How to install an antenna down switch in your 850

Volvo decided in the mid 90's that the 960 was their permier luxury vehicle. The 960 included an "antenna down switch". The point of the switch was to keep the extendable antenna in the down position when the radio wasn't being used. Whenever the driver was listening to a casette tape or a CD, they would flip the switch and the antenna wouldn't extend. On the 850, there was no such switch. So, I am going to show you a  rather simple upgrade for your 850's radio unit.

Tool / equipment required:

2 pieces of 16 gauge wire cut at 18 inches

(4) 16 gauge cable crimps

a pair of pliers

some super glue

VERY IMPORTANT: your radio code. If you unplug the battery of the car or disconnect the headunit power plug, the radio anti-theft prevents the radio from working unless the radios' 4 digit code is plugged in. Not doing can render your radio useless!

A switch (Note: you dont need a specific antenna down switch. you can use any switch that is normally open. I repurposed an 850 foglight switch, since i couldnt find an antenna down switch.)

1: Remove the radio from the dashboard. This is done by using a flat head screw driver and pushing in the two tabs on either side of the radio. After they pop out, pull the radio foward.

2. Depending on your head unit, you will have to unplug several connections. I have a 6 cd changer in the trunk, and a premium headunit. I had to unplug the antenna, the CD cord, the 2 power / data cables, and the main power cord.Remove your headunit completely.

3. Take a flat head screw driver, and pry out a cover from underneath the instrument cluster.

4. Take both pieces of wire, and feed them though the new switch hole to the back of the radio opening.

5. Find the red wire in pin #3. This is your antenna signal wire. This is the wire you want to cut, about 4" from the connector.

 

6. Take your wires, and put a crimp on them. Make it tight and snug so it doesn't vibrate loose. Connect a wire to the connector side, and one to the wire harness side.

 7. You can reattach and reinstall your radio. Just push it back in the dashoard, and push the two tabs in to lock it into place.

8. The final step is to connect the wires to the switch. take a wire crimp and crimp half of it on the wire. Then crimp one wire to pin #2, and one to pin #5. Refer to the picture below. Add a dab of super glue to keep the  crimps in place.

9. Once the wires are connected, push the switch into the empty slot in the dash, and your done! Punch in your radio code if prompted, and try it out!