Which Bit of the Stereo has the Security Code?

bit puzzled MY07 never had a cd multi changer MY03-06 did..

Very likely it's the 03-06 model on an '07 plate then. It's always been identified as a "SAAB 9-3 VECTOR SPORT TID 2007" on documentation but I'm not familiar with the MY changes. Any ideas then?

If you need to know what car you have put the vin into www.thesaabsite.com and you get the build spec.
If its the later non optical and facelift dash there was a inbuilt 6 cd changer available in the head unit itself.
As to how the security works it will something from the motherboard of the headunit which is paired to the car.
It is simply added with Tech2 to the cars configuration and units no longer have to be divorced from a donor before being added with a Tech2 to another car.

easy way where is the changer located..Didn't think the my07 had a changer option..

My 57 plate with the facelift dash and old front had a built in 6X Cd changer head unit ...although on saabsite it says MY07 1/2
Later swapped it for a DAB unit.

I guess what I'm asking is what the cheapest way to have a working CD player is given that hols are approaching and with two little ones audiobooks on CD could be a winning idea for long trips. I've extracted the old unit (although it's back in for the time being) and I can't determine what is jamming the loader.

Where is the unit motherboard? Is it with the controls and display or with the mechanical bits? That seems like an easy fix if I can buy a second-hand unit with a rough control panel and just replace it (the front panel) with mine.

That's the facelift dash , so you should be able to swapp willy nilly !

Good excuse to upgrade to a pioneer,alpine kenwood unit..only issue then is you still have the crappy stock speakers.

pic has jogged memory,it was the rear changer they didn't bother keeping just the one in the dash..

aerojon said:

Good excuse to upgrade to a pioneer,alpine kenwood unit..only issue then is you still have the crappy stock speakers.

Click to expand...

I must have crap hearing because to me my stock speakers (2007 tid vert) sound superb with my Pioneer head unit.

I would always replace the head unit and try it before replacing speakers and amps because it seems to me that the head unit is the weak link.


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wezzel said:

I must have crap hearing because to me my stock speakers (2007 tid very) sound superb with my Pioneer head unit.

I would always replace the head unit and try it before replacing speakers and amps because it seems to me that the head unit is the weak link.


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Click to expand...

What he said^^^^

If you want to try and repair the changer have a look over on saabcentral.
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180577
Personally I would put in an aftermarket unit...I still have the original hu btw but would probably
put the unit back if the car was sold.
You can pickup used on Ebay but would have to be added with Tech2.

^^^^^ that link over on SC is for the MY03-06 single cd player(MoST fibre optic)..

the speakers in the saab are cheap paper cone ones(like most marques) which were not the best,I changed mine out few years ago and it was like night and day..

aerojon said:

^^^^^ that link over on SC is for the MY03-06 single cd player(MoST fibre optic)..

the speakers in the saab are cheap paper cone ones(like most marques) which were not the best,I changed mine out few years ago and it was like night and day..

Click to expand...

I agree..
Especially replacing the piddling rear parcel speakers for DECENT (heavy) 6 x 9's..
Ultimatly I got rid of the large 12" sub i had because the 6 x 9's are very nearly as good on their own!!
I prefer the boot space to be honest..
The rear 6 x 9's have been wired as a sub, if that makes sense...

Thanks guys - so far so good. Given that I don't know much about TECH 2, what /should/ I know? Also, if I decide to go aftermarket what should I know? The aperture is much taller than what I consider a standard unit and it used to be that you had to get looks to convert the connections. Really appreciate the advice - thanks again.

For a start you don't require tech 2 either with straight replacement or after market upgrade on your perticular 9-3 ,
If going straight swapp. You will have to remove the centre air vents ( a pain I've been told but once out the torx screws are visable )
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1233909#post1233909
Photos from saabcentral shows how to remove .
If your going upgrade the units you want are double din size
You will require certain leads and a cage .
https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/saab-double-din-car-stereo-fascia-panels.html
Dynamic sounds is your port of call
C2kev has done his own upgrade
So he should kniw more about the leads required .

Fantastic. Looking at cost and faff-factor I'll probably replace rather than upgrade. I've taken the unit out. Would this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272681904313 do the job and what's the deal with the code?

You will almost certainly need to have the hu added to the car with a Tech2(saab specific handheld computer)
Have a look over on uksaabs you may find someone local who can help you.
http://www.uksaabs.co.uk/UKS/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126762.

An aftermarket HU doesnt need to be paired but you can lose somediplay and control functionality.

So in case anyone is wanting the answer to the original question, the encoding is part of the main box, not the front panel. Annoyingly, having changed the head unit (and had it added via Tech2), I'm stuck with the same problem...