I have an '05 S40 and want to get Sirius installed. Has anyone had a retailer install it in their S40 ('05 or '06)? I've been to Circuit City, Best Buy, ABC and one local guy and none of their installation specs even lists an S40. I already know that the FM transmitter is no good so that isn't an option. I also know the stereo (premium) has a lot of proprietary wiring so I don't want anyone trying to wing it.
Has anyone had it done and if so can you give me some feedback?
Thanks! :puzzled:
Spears

The answer is quite simple and you're not going to like it.
You can't.

Well at least without having to tap in the antenna of your car.
Only late 2006 and later models have an auxiliary input for you to wire xm or ipod type devices directly to the radio.

You can read more on how to do that here:

http://www.volvo-forums.com/t5244-s40-ipod...ng-research.htm

Sorry :P

Greg

That is what I figured...I figured I'd ask just in case. Many thanks!

Dear Greg,

I followed your instructions and wired my Harman Kardon Drive + Play with the FM-modulator using the 9V-method. A nice unit the HK - I have to say, background hiss is minimal.

At first I did a test install in my sister's car, a Peugeot 206 with a normal car radio and normal antenna. Although there was a small hiss (no filter used yet), the music came out at full dynamic range, better or at least equal to FM-radio.

Then I opened my Volvo S40 (2006) at all sides, made the antenna patch cables (soldered them) etc. and did a clean install.

I have to say, the music comes out of the radio on every frequency I chose, overruling any and all radio station that is broadcasting on that particular frequency. Like I said, minimal background hiss.

Three problems however:

1. The dynamic range seems limited (like some kind of stereo AM quality instead of stereo FM)
2. Harder rock songs seem to break up and make the sound awful
3. Whether I plug in the antenna and modulator or I leave it out of the HK unit, the sound remains unchanged

Could it be my patch cables (no connection with the FM modulator)? Radio reception is fine.

Can I hack in anywhere else after the window AM/FM unit into either one of the antenna cables (I found them in the door)?

Any help is appreciated...

Thanks!
Michel

Hi Michel,

First off I haven't used the 9V method but I saw on the other post that you thanked Electric Silver. I wanted to make sure I don't still the credit for someone else work...

That said there is an alternative to the 9V method which involves taping directly in the AFM module of the car. That is what I have done and because I have not tried the 9V method I can't really tell you if it is better.

Also the AFM module is sometime a bit of a ghost as Volvo moved the module from model to model. I have a 2005 model and I believe it is the same for some late 2004 model and all the 2005 models. Perhaps with the early 2006 but with no certainty. On my 05 model the AFM is behind the black window triangular pillar. It is quite difficult to get to. With this technique and with the right cables you can tap directly in the antenna. It’s a lot cleaner.

I’m running out of time but I really want to get back to you this weekend to address your other issues.
I have tones of photographs so I’ll what I can do.

Talk to you soon, :beer:

Greg

Dear Greg,

You're right. I mixed up in two posts ;-)

But first make clear: what is the AFM module?

In some forums people call it the AFM module as where the TWO antenna cables enter the module and a single glas fiber cable comes out. And that one was supposed to be on the hat shelf but no such luck...

What I found at the location you suggested is the AM/FM module, with the 9V connectors coming in from the window and two cables going out called AM/FM1 and FM2, yes, a white connector with a pink/purple clip as you mentioned somewhere else if I recall it correctly.

Photos will definitely help....

Thnx,
Michel

PS I know for sure the modulator works perfectly as I tried in on a normal car radio resulting in FM+ stereo quality.

I know you already moved far along with your install but if you are still curious I posted some images of my install in my "garage":

http://www.volvo-forums.com/2005-Volvo-S40...item-cid130.htm

Greg :thumbsup: