My son wants to put a satellite ready radio into his 1993 Volvo 850. The sales rep told him that the installation could be much higher than normal due to a requirement to bypass an amplifier that may be installed between the original radio and the speakers. He indicated this was the case for some cars, but not all - but didn't tell us how we could tell.

Can we easily tell whether or not the amp is in his car? (it does not have a CD player or premium stereo system. Also, there is a plug on the back of the radio marked "amp" that does not have any wires plugged into it.)

How difficult should installation be for an aftermarket radio in this car? Could we do it on our own?

Thanks,

John
Indianapolis

Sounds like it doesn't have an AMP. in it.
Yes you can install it your self.
The easiest way to do it is to buy the dash install kit and the wiring kit.
You will wire a harness to the new radio and then plug it into the factory wiring.That will be the easiest way to do it.
The dash kit and the wiring harness should cost between $20.00 and 30.00 to buy them.

If you do it that way it should take between 30 to 45 minutes to install.

Hi John, I'm not that up on the sat radio, however, installing an aftermarket radio is not to difficult if you have basic wiring knowledge. two things you will need are a wiring harness adapter to mate the new radio with the factory wiring, this will keep you fron cutting the factory harness. And an install kit. The factory radio is refered to as a double DIN most aftermarket are single. There are a few double din aftermarket availible though. An install kit will usually add a storage area under the radio. With the aftermarket radio you can install one sat radio ready and only then need to suscribe to the service. Hope this helps !!!

Moved to a more appropriate category.:)