SC-901 questions

Hello all, I've just bought a 1999 V70R AWD and there are a few niggles with the stereo so thought I'd seek some advice from the professionals! ;-) Firstly the 3 disc changer doesn't take the cds it just cycles through them and doesn't play them. It seems to load them but not play. Any ideas? Or is it stuffed?! They are original cds so not CDRs or anything. If it is stuffed do Volvo still do their exchange policy. Secondly, the centre speaker doesn't seem to work on the prologic and 3ch setting Does the prologic and 3CH setting only work with cds (along with above issue I can't obviousl check!) or should they both work with radio too? I've checked the volume and that is on full. The centre din cable at the back seems to be in ok but it doesn't seem to "click" in it just goes in. Is it worth checking the amp/wiring? which I believe to be under the drivers seat? Please correct me if I am wrong!! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance Paul

Hi, just saw your post - no time to reply properly at the moment, however here's something that I wrote a while back about stuck CDs and a recycling head unit! Here's a detailed account of how to sort stuck CDs out! I had the same problem as you are having. I took the the unit out of the car disconnecting the ariel and the two connectors plus the amplifier. I took the top of the unit off undoing the screws at the back of the unit and found that the mechanism was stuck so the system was running a continual cycle trying to put the cd back into the cartridge when another was stuck in below. The "lift" mechanism is spring loaded and I managed to use a pen putting it into the central hole of the top CD and managed to push it back into the cartridge moving the lower CD into place. This did happen twice, the second time I left the CD connected in the car and managed to help the CD on its way with help from the CD motor. It is an awkward job - you should put the gear lever into second if it is a manual and then use a soft cloth to balance the player on the gear lever whilst working on it - be careful that you don't damage the facia whilst it is in that position as the back of the player can be a bit sharp. I cannot recommend that you keep the CD connected to the car electrical system for obvious health and safety issues in case you electrify yourself, however if you want to go ahead it's your decision - it worked for me. I would recommend that you take the CD out and work on it on a table first then you can see how the mechansism works and it might free itself with a bit of help from you and a pen. __________________

Oh, by the way, according to a Volvo workshop manual on the 900 head unit the pro-logic doesn't work with the radio - however there may have been a change with the 901. The centre speaker Pro-Logic only works on the cassette and CD setting and works very subtly when set on tPro-Logic, so you may not hear it!

I have experienced a similar problem with my unit, especially in cold damp weather. It's mainly due to condensation forming on the CD, making it hard for the unit to locate the data. This is more common with "home made" CD's, but will also affect pressed commercial ones. Once the car warmed up and the disks were dry the problem went away

Have you tried a 'reset' ? On the r/h side of the unit you will find a mounting track held on by 3 screws, removing this should expose a small rectangular hole, if you look closely you will see a rubber 'tit' on the circuit board, give it a press with something non metallic such as a cotton bud, this may or may not work but is worth a go before you have to fork out your hard earned. John