanks!

volvo's over all are pita (pain in the a**) cars to run install in because of all the amp re wireing and such that you have all ready mentiond if i rember right (cant rember this car) volvos usually have power/swtich/ground behind the radio.   like i said i dont remeber this perticular model but if you read about the radio having to stay inside the car, you might want to check if PAC or one of the other integration companys manufacture an adaptor for that car.  i have installed systems in cars where the radio had to stay in the car before i usually made a housing for it so i could hide it in the trunk.

life is a comedy to think, a tragedy to feel

This one will only have an optical cable behind the radio and the cd changer and the display are daisy chained with the same optical cable. You can get everything under the passenger seat in terms of speakers and I believe power and ground but no switched you'll have to get that from the column. The antenna adaptor you have listed will not work as it is also optical. As for stashing the radio somewhere you don't have a lot of length as the optical cables are to length for the radio to go in the factory location. Metra makes a hidden antenna as well as mini antennas that will go on the windsheild and that should take care of that.  I wish you the best of luck and whatever you do don't turn the ignition on with anything unplugged and I do mean anything.

Also forgot to add to run the wires up from under the seat is a breeze there is a channel that you can feed it all through. You'll have better access to it with the trim on the center console removed. I'LL STRESS ONCE MORE DON'T TURN THE IGNITION ON. I would just disconnect your negative terminal at the start and you'll have no worries