Hi,

I just got my '91 740 the other day. It has the factory deck and I would like to be able to listen to CDs in it. So, I went and looked at decks. I think I'm going to get a new Clarion BD316 for $219+ Tax and Volvo adaptor. Do you think this is a good deck for my 740? Also, I have noticed that the buttons on either side of my steering column (fog light, sunroof, antenna, etc) don't light up at night. Is this normal or is something wrong? A fuse? Thanks in advance for any help.

Go to drinstall.com (I think that's right, or somesuch, use a search engine or search the archives her at brickboard for other install tips) and look at the install on a 7xx car. I did my 90 740T and it was relatively easy (OK, it's rated moderately hard for a professional, me it just took about three hours).

I had to install an Alpine AMFMCD/CD controller head unit (M-Bus) because I had already installed a cheapo Alpine M-Bus CD changer (using an FM modulator to the stock Volvo AMFM cassette) in the trunk...

it's critical that you look ahead to potential upgrades before you just slam in a component! For example, the Alpine system in my car ran about $500 (head unit and changer) but is at least one generation out of date...and I don't have a cassette tape player in the car. OTOH, I can put in one CD without any problem. You will want to consider whether to get a head unit with CD changer control capability and multiple preamp outputs..including a subwoofer preamp. Just cuz you don't put them in now doesn't mean you won't spring for a powered sub later....

Alternatively, I put a Blaupunkt AMFM cassette tape head unit and controlled 5 disk CD changer in the dash of my Saab 900T and maintained cassette capability, CD changer functionality, AND the ability to change out CDs from the driver's seat (the Blaupunkt changer is in the dash..DIN size with pb to change any of the five CDs.) I think the Blaupunkt head unit and changer would fit in the Volvo although you would have to give up the lighter.

Lastly, you will need an adaptor to mate the aftermarket head unit to the volvo sloping console...look at the drinstall.com .pdf instruction. Figure about $24 list for the plastic adaptor...black.

Good luck.

Chris: That CD player sounds nice; I've got the original radio (complete with broken cassette player!) in my '86 wagon, and have been thinking about replacing it with a radio/CD player, so keep us posted on your final choice, in-stall, like/dislike, etc. As far as the sub-dash lights go, let's assume that you have the rheostat turned all the way up on the main dash, so that your instruments are illuminated at night. When you turn on your headlights, your sub-dash lights should be on; if not, here's how you replace the little bulbs: on the LEFT side of the st whl, for the antenna and fog lights, etc.: get a thin-bladed knife or flat screwdriver, wiggle it into the far left outside edge of the black trim piece that surrounds that switch cluster/strip. Wiggle the blade up and down, back and forth, and with luck you will release a spring-steel clip. Swing the freed left edge out, toward you, and the switches will come out as a cluster (you can bend that trim piece a little, but be 'kind' or it will break!). You will notice what looks like a long shiny strip of metal, and a round fitting at one end of it: there is a tiny light bulb in that fitting, 2-watts I think.Install the bulb (the shiny strip is a reflector that sends the light to the other 'white cutouts' on each switch; replace the switch-strip, reinstall trim piece, inserting right edge in place first, then swing left edge, with springy clip into place. Voila! The RIGHT side is harder: the trim goes from the right of the heater controls all the way to the ignition. Starting at the far right side of that trim piece, gently insert a thin knife, etc., into the top of the trim, near the corner, and wiggle it; then go to the bottom-right, insert blade, wiggle/pry; work your way to the left, alternating loosening the top, then the bottom. When you get to the area to the left of the heater controls, to the right of the sunroof/rear defrost switch, the same type of springy clip holds the trim in place, and usually requires some cursing, in addition to more advanced wiggle/insert/pry technique to find the right spot that frees up that clip...but, it CAN be done. When you have the trim off, pull the switch cluster out, and you will see 2 round fittings, looking a lot like shiny bullet shells, with a slit in each, and a cir-clip, and a plastic holder. Slide the plastic holders out, and you will see where the light bulbs go (one for each switch on this side). Although I have described MY switches, for some reason I can't find one of my bulb sockets (nor the wiring for it), so I chose to illuminate the sunroof switch instaed of the rear defrost. Hope this is intelligible enough to help you. If not, get back to me; practice some more; live without lights; or have someone else try it for you!---PD.

Hi,

Thanks for the response and all the instructions! My mechanic is a Volvo specialist, so I'll ask him. He may fix it for me for free because I just bought the car from him. As for the Clarion; I should be able to buy the deck and the wiring adaptor, remove the old deck, and install the new deck, right? It can't be that hard? I shouldn't need any mounting adaptors because the Clarion deck is single din just like the factory deck, right? I hope it's that easy..........

Chris: if you have a chance, WATCH the mechanic take out trim and see where the bulbs go; they don't burn out often (years), but it's still good to know. Folks here have reported (mostly) satisfaction with Crutchfield, esp. their customer and tech service, helpfulness, etc., with adapter issues, etc. In any case, keep us posted, OK? OK!---PD.

Will do! :) My mechanic is a great guy, he will probably WANT to show me how to replace the bulbs.