Saab 9-5 Audio System (1998-2005)

Information from the Saab Workshop Information System

Brief description (without navigation)

Note:
AS1 = Popular (Clarion)
AS2 = Premium (Pioneer)
AS3 = Prestige (Harman/Kardon)

General

The Saab Audio System is a complete sound system for the car, including radio reception and a number of other functions.

The audio system is equipped with an electronic theft protection system that interacts with the car by the audio system being “married” to the car and accordingly linked to the car it was first installed in. A check is carried out each time the audio system is turned on to make sure the correct audio system is being used.

The audio system is available in three models: Premium, Prestige and Popular. Each system contains the following units:

• Main unit: - Radio
- Cassette player (Premium and Prestige only)
- CD Player
• SID (display)
• Amplifier (Premium and Prestige only)
• Speakers
• Antenna system
• Steering wheel switches
• CD changer (option)

Main unit
The main unit is central to the Saab Audio System and is located in the centre console. The radio, cassette player and CD player are integrated with the main unit. The main unit also contains the controls for the various functions of the audio system.
The main unit communicates with the various other units and systems via the car's bus and wiring harnesses.

Radio
The radio module in the audio system is an AM/FM receiver with PLL frequency synthesis for the precise tuning of stations. It is factory-programmed to the frequency bands (2 x 6 AM and 3 x 6 FM) used in the various markets. If there is a loss of power (e.g., the battery is removed), none of the preset stations will be lost.

The audio system fitted to cars for the EU market incorporates RDS radio based on the double tuner system, which improves the quality of RDS reception and RDS radio services.

Cassette Player
The cassette player is front-feed. The mechanical functions are fully microprocessor-controlled to reduce the load on the tape. Auto-reverse, track search and blank skip are included.

CD Player
The CD player is front-feed with display for the compact disc inserted. The disc drawer holds 1 disc (diam. 8 or 12 cm). Random play and scan functions are included.

Display
The audio system uses the SID to show the current settings for the selected source. The main unit transmits the display information on the bus, from where SID reads it.

Amplifier
The Premium and Prestige audio systems both have external amplifiers. The amplifier in the Prestige system has a higher output power than the Premium. It is available in two models, one for the 4D and one for the 5D.

Premium has 7 output channels and Prestige 9 output channels for speakers. The two additional output channels on the Prestige system are for bass speakers in the parcel shelf on the 4D or on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment on 5D.

The amplifier has a separate power supply. It is not connected to the bus.

Speakers
The Premium and Prestige audio systems have side and centre speakers in the dashboard and speakers in the front and rear doors. The Prestige system also includes bass speakers in the parcel shelf on 4D cars and one bass speaker on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment on 5D cars.

The Popular audio system has side speakers in the dashboard and speakers in the rear doors.

Antenna system (4D)
There are two different types of antenna system for radio reception:

• Antenna system 1 consists of an AM and an FM antenna with an antenna amplifier. System 1 is fitted to the car as standard in the EU and PA markets.
Antenna system 1 is also used for a make of radio different to that used by Saab in the Saab Audio System.

• Antenna system 2 consists of an AM, an FM1 and an FM2 antenna with an antenna amplifier. System 2 is fitted as standard in cars for the US and JP markets.
Antenna system 2 can only be used for the main units of the Premium and Prestige systems.

The antennas are fitted to the rear window. The AM antenna forms a separate loop and the FM antennas are integrated with the heating element on the rear window. The rear window is the same for both antenna systems, which allows the option of upgrading from antenna system 1 to 2.

The antenna amplifier is powered from the main unit and the amplified antenna signal is supplied to the radio via a coaxial cable.

Antenna system (5D)
There are two different types of antenna system for radio reception:

• Antenna system 1 is intended for audio system: Popular, Premium and Prestige and comprises:
- an AM and FM antenna with antenna amplifier and coaxial cable for connecting between the amplifier and the main unit.

• Antenna system 2 is intended for audio systems: Premium and Prestige and comprises:
- an AM and FM antenna with antenna amplifier and coaxial cable for connecting between the amplifier and the main unit.
- an FM antenna with antenna amplifier and a coaxial cable for connecting between the two antenna amplifiers.

The AM/FM antenna is located in the rear right side window and its antenna amplifier in the roof above the rear right side window.

The FM antenna is located in the rear left side window and its antenna amplifier in the roof above the rear left side window.

The antenna system can be upgraded to antenna system 2 on markets where antenna system 1 is fitted as standard.

The antenna amplifier is powered from the main unit and the amplified antenna signal is supplied to the radio via a coaxial cable.

CD changer
A CD changer is available as an accessory for fitting in the luggage compartment of 4D and 5D models. The CD changer cartridge holds 6 CDs.

The CD changer is connected to the bus, via which it communicates with the main unit. It is activated (powered) when it receives a “Wake-up” signal from the main unit via the bus. The sound signal (balanced line output) from the CD changer is sent to the amplifier and speakers via the main unit.

The car is prewired for a CD changer as standard.

Steering wheel switches
The steering wheel is fitted with special switches to enable the most important functions of the audio system to be operated simply and reliably.

The switches are connected to SID which reads their positions and sends information to the main unit via the bus.

P-bus and I-bus
Attachment 7308
All control modules in the Saab 9-5 are connected to the bus with the exception of ABS and SRS. For cars with Traction Control, the TC/ABS control module is connected to the bus.

The bus allows large quantities of data to be sent between the control modules using only two cables. The bus is divided into a Powertrain bus (P-bus) and an Instrument bus (I-bus).

The Trionic, TCM and TC/ABS powertrain systems require fast data communication so that no noticeable delays occur, e.g. for torque limitation when changing gear.

Trionic, TCM and TC/ABS are connected to the P-bus, on which data transfer is ten times faster than on the I-bus.
The P-bus and I-bus are connected to MIU. MIU is responsible for making information on one bus available to the other bus.

The diagnostic instrument is not connected directly to the bus but communicates via the DICE, one of the control modules connected to the I-bus, and so has access to all control modules connected to the bus.

Vehicle speed data is important for many control modules. Since ABS is not connected to the bus, the vehicle speed signal is sent on a separate lead from ABS to MIU. MIU then sends the data over the buses. In cars with Traction Control, the TC/ABS sends vehicle speed data to the MIU via the P-bus.

Main Components

Attachment 7315	4D 1. Main Unit (353) • Radio - Cassette - CD player (Premium/Prestige) • Radio/CD player (Popular) 2. SID (display) (541) 3. Amplifier, Premium/Prestige (354) 4. Speaker (266) 5. Antenna (625) 6. Antenna filter (644) 7. Antenna amplifier (624) 8. Steering wheel switches (633) 9. CD changer, option (355)
Attachment 7316	5D 1. Main Unit (353) • Radio - Cassette - CD player (Premium/Prestige) • Radio/CD player (Popular) 2. SID (display) (541) 3. Amplifier, Premium/Prestige (354) 4. Speaker (266) 5. Antenna (625) 6. Antenna amplifier (624) 7. Steering wheel switches (633) 8. CD changer, option (355)

System overview

Attachment 7317	Premium (4D) • Main Unit (353) • SID (541) • Amplifier (354) • Speaker, centre dashboard (266FC) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, driver's door (266D) • Speaker, passenger door (266P) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Antenna (625) • Antenna filter (644) • Antenna amplifier (624) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)
Attachment 7310	Prestige (4D) • Main Unit (353) • SID (541) • Amplifier (354) • Speaker, centre dashboard (266FC) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, driver's door (266D) • Speaker, passenger door (266P) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Speaker, left parcel shelf (266RL) • Speaker, right parcel shelf (266RR) • Antenna (625) • Antenna filter (644) • Antenna amplifier (624) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)
Attachment 7311	Popular (4D) • Main Unit (353) • SID (541) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Antenna (625) • Antenna filter (644) • Antenna amplifier (624) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)

Attachment 7312	Premium (5D) • Main Unit (353) • SID (541) • Amplifier (354) • Speaker, centre dashboard (266FC) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, driver's door (266D) • Speaker, passenger door (266P) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Antenna (625RR) alt. (625RR 625RL) • Antenna amplifier (624RR) alt. (624RR and 624RL) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)
Attachment 7313	Prestige (5D) • Head unit (353) • SID (541) • Amplifier (354) • Speaker, centre dashboard (266FC) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, driver's door (266D) • Speaker, passenger door (266P) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Speaker, luggage compartment, left (266RL) • Speaker luggage compartment, right (266RR) • Antenna (625RR) alt. (625RR 625RL) • Antenna amplifier (624RR) alt. (624RR and 624RL) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)
Attachment 7314	Popular (5D) • Main Unit (353) • SID (541) • Speaker, left dashboard (266LF) • Speaker, right dashboard (266FR) • Speaker, left rear door (266RPL) • Speaker, right rear door (266RPR) • Antenna (625RR) • Antenna amplifier (624RR) • Steering wheel switches (633) • CD changer, option (355)

Volume-preset mode

To select the volume-preset mode, press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch the Audio System on. Use the SEEK button to select the desired function.

The following volume settings can be preselected:

• STARTVOL – maximum volume level when the Audio System is switched on
• TELVOL – preset volume level when an in-car phone is activated
• SP D VOL – speed-dependent volume. The Audio System will automatically adjust the volume level to compensate for background noise, such as road noise, which increases with vehicle speed.
• LOUDNESS ON/OFF – boosting of the highest and lowest frequency ranges to enhance the sound image when the volume is set to a low level.

Adjusting the volume

The default setting for START VOL is volume setting 9, and that for TEL VOL is volume setting 14 (the highest volume setting is 30).

• START VOL
• TELVOL

To change the volume setting:

• Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio System.
• After START VOL appears, release the BAND button.
• Adjust the starting volume using the volume knob.
• Wait 10 seconds or press one of the buttons on the bottom row of the Audio System, e.g. RADIO or BAND, to save the new volume setting.

Speed-dependent volume (SP D VOL) ON/OFF

To change the default setting:

The default setting for this function is ON.

• Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio System.
• After START VOL appears, release the BAND button.
• Select SP D VOL using
• Select ON or OFF using the VOL control.
• Wait 10 seconds or press one of the buttons on the bottom row of the Audio System, e.g. RADIO or BAND, to save the new default setting.

Loudness ON/OFF

To change the default setting:

The default setting for this function is ON.

– Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio System.
– After START VOL appears, release the BAND button.
– Select LOUDNESS using
– Select ON or OFF using the VOL control.
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the buttons on the bottom row of the Audio System, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new default setting.

General

The Premium and Prestige audio systems each contain a separate amplifier unit which supplies the speakers in the system. The amplifier is connected to the wiring harness via a 39-pin connector.

The amplifier for Prestige is available in two models, one for 4D and one for 5D cars. As the sub-woofer system for 5D cars is different, having another speaker element and location, the power amplifier outputs for the sub-woofer system require other characteristics.

The difference compared with Prestige for the 4D is that another type of signal filtering is required in the amplifier in order to drive the speaker element in the sub-woofer cabinet on the 5D.

Note
Physically, the Prestige amplifiers for 4D and 5D cars are the same in appearance and connectors, so that it is possible to connect an amplifier intended for a 5D car into a 4D car. The sound quality from the sub-woofer will not be satisfactory, however, as it will be driven too hard. In the other case, if an amplifier for a 4D car is fitted into a 5D, the sub-woofer reproduction will sound washy.

Function

• The amplifier unit is powered separately (+30) from fuse 13 to pins 1 and 2 in the amplifier connector. When the audio system is activated, trigger voltage is simultaneously supplied by pin 7 in the head unit to pin 12 in the amplifier connector. The trigger voltage activates the amplifier.

• Audio - the input signal (four channels) is supplied by the head unit line outputs to the amplifier. Two channels are used for the front speaker and two for the rear (fader function).
• Audio Premium - the output signal (6 + 1 channels) from the amplifier to the front and rear speakers.
• Audio Prestige - the output signal (8 + 1 channels) from the amplifier to the front and rear speakers.
• Mute control - is supplied by pin 5 in the head unit to pin 11 in the amplifier connector to disconnect the sound. It prevents a clicking sound from being heard in the speakers when the ignition is switched on and off.

Attachment 10516Attachment 10515

Theft protection

General
The audio system is equipped with electronic theft protection. Information concerning the theft-protection device is connected in the form of a code to the audio system of the car in which it is installed. Programming is performed with the diagnostic tool.

Function
The theft protection prevents theft by the main unit and CD changer being “married” to the car. If they have not been “married”, RADIO CODE or CDC CODE will be displayed when the audio system is turned on.

The audio system checks the validity of the theft protection information (if they are “married”) at regular intervals. This also applies if +30 has been temporarily disconnected. If the information is not correct, RADIO LOCKED will be displayed.

If a CD changer has been installed in the car, it will also have unique theft protection information. If the information on the CD changer is not correct (not “married”), CDC LOCKED will be displayed when the CD changer is selected.

Important
The audio system is “married/divorced” to/from the car with the diagnostic tool. Divorce can only be performed in the original vehicle, and with the correct ignition key in the ignition switch.

Replacing the main unit in the audio system

General
The main unit and CD changer (CDC) in the Saab 9-5 have a new type of theft protection. The main unit and the CD changer are both connected to the I bus. When the main unit and CD changer are installed for the first time, they are married to the vehicle. This is a process that is carried out using Tech 2. During the marriage, the main unit and CD changer identify theft protection information from the car. As from now, the main unit and CD changer will only work in this vehicle. Therefore, the Saab 9-5 does not need a radio code.

This also means that a main unit and CD changer being removed from a Saab 9-5 must be divorced from the vehicle before removal unless it is to be refitted into the same car.

Note

• If the main unit or CD changer is DIVORCED, SID shows “RADIO CODE” or “CDC CODE” on activation.
• If the main unit or CD changer is still married to another Saab 9-5, SID will display “RADIO LOCKED” or “CDC LOCKED” on activation. To be able to divorce any of the units with Tech 2, the procedure must be performed in the vehicle to which the unit is married.

Do I lose my anti-theft alarm by installing an aftermarket stereo?

No, the audio system is completely seperate from the anti-theft system.

Hi Franck, I'm very impressed by this topic fully documented ! My 2009 9-5 is equipped with a Pioneer Avic HD3. It's quite nice and sounds great . My only problem is that the signal of sound in the rear doors is very weak. I have to find out what's going on there.

I tried this today:
Programmable functions / Volume-preset mode / Section #3.

Speed-dependent volume (SP D VOL) ON/OFF

To change the default setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.

"Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio System.
After START VOL appears,..."

Naturally I couldn't get it to work as described. The sound does move around from one speaker to the next, which I suppose is some kind of test mode to confirm they'are all hooked up and working but the options do not appear in the display on the radio. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pbuck1

I tried this today:
Programmable functions / Volume-preset mode / Section #3.

Speed-dependent volume (SP D VOL) ON/OFF

To change the default setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.

"Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio System.
After START VOL appears,..."

Naturally I couldn't get it to work as described. The sound does move around from one speaker to the next, which I suppose is some kind of test mode to confirm they'are all hooked up and working but the options do not appear in the display on the radio. :(

---

------------

I've gotten them to work and have adjusted my 9-5 Aero. I recall it took me a few times to get the sequence to get it to work. If I remember correctly, I found the info in my manual, too.

I didn't quite understand what the issue was, or what you ultimate goal was.
What specific adjustment were you trying to accomplish?
We're you trying to adjust one specific? Start up volume, the speed volume option?


I also had posted a follow up to #5, Theft Protection but was moved someplace (not sure where, nor why) I explained and described how and why when swapping radios or CD changers that you don't need to have it divorced first in the original car. You do, however, need the VIN of the donor car, and access to a Tech 2 Tool (or a mechanic who has it)