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9-3 Aero Double Din install begins!

24K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  aerojon 
#1 ·
Well after a long weeks wait all the bits for the install are here, fingers crossed everything works ok. I have a late prefacelift car with the facelift style dash which makes the DD possible.

After much mooching about on line I decided to go for a Pioneer App Headunit, basically there's no CD slot and everything is linked straight from your iPhone (4/4s) as the update for the iPhone 5 isn't out yet these can be had for less than half of the original RRP and I have no intention of upgrading any time soon. When it comes to the facia, fitting kit and ISO connector you have to shop around as prices vary, I got mine from 3 different places and saved around £40.

The jury is out on this being an easy install, time will tell. I'll update once I get started.

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#6 ·
With a bit of info from the company that supplied the cable I now have sound, connected the HU amp power cable to a spare on the ISO and that powers up the Saab amp but there is some back ground interferance and the volume is mega sensitive. That cable may be an option will have to keep looking around.
 
#7 ·
Davegt. I find your post extremely interesting and think will follow your lead You seam to have a expert eye on this fitting. Was realy hard to do and could you list the parts that are needed. Also you don't have any photos of the finished product do you so I can see what it looks like I have had a look at the double din app radio and to be honest I didn't know about them but they are right up my street as I never use cd in the car I use my iPhone on a jack. Lastly where did you purchase your from the pioneer website? Cheers
 
#8 · (Edited)
Hey Shortie, I got the HU from Halfords, ordered online and collected at my local store. The install only started today and there's still a big hole in my dash. I've got everything working but I'm not 100% happy with the way the HU connects to the built in Saab amp at the mo, volume at 5 on the HU sounds more like it would at 25 normally, very loud! I could live with it but I'd rather have more control if that makes sense!

I'll get a list up and pic's once I'm happy with the set up. Dash looks like this at the mo

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Compact car Multimedia
 
#10 ·
Many hours of reading has given me a head ache, from what I can see I can either have a cable that makes the headunit work with the Saab amp and loose the steering wheel controls or I can have the steering wheel controls and limited control over the volume as the headunit amp is boosting the power of the saab amp.

I may have found a solution via a local audit specialist who can make a loom to suit, I'll report back once I been over to seen them.

I really should have waited 'till after the move, I'm meant to be sorting the house and packing!
 
#12 · (Edited)
Wife isn't happy but she's knows where the boxes are (hope she doesn't read this lol )

Project is on hold now, the headunit I had only had one set of preouts and I need a min of two so it was returned, the main problem I had was that the ISO connectors I found did either the steering wheel controls or the preouts but not both, looking at making two looms into one but I'll start again in Feb when I've unpacked and I have a warm double gareg to work in!
 
#13 ·
Sorry to hear HU didnt work but great help to me I was looking at the same unit from Halfords and was looking at them to fit it they told me it was a peice of cake. Read your post and a few reveivs about the Satnav on my phone cutting out every time you get a call and then you have to re-imput your route so decided not to get one. Rung a company called Road Radio they were very helpfull and explained that on the Saab there are 3 different set ups and this can make the fitting more awkward. I think my car has the same dash as yours 56 plate old shape car new dash with the crome surrond which reflects in window. I think my amp is in the boot and they said that the normal leads wont work with that Saab set up. They said can be done but more difficault not sure if they have a shop near you but may be worth a call.
Hope the install goes well enjoy cluttering up the new garage and pics please would love to see how it comes out.
Regards
Dan
 
#16 ·
The lack of 4x line out with the pioneer DA100 can solved by either;
-splice the line out available to both front and rear wires in the connectors at some point. You would also have to remove / disconnect the pins that connect from the amplified head unit outputs. This would remove fader control though.

- wire a 0.25W, 10 kohm resistor in line with each of the amplified outputs before they get to the rear amp. Could be wired in boot or behind dash. You can buy these which do the same thing http://www.amazon.co.uk/T1-Audio-T1-601-Channel-Converter/dp/B001T2KZ1M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_2

- bypass the rear amp. Bridge the wires on the loom that go in and out of the amp in boot. Head unit then directly powers the speakers.

I really like the look of that pioneer unit, has everything I want.... Except 4x line outs!
 
#18 ·
Well after a long weeks wait all the bits for the install are here, fingers crossed everything works ok. I have a late prefacelift car with the facelift style dash which makes the DD possible.

After much mooching about on line I decided to go for a Pioneer App Headunit, basically there's no CD slot and everything is linked straight from your iPhone (4/4s) as the update for the iPhone 5 isn't out yet these can be had for less than half of the original RRP and I have no intention of upgrading any time soon. When it comes to the facia, fitting kit and ISO connector you have to shop around as prices vary, I got mine from 3 different places and saved around £40.

The jury is out on this being an easy install, time will tell. I'll update once I get started.

View attachment 1925
I am about to install a Pioneer F900BT in my Saab 9-3 Aero and wondered how you got on with your install? Did you install a steering wheel control adaptor? Did taking the Saab unit out cause you to lose warning chimes or park assist chimes( if you have it).Any assistance greatly appreciated.
 
#20 ·
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