Hi, this is my first post. I joined up because I install car stereos for my friends. This 96 850 GLT is my newest project.

I have searched and read this post many times now:
http://www.volvo-forums.com/t21128-stereo-...5-850-wagon.htm
but it doesn't say anything about the actual removal of the original stock head unit. I figure this is easy but won't have access to the car for about 2 weeks so I am trying to plan ahead and have no idea what it looks like yet.

Are there some tabs that you can pop out, or is this one of these cars where you have to remove almost the entire dash to expose 2 screws??

Thanks in advance guys...just searching thru this forum shows a lot of respectible people here.

:beer:

Assuming it is a stock double din unit, there are two tabs (about 2 inches long) on either side of the head unit.

Just push them in and they will pop out, then pull the head unit out with those tabs. It should slide out easily.

Replacing the unit with another double din will require cutting out the plastic rails. If you replace it with a single din unit then just get mounting kit that has the lower shelf to install and you shouldnt have to cut anything.

+1

These tabs are visible at all times? If all you have to do is pop 2 tabs and the entire thing comes out, I will call and thank Volvo personally! That makes it a bit too easy to swipe though.

Thanks guys for your timely responses...I appreciate it and Blakbyrd, your writeup is great.

The tabs are visible on either side. Push em in to get them to pop out, then push em in again to make them stay hidden (sometimes you need a thin object to push them in far enough though as they arent wide enough for your fingers to do it).

As for the OEM head units, they are coded. Once the battery is removed or the head unit is removed, you have to enter in the code (with the preset buttons) before the head unit will work again. It will display CODE on the display when you need to do this.

If you plan on selling the head unit on ebay or whatever, make sure you have the code or it will be practically worthless to anyone. It should be written down in the original owners manual, if you still have it.

+1 on that one, also.