Volvo Radio Replacement
8/1/2015
First, if you have to remove the radio. The standard Volvo radios use standard DIN removal tools. These are available at many places. Some people have used coat-hanger wire, which will release the latches holding the radio. The regular tools will release the latches and also hook the radio to be pulled out.
For anyone who's thinking about upgrading your OEM Volvo speakers here's the Speaker Wiring Codes for Generation I VN's .
These codes are the same for Gen I and Gen II VN's.
| Connection | Wire Code |
| Radio/CD Radio Feed (Power) | 490 |
| CD Radio Power Stud Feed | 491 |
| Radio Battery Feed | 492 |
 |
|
| Door Speaker Left, Positive | 497L+ |
| Door Speaker Left, Negative | 497L- |
| Door Speaker Right, Positive | 497R+ |
| Door Speaker Right, Negative | 497R- |
| Rear Speaker, Left, Positive | 498LR+ |
| Rear Speaker, Left, Negative | 498LR- |
| Rear Speaker, Right, Positive | 498RR+ |
| Rear Speaker, Right, Negative | 498RR- |
| Dash Speaker, Left, Positive | 499LF+ |
| Dash Speaker, Left, Negative | 499LF- |
| Dash Speaker, Right, Positive | 499RF+ |
| Dash Speaker, Right, Negative | 499RF- |
| Lower Left Rear, Positive | L+ |
| Lower Left Rear, Negative | L- |
| Lower Right Rear, Positive | R+ |
| Lower Right Rear, Negative | R- |
| Subwoofer Coil 1, Positive | S1+ |
| Subwoofer Coil 1, Negative | S1- |
| Subwoofer Coil 2, Positive | S2+ |
| Subwoofer Coil 2, Negative | S2- |
Note:
You may find that your rear speaker wires read:
498LA, 498LB, 498RA & 498RB
If the above URL doesn't work, go to Crutchfield.com and do a search for Item number 120701692 = In-dash stereo wiring harness for select Dodge, Mitsubishi, Plymouth, and Subaru models, 1979-up.
This photo is a Link to a picture of The Wandering Bevington (Bill)'s OEM Male & Female Radio Harness Connectors.
A picture of Bill's OEM Male & Female Radio Harness Connectors.
These connectors are for the Pre-2003 Volvos (left) and the Post-2003 Volvos (right) are found at BigRigStereo. You'll need a pair of GM Din radio removal tools, GM Delphi Radiko Removal Tool 
and 
that are inserted into a pair of small holes on either side of the factory radio to release the locking tabs on the OEM radio.
The tools should be available at most stereo shops in your area, for free if you purchase a stereo at Crutchfield.com and in many cases in the car audio department at your friendly neighborhood Wally World or you can take your luck with fabricating a pair out of clothes hanger wire.
BTW, generally there is a nut on the back of the radio that has to be removed before the radio will come out of the dash.
Note:
If you opt to purchase your upgraded stereo items at Crutchfield.com and your a first time customer they have a Referral Program that will get you $20 off your first order of $200 or more if you have a referral code from a previous customer.
If you need a referral code from a previous customer feel free to use either Bill's referral code number pua1t-x1erz-bi62a or 5th_Wheeler (Jon)'s referral code number pfbe4-pt2vz-xyi8f on your first order so you can save $20 on your purchase.