I have been trolling around from forum to forum gathering the information that I could find.

Based on my research I have determined 2 methods of harwiring my HK Drive and Play, and correct me if I am wrong.

1. Hard wire to the back dash using the 9v connectors.
2. Hard wire to the front under/above the foot block.

I have a few questions I was hoping that someone who has tested or gone one of these roots before can clear up.

1. Is the HK FM modulator that is made for the Drive and Play v1 a peice of crap, and if so what other modulator should I get.
2. Is it better to wire in the front vs the back or vice versa. I was not sure if there was a problem due to the length of the run from the back, I thought that would be less optimal, but before I start tearing my car apart I figured I would check here, and see what info I could get.

Let me know if you can provide any information.

Thanks

-mackloon

Also...I was hoping to do something with how do you say...free...or relatively low cost. I see an expired eBay auction listing this for $400...

Perhaps at a later date I would look at this as an option, but for the time being I would just like to get my Harman Kardon drive and play auxed or line-in fm modded.

What is the best fm modulation wiring options at the moment for a 2006 Volvo s40 2.4i with the premium sound and disc changer?

Also...I was hoping to do something with how do you say...free...or relatively low cost. I see an expired eBay auction listing this for $400...

Perhaps at a later date I would look at this as an option, but for the time being I would just like to get my Harman Kardon drive and play auxed or line-in fm modded.

What is the best fm modulation wiring options at the moment for a 2006 Volvo s40 2.4i with the premium sound and disc changer?

Nope - your presumption is wrong.

In my car there is NO Volvo phone system and in this white plastic box I found the same cables coming from the AM/FM unit in the back. Both cables are black and go into one (double) connector, just for extending the cable. The connector is in the white plastic box on the left side of the car next to the foot support next to the coupling (I have manual gearbox, driver's seat on the left side).

This is as close to the AFM unit as I could come although I also found some cables behind the dashboard panel directly behind the HU. (you can take it out very easily - just put your fingers behind it and pull). From there I could feel the backside of the HU display and the CD-player but I did not check those cables.

My solution now works brilliantly but have to say, I use the iPod connector to the Harman Kardon set merely for charging purposes and a headphone -> line out from iPod to a separate FM Modulator - so I can use the volume control and EQ from the iPod to further enhance sound.

Am tuned in at 87.9 FM and did a test drive in Holland today. There was no interruption at all. The close to the HU the less interference by reception of station through the cables. That's why I had trouble with the 9V method. After the AM/FM unit the cables still pick up signal as well and that is ruled out right now.

Sound is good, only a bit static when volume is all open and no song is playing.

I even got it so good now that on extreme bass songs the HU is clipping so I have to turn down the bass / volume on the HU. Even on CD's this is not happening!

Sometimes you got to take risks in life and in this case it all turned out for the better.

Michel

Okay....your solutions sounds the best to me by far at this point. I am looking to install the HK Drive and PLay in my s40...Looking for assistance and details on what you used, and how you did it...

Also, I saw that you may, or may not have posted photos. If you have could you link them to me.

Thanks

-mackloon

Thanks!

I am looking to do this install today and I am going to do the foot block method in the front rather than the 9V method in the rear. A while back I had pictures of this install, however I cannot...for the life of me find them today. Anyone who has done the left front side of the car solder fm modulator method if you could point me to some pics...or tell me which wires are which it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

-mackloon

Hi.

I'm planning on buying a used s40 very soon and I'm completely lost in all of the information about how to hook up an ipod to the stereo. I have been trying to research it on here and other forums and there is just too much information to take in. Can anyone help with what year I should purchasing to get the auxiliary input stock from volvo? I read it was 2007 but only certain packages or stereo models. How can I tell if the car that I am looking at has the aux input? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

William.

Hello,

I really appreciate the knowledge and enthusiasm on this topic. It's because of this forum I took the plunge and purchased my first Vovlo, a 2007 T5 AWD. I was anxious about having to live with a sub par set-up for my smartphone/MP3 player (and going with the S40s cousin, the Mazda3)

My question, or request, is what are some of the ways in which owners have accommodated their smartphones, iPods, MP3players, or GPS in the cabin?

I love the look of the cascading ribbon, and I don't want to do anything to distract from it visually. I've seen a few products that would position my Blackberry in the cupholder, but from an ergonomic position, this isn't great (not at eye level, having to twist to change settings, etc). I used to have a bracket on my vent for my 2001 civic, but again, I'm going to be difficult and say that it's not a great look for the beautiful dash and center console.

Any examples or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!