1998 SAAB 9-3 car stereo upgrade

STUDIO DANJI

MEMBER
1998 SAAB 9-3
107,000 MILES

Hi. Have tried to install new stereo with standard configuration blocks. Colours match (one red block left floating?) But the stereo won't come on. Goes to come on and display even starts to light up then goes dead. Have tried two head units. Same on both. Any ideas? Thank you.

7 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

You need to get a stereo adapter specific to your car. It allows you to install an aftermarket stereo withour cutting the stock wiring. Any parts or stereo store should be able to get you one.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, September 1st, 2013 AT 11:24 PM

STUDIO DANJI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you. I thought this was the case but was advised otherwise at halfords. It was suggested that the red block was for stock display but I suspected it is for steering wheel controls. It is a vauxhall wiring system on this model so has a standard configuration for this period. All pins/wires match up block to block. No fuses appear to be blown. This car is purely to get me by for maybe 6 months so should I just run a fused lead from the battery with an isolator on the dashboard and bypass the stock power lead? Many thanks for your reply.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 2nd, 2013 AT 12:02 AM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

The wires are probably for steering wheel controls and sometimes for the trip meter as well. Try not to cut stock wiring and yes running a straight power lead would work. Just check into the proper amperage fuse, I would guess 10 amps, to use.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 2nd, 2013 AT 5:01 PM

STUDIO DANJI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Your guess of 10amp is spot on and thanks again. I'll go with the dedicated power option.
:)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013 AT 7:56 AM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

I am pretty sure it will work out as 10 amps should be about right. You can always try a smaller one but it will probably blow. However you want the smallest one possible for the most protection.
I have had tons of accessories powered directly from my Integra which has 7 extra gauges, MSD ignition, Fan controller and a few other items all directly into the battery. I use an insert that goes under the battery post with electrical connector tabs on it to clean up the mess. The best suggestion I have is always have a really good ground when adding accessories and even create new ground wires if you can. From any electrical area or around it to a neutral spot.
I hope it works out for you and come back anytime you need anything else.
Take care

Dr. C