[washdup]

Pulled and opened my 816 to replace a bulb, then put everything back together and reinstalled the HU. Radio works, amp works, but now I get EEEEE when I press the CHGR button, which used to activate the iPod via the USA-Spec interface thingamajig. I double-checked the external cable connections and looks good. Didn't take the HU apart again tho. Ideas/suggestions, please.

[yangotang]

EEEE means disconnected, usually.

did you check to make sure your usaspec was still working?

did you make sure that only the passenger side of the BBK was installed and not the driver's side?

[washdup]

yangotang, on 02 November 2009 - 09:55 PM, said:

EEEE means disconnected, usually.

did you check to make sure your usaspec was still working?

did you make sure that only the passenger side of the BBK was installed and not the driver's side?

Yeah, the question is *what* is disconnected. Like I said, the cables look good. The USA spec has no switch or light on it to see if it's working. But the iPod is staying dark, so there's no connection for sure. What about that ribbon thingy inside the HU? Could that be disconnected? I'd think there'd be no radio either, tho.

BBK = SOLD!

[beadgc23]

The USA•SPEC will charge the iPod even if the HU is off, so if you're not seeing the battery charging icon on the iPod my first guess is that it's not getting power. Check the 12V & ACC leads to see if they're well connected - scotchloc tap-ins can work loose - and spray some electronic cleaner into the big multipin DIN style connectors (power off first!)

washdup, on 03 November 2009 - 01:11 AM, said:

Yeah, the question is *what* is disconnected. Like I said, the cables look good. The USA spec has no switch or light on it to see if it's working. But the iPod is staying dark, so there's no connection for sure. What about that ribbon thingy inside the HU? Could that be disconnected? I'd think there'd be no radio either, tho.

The USA•SPEC adapter has a small +12V connector for accessory power - if it's "on" then that will be active. Check it with a meter.

[washdup]

I'm wondering if something internal to the HU, since all I did with the USA spec was disconnect it at the HU and then reconnect it.

[beadgc23]

Lets take it step by step - is your iPod charging?

[washdup]

beadgc23, on 03 November 2009 - 02:12 PM, said:

Lets take it step by step - is your iPod charging?

It's dark with the stereo on now, so no.

[beadgc23]

washdup, on 03 November 2009 - 05:18 PM, said:

It's dark with the stereo on now, so no.

Right - so no power to the USA•SPEC. You've got 2 cables on the CPB-VOL cable (which is what you ought to have for sc-xxx compatibility), red & yellow. Red for the ACC power, yellow for BATT (constant 12V) I'd get new crimp connectors (or better, solder them on to the lines to the HU) It's possible that the cable has failed internally or at the multipin connector, so use contact cleaner. In any case, double check this cable and the ipod cable too for bent pins etc. If you have a multimeter, you could check the accessory power connector on the white interface box to verify. Hope this helps!

NB - I'll bet there's nothing wrong with the 816!

washdup, on 03 November 2009 - 09:59 AM, said:

I'm wondering if something internal to the HU, since all I did with the USA spec was disconnect it at the HU and then reconnect it.

...and stressed the power connections to the interface by removing the HU. Ask me how I know blah blah Where did you tap in to get +12V & ACC?

[washdup]

I did not check those connections. Good call. I did solder them, but with all the removal and install the HU gets with bulbs going out intermittently, that could very well be the issue. Will report back, probably after the weekend when I can do this in broad daylight.

[washdup]

CORRECTION: I double-checked and the iPod IS activated with the car on, so it is receiving power. Still getting the EEEEE message upon pushing the CHGR button.

[washdup]

I pulled the HU today and checked the yellow and red connections. I re-soldered the yellow, as it looked a bit loose. Removed the front panel of the HU and made sure the ribbon was snug. Double-checked the connections at iPod, USA box, and then reconnected everything. Still EEEEE.

I don't think it would be the red or yellow wires, since those are power, and the iPod is charging when the car's power is on. I'd hate to pay to have a stereo shop to troubleshoot it, but I'm really starting to miss my songlist.

[beadgc23]

Think you could use another HU to check yours against. Do you have access to one? NB You could probably buy another 816 for less than an hour's bench time at an audio shop.

[washdup]

That's a great idea, but wouldn't the USA Spec have to be wired in to do an adequate test?

[beadgc23]

washdup, on 07 November 2009 - 08:19 PM, said:

That's a great idea, but wouldn't the USA Spec have to be wired in to do an adequate test?

I'm thinking...try another HU with the existing cables. That is , plug your USA•SPEC into another HU changer port. I have one lying around in decent shape, I replaced the bulbs (without issues) and then went to a 901.

As an aside, a 901 & amp is a huge improvement over the 816...

[washdup]

I have a T5 (40w) amp in now, and it did help the poor SC816 quite a bit. My '04 had a very nice HU in it. Can't remember what the number was. It had dolby and center channel. 4-disk.

Ok, back to topic. Do you think the test would work even without a power source?

[beadgc23]

washdup, on 07 November 2009 - 10:10 PM, said:

I have a T5 (40w) amp in now, and it did help the poor SC816 quite a bit. My '04 had a very nice HU in it. Can't remember what the number was. It had dolby and center channel. 4-disk.

Ok, back to topic. Do you think the test would work even without a power source?

Not sure I understand - my thought is that you remove your 816 and replace it with another, plugging your existing ipod interface into the changer port. If the ipod is charging (hopefully the USA•SPEC is working) then try swapping out the other component, using the existing wiring. If THAT doesn't work, then either the SPEC is supplying power but not data or the cable between the two is fubared.

[washdup]

Ok, following up on your suggestion, I found a Volvo head unit that has a CD changer input (a buddy at work here has an 850 Turbo); I think it's an SC-815. He replaced his HU with a Pioneer unit and kept the old one. So I'll try that when he brings it in and will of course report the results.

I can see why you don't understand the question; it doesn't make sense. Forget I wrote that!!!

[washdup]

It was an SC-811, but it has a CD changer input. After connecting everything and pressing the "CD" button on the SC-811, nothing. The radio just kept playing and no message on the screen at all.

[washdup]

I just double-checked the USA Spec website. The unit I have should be compatible with all older 94-00 Volvo head units. It's possible something has gone wrong with my USA Spec unit.

[mkc70]

washdup, on 13 November 2009 - 12:13 PM, said:

I just double-checked the USA Spec website. The unit I have should be compatible with all older 94-00 Volvo head units. It's possible something has gone wrong with my USA Spec unit.

True, but that should be for the HON model adapter with the additional changer cable needed for 99 and older models. Uncertain what vehicle or adapter that is being referred.