Saab 9-3 stereo 2001 to 2006
As this is a very common question on our emails the time has come to try and explain what options are available …
Saab 9-3 2001 to 2006 models:
The audio system on the 2001 to 2006 model uses a fibre optic ring. This fibre ring connects the stereo (display unit), the EMU, the Amplifier and CD Changer. This means that the stereo system on the 9-3 requires the fibre optic ring to be intact to operate correctly. Apart from the Audio System the top dash SID (Saab info display) requires the stereo to be operational, as do the indicator / warning chimes.
Can I change the stereo on 2001 to 2006 models ?
The short answer is: No, it is not at all easy (or practical ).
Issues: the “stereo” (the unit underneath the airvents) is not really a stereo at all. It is more of an information terminal and you cannot just remove it from the vehicle. This “stereo” communicates with the EHU unit fibre optically. The EHU is more like the “stereo”, but also handles fibre optic bus communications and is located directly behind the heater control panel. The CD changer is also connected to this unit (single or 6CD). The EHU then passes audio to the vehicle amplifier, fibre optically. Breaking the fibre optic ring will disable Indicator and warning tones – doing this will make a UK vehicle fail it’s MOT.
There are also no Stereo facias or interfaces for these years of vehicles. With the very basic stereo some DIY installs have fitted a single DIN unit where the CD changer was located and re-wired the speakers directly to it. They made a custom facia.
Have also seen Navigation (ICM3) units where the screen has been removed and a mobile phone glued in place behind what was the screen – very inventive but not easy to do. Added to this the battery on the mobile will not like being recharged and never discharged. It is a “work-around” but is it the solution ?
Can I fit a Handsfree Car Kit with Handsfree only or with Bluetooth Music as well ?
The short answer is: Yes
You can fit a Bluetooth handsfree only or a handsfree kit with music streaming as well. THB Bury do a range of car kits. Parrot no longer supply handsfree car kits.
Handsfree Only: Parrot CK3000 Evo or Parrot CK3100
Handsfree and Music: Parrot MKi9000, MKi9100 or MKi9200 and Bury CC9048, CC9058, CC9068. any of these kits can also be used as handsfree only, if required.
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Comments (5)
Hi I have a Saab 9-3 aero convertible and I’m trying to fit a sub and amp, there is no amp under the drivers or passengers seats I have popped the rear panel speakers out and was think of attaching my line out converter to them speakers, I know it would be better to attach it to the front door speakers but that seems like a lot, I have already spent 4 days on this, also is the amp located in the rear panel behind the speaker ? And if so passenger or drivers side ?
Hello Simon,
Is the 9-3 convertible a UK car ?
Also, what year is the convertible ?
Regards
Hi Philip,
I have installed the Parrot mki9200 using the iso lead that you supply to the Tel1 port and the line in plug swapped in the big moulded plug in the car harness. I have finally tried to use the line in to play some music and it only appears to come out of the top right dash speaker and not the full stereo system like when you used the factory fitted line in. Is this normal?
Jason
Hello Jason,
The music will go through all speakers.
Did you follow the setup instructions ? It would appear that the “mute on streaming” has not been disabled, as this is why the music is through one speaker.
Hi Philip,
Thank you. You were right. I forgot I had had to do a factory reset as I was having an intermittent power fault. All sorted now. Thanks again.