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I promised to post this information a few days ago.
For some reason there seems to be a recent rash of head units that are not recognizing the CD changer in the 900. Mine is a ’97 900S and I have had the same problem. After using the “fix” consisting of pulling the fuse, etc. in the FAQ, it only lasted twice (very briefly) until it did not recognize the changer at all. “Doc” was one person on this board that gave me some good direction and indicated that it is a temporary solution at best and some have better success then others. From my understanding, it is a faulty chip that is apparently under warranty if you are the original owner (I’m not). Whether it is a chip or not, it was recognized as being faulty by Clarion/Saab. I also learned that going directly to a Saab dealer for the repair resulted in a quote of around $650!!
After calling Clarion (800-347-8667), they indicated I would need to go to one of their authorized service centers. I took their advise and sent it to United Service Radio, 5705 Enterprise Parkway, East Syracuse, NY 13057 1-800-448-0944, ask for Rusty. He is very familiar with the situation and they charge $150 for the fix. They were extremely prompt with a two-day turn-around. I have since seen a post where somebody gave full information and a price from Clarion for around $85 to fix it. I’m very curious if this is true since a tech there told me they do not handle repairs. Now, they may handle them directly for those under warranty, I’m not sure, however.
I know there have been posts on how to remove the head unit and I took the advise of going to Wal-Mart and picking up the two metal loops known as “DIN removers” found in the auto audio section on a pegboard. They were around $4. Although the 900 is not listed on the back, the 9000 is, along with many other vehicles. When engaging in the holes, you think it seems to click in when pushing in half way, but keep going and you can definitely hear it engage. It pops the head unit out enough where you can grasp it around the edges to pull it free. There are 4 connections in the back that simply pop out and voila!
I have reinstalled it and (knock on wood) it has been working for the last 3 days without a hitch. Was not very pleased with the high price, but I felt I had no option. I suppose going to a junkyard to get a new unit might be an option for some, but there is no telling if that one is or will be faulty as well.
Post any questions you may have and I'll see if I can help.
posted by 137.146.19...
, Wed, 22 Jan 2003 14:00:53
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