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dated 1999

From:  <Terry@cwix.com>
Subject: Install of CD-Changer in Saab 900, 9-3
To: sales@autotoys.com

I bought a Clarion CD for my Saab from you about 4 months ago. Through
guessing work and talking to others, I was able to install it myself in
about 1 hour.  Given I have never undertaken anything so "handy" before, I
am pretty proud of myself for doing such a professional job.

Over the last 4 months, about 10-15 people have asked how a CD changer is
installed in a Saab, especially from the alt.autos.saab newsgroup. Being
experienced in this one small area, I have replied with the
following. Feel free to modify it as post it on your site for other Saab
owners.  I have a 98 900SE but I would guess the instructions are good for
anyone with CD controls on their radio on any 92-98 900 and 99 9-3:

You'll need 2 flat screwdrivers, a sharp utility knife, a vice-grip or
strong pliers, knuckle skin and a little patience. It should take less
than 1 hour.

Take a good look at how the molded carpet liner is sitting in the molded
plastic before you begin - you'll need to get it back to that when you are
done.

Peel back the molded carpet liner from the rear corner (as it curves into
the rear of the trunk).  Expect to lose a few millimeters of knuckle as
you try to pull it up. You'll find the cable right in back of the wheel
well, twist-tied in a loop.

Figure out where the changer is going to go (make sure it is a Clarion
6-disk - I recommend the silver 635) and take a good general guess where
the hole for the cable to connect to the connector on the changer will go.

Take a sharp knife and make 2 1-inch cuts in an X so the wire can poke
through. The X has to be big enough to fit the L-shaped cable head. (If
you are going to remove the changer when you sell your car to when your
lease is over, duct tape the X closed from the inside of the carpet).  If
you try to run the cable underneath the carpet, you are all but guaranteed
to break or cut the cable because of how much it will be sticking out and
how much it will rub against the carpet and steel floor - not recommended.
 

**AUTOTOYS- From our experience in pre 98 Saabs, we was able to pull the cable out a few inches to give us enough slack which plugged into our compatible changer. No cutting involved. Factory parameters change quickly, this may not be applicable in your vehicle.

Run the cable through the X with just enough slack to reach the
changer. Do not undo the entire twist tie - the entire unwrapped wire
will "slap" around the trunk liner for the rest of the car's life -
causing a irritating thump at every turn.

Put the carpet back into place.  The carpet is stiff but surprisingly
flexible.  Use the screwdrivers to wedge the carpet back into place/shape.

Make sure you set the level on the changer to "vertical" (see the side of
the changer or read the manual).
 

**AUTOTOYS- Please make your adjustments “prior” to powering up the changer, if not, you may jam the changer and cartridge.

The CD install kit comes with 2 plates.  You'll need to break a "tab" off
one (only one) of the plates and use the pliers or vice-grip to fold the
other side of the plate onto itself so one plate ends up being very short,
as if 2 tabs were broken off.  This short plate will be the back one.

Screw the L-brackets onto the CD-changer (vertical-style) and place it
onto the carpet where the CD should ultimately go. Mark where the screw
holes touch.

Cut little X's in the carpet where you marked the 4 screw holes

Stick the adhesive pads to the bottom of the plates and slide them under
the carpet so the screws run up through the small holes. (This is a
little tricky, so be patient).

Push the plates down hard so the adhesive sticks.  If you lined the
changer up straight you should have no trouble screwing the butterfly
screws on.

Connect the cable to the changer.  You should hear a click when the wire
is connected properly. Get in the car.  Drive away enjoying your new music.

Good luck.




*****SEE OEM DEPARTMENT*****

 

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