Ps: for the usb cable input, there's a dummy button under the night panel mode button, that you can take out and make use for it as a usb plugin instead of the drilling..just another option!
Just replaced the headunit in my 2011 Sportswagon last week with the help of your last video. I got the same kit that you use, and a Sony XAV AX5550D and the only real hurdle was the amp remote cable thing which you didn't mention in the previous installation video. Got some help from my dad to solve it and now it works great. Looks almost stock as well. Would've been a lot harder without your videos so cheers to you mate!
Hi, as a Saabaddict owning a 2011 convertable I've been thinking of upgrading the head unit and installing it myself. So I've watched a couple of your favs and obviously this video too, but I'm a bit confused as to what I really need - the one I'm leaning to is the T'Eyes CC3 2K and it seems to come with all the necessary kit - or is there something missing? Maybe you can give me a hint? I love your work by the way - and am in awe of your expertise...
A pity that JOYING sends out the unit with the RED power wire pinned incorrectly. When you said: "...i probably won't be taking it out again" I saw by your incorrectly wired connector plugged in that you certainly would be taking it out. I bought one for my Smart Fortwo which also has ISO wiring, so i know. What suprised me: was that you never made mention of it. I do enjoy your videos nevertheless. But your omission is noted. I hope you contact JOYING about it, as I believe they will listen to you. Have a good day!
The ignition live wire (red) was wired correctly for my Saab. Some cars need this wire swapped with the permanent 12v wire (yellow) , like your Smart. But for me, and the majority of other vehicles, it's fine
I love this guide and your videos. Big upgrade from your old guide, which was not as clear as this one. I have a question though: How do you wire an aftermarket sub+amp in the trunk with a new headunit? Do you somehow run the wires from the trunk or is a new wire from the battery to trunk needed? Is a new HU + new amp+sub combo enough for a better sound system?
Hi Stewart , i am from the UK but live in spain, i am about to buy a saab convertible, i have seen two , both in garages that come with a years warranty, servicing etc .one is a 2006 diesel auto with 164,000 km on the clock, 8,500 euros and is local to me, the other is the same as the previous but a 2008 manual , same mileage, 1,500 euros cheaper , but is in madrid , a 3 and a half hours drive away .I am torn between the two as the older is auto, and the original dash and saab shape which i like , but the newer has the updated wiring for aftermarket music systems, both still have the old cd player units . All my music is on USBs and memory cards . Do i go for the newer model in madrid that would require me to travel there for any repairs but i would be able to upgrade my music system easier, or go to the local garage , pay more for the older model but have access to the warranty easier for any future problems , or is there another alternative i havent realised TIA ?
depth of the head unit is also important too, like my nissan has the double din sized height opening but needs a shallow double din for it to fit unfortunately
Frontier? You can get the 7 inch with volume knob or... You can get the 9 inch and have it float like a Tesla. There are people online that's done this.
@@Jamarkus_Delvonte murano actually and the weird in-between generation that was only 3 years. That generation had two versions you, the navigation version that is compatible with normal double din and the non navigation that was only able to fit shallow double din
Excellent video and excellent stereo.. Can I just ask what the procedure is for connecting your live feed to the cigarette lighter, is there a video explaining this as having a few issues at moment. Thanks👍
Excellent informative videos thank you. I'm considering swapping out my OE H/U for an aftermarket Android device like the Joying or Eonon. My H/U is secured in cash via a "cage" Do I need to remove this and purchase another to fit the new device. Car is a Holden Monaro VZ.
Hello, i have a problem i connected all the cables like in the video but my joying unit doesn t turn on and i noticed the red acc cable from the headunitharness doesn t receive power when i turn on the ignition. Can be a blown fuse ordo i need to wire a power cable from the cigaret lighter slot?
Hi Thank you for creating this instruction video!! really helpful and it motivated me to try to install Android HU and camera. One question if you can answer, Do you think the Connects2 unit generates reverse signal(purple loose cable) and can be used to supply 12v power to backup camera instead from reversing light? if it's possible, that's easier so...
Greetings. Great channel. I’ve recently owned my first ever Saab. 9-3 2007. The guy who had it before installed the same head unit. He said he didn’t put in a pass through filter. So I’d like to get one and do it. I noticed when I clicked on your link for it that it says for a Mazda ?
I’m about to install a pioneer head unit in my 2009 Saab tdi 9-3. In another video, you bring up power from the cigarette lighter but in this video, it seems you’re not. Can you shed light on when this is needed and when not? Thank you
I own a year 2K Saab 9-3 (OG) with totally stock system and SIDs unit, it is double DIN, what is a good update unit to still keep it's classic appeal, I like this, but the screen is a bit OTT for my taste, great videos BTW.
Lovely guide Stuart! I have som questions that I think you can answer me on. I read online on a forum that if you change to an aftermarket stereo your car can't keep track of time and date and such. And that you wont be able to use your dieselheater. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Jonathan.
That seems highly unlikely in the 2007+ Saabs. The head unit doesn't offer any secondary functions (as far as I know). Can you link me to that forum post please
Do you have a live link for a double din kit, as this one doesn't work, or do you have an updated video for the saab 93. Any affiliate links would be helpful too.
Hi. Good video. How do you find the display with soft top down? I have a 7" Sony XAV unit - the display is rubbish with top down, just not bright enough to see the screen. Looking at a 10" Teyes 3 unit to replace it.
thank you so much for chronicling your install and for doing the review of The joying head unit. after driving with it for a month, with the top down, do you find that the screen is bright enough to be able to work in full daylight? how about when the sun is hitting it? I have a convertible myself and my biggest concern is finding a screen that will be daylight viewable. in fact, I would love to see a quick video of you using the screen in full daylight and even in sunlight to show off how well it can be seen.
understood. I have read that in order to be daylight readable, the screen needs to be 800 nits or brighter. unfortunately, I can't find any specifications for the joying units anywhere.
@Saab Unleashed Great video, super helpful! Any idea if there's a supplier who will ship the pass through unit to the US? The link in your description apparently doesn't do it. I'm planning to get a 7" Joying head unit (can't give up my cupholder just yet) with this otherwise same set up for my 2008 9-3 Aero in the US. Do you foresee any other issues?
Great video, thank you! I will get my first Saab in a few days... a 2011 9-3x wagon. When poking into options for after-market head units, I read quite a bit about the factory Saab units generating sound signals for the car (e.g. alert tones for warning messages, or the sound of the turn signals) - and that you would lose those sounds if you just put in a different head unit, without looping in some special sound generator module. Since you seem to have plenty of hands-on experience: Is this correct?
@@SaabUnleashed Thank you, that’s helpful. Now I just need to find the right wiring harnesses for the US - where the head units don’t have the DIN block connectors. I hope to find something that also connects the phone buttons.
Awesome video. So if I buy all the parts from the description it will just connect and work without anything else required? Includes steering controls. Plug and play?
Only keys and no ground for the canbus decoder? Got a 9-inch joying unit for my saab 9-5 after watching your videos, can't wait to get it all hooked up :D
@@SaabUnleashed Are you sure about canbus? It's a later one, '09, got a aftermarket harness kit from a local shop(in sweden) for it and it came with some sort of canbus decoder box :)
@@emilwahlstrom7399 I'm litterally sitting in my 08 9-5 at the moment reviewing an Atoto head unit :D The 9-5 does not have its wheel controls connected to its canbus network. You need to tap into a wire behind the instrument cluster. It uses resistance for the wheel buttons so you can actually just connect the head unit key wire directly, no canbus decoder needed.
Thanks for the video! I thinking of the 6.3 inch screen due to limited space in my 97 XK8 convertible. Can you comment on the screen brightness and visibility during the day with the top down ?
I just had a quick question. I Have a 2007 Saab 9-3 and I just puchested the ATOTO A6G2B7PF Model: A6PF-A1. If it is conpatible with mine, which mounting bracket do I chose? The big one or the small one. Also I live in the US, Do you know the best place I can get the kit from?
Hi! Thank you for a very informative video. I actually bought one joying unit for my Saab just based on this video. :D About that CAN bus adapter, did you cross-connected some of the wires in the back of the adapter, where the key wires are coming or did you cut all of them? Thank you in advance!
Bought a joying for My alfa 159 is the grund not used for the steering wheel control?. And in the middle of the mount the head unit dont turn off With the ignition switch do you know what That could be. Thanks for a great video
Really good effort Stuart! A Saab 93 NG owner speaking here. A little tip if possible, I do have a pretty old 2 din JVC- KW NX7000 (which was a OEM model that was fitting that specific car along with other brands such Pioneer, Kenwood, if I'm not wrong). Even though the Head Unit comes with a wiring loom with its proper CF0007UNJV11/PM Can bus decoder, Saab branded, it allowes me to operate the up/down and volume buttons only, but not the phone buttons. Would you recommend a full steering wheel controls harness kit? - ps I do not have subwoofer, amplifiers, dab. Thank you
As far as I'm aware, none of the Saab specific CANbus decoders read the phone buttons. This is because those buttons were never designed to control the radio, as the Saab factory Bluetooth system was a completely different component. That's not to say that a custom programmable CANbus decoder wouldn't work; the signals for those buttons bust go somewhere
good morning, I'm Oreste from Italy, great videos, thanks!! I have a saab 9.3 convertible from 2007, and I would like to change the radio, do all saabs have the amplifier? How can I check if my car also has the amplifier? if it has the amplifier is it possible to remove it? because the new radio is more powerful and I would like to have the power of the new radio? A THOUSAND THANKS!!
There's no easy way to remove the amplifier. Instead you should install the pass-through adaptor which I excision in this video, and have linked in the video description. This will stop the hiss and reduce the volume
@@SaabUnleashed many thanks for your quick reply. so all saab 9.3s definitely have the amplifier? What if I run new wires from the radio to the speakers?
@@orestemontani7098 Most come with Amp1 located either behind the drivers seat inside the rear left "door card" or in the trunk, depending on whether you have a facelift or not. And yes, of course you can wire up your speakers directly, but I strongly advise against this. The amps serve a purpose, not only powering the door speakers, but ensuring they are at the correct volume level alongside the non-amplified speakers in the rear and dashboard. The only way you would get good sound out of your car after you remove the factory system would be to install an aftermarket amp, which would be pointless unless you are intending on installing more powerful speakers
are the steps here the exact same when connecting up the kenwood, pinoneer, or alpine units? I've had a 07' 93 aero since it came off the lot back in 07', had a bit of a accident, and am now looking at it as a project car to fix and hopefully drive proudly on the road again. Updating the head unit is along the list for a later thing to do, but I'm doing as much research as I can to be prepared. All good if you don't have the answer or the experience of connecting up those units, just wondering about the compatibility overall! Excellent video, def gonna be bookmarking this!
Yes, the branded ones are precisely the same and need the same components I show here. In fact, I mentioned the big brands in the beginning when talking about the kits. I hope you get the car back on the road soon!
@@SaabUnleashed Thank you for taking the time to reply! currently binging your videos hah. Yeah I hope to get her back on the road, thankfully I'm still able to source parts from GM (and other 3rd parties and eBay). Good to see the Saab community going strong!
Hey mate. Is this the same for the saabs with the multi button head units? I have a 2007 9-3 with the head unit that has a little screen with a bunch of buttons. Cheers
Great video. Did you install an aftermarket amplifier and bypassed the oem amplifier? Could you please share the links to buy the kits required to install the aftermarket unit? Thanks
Not sure if you check your comments on these videos, but ill ask anyway. I just came from your video with the 03-06 9-3 where you mentioned having to remove and replace both factory amps, and having to keep the icm tucked up in the dash. My question is, is this a different year saab, or do you know if these kits will work with an 03-06 model ? Or if there are any kits that can be used to simplify the install on an 03 ? Id like to replace the factory unit in my 03, but it has either an icm2 or 3 (unsure off the top of my head) and i would prefer to avoid trying to run amps if at all possible.
Hi! Great video, where did you sample the reverse 12V feed from? Also, would a joying 8 inch unit layed overtop in the same way as yours clear the cupholder? Thanks
The reverse 12v comes directly from the reverse light (the cable runs to the front of the car). No headunit overlaying the dash will allow the cup holder to work
@@SaabUnleashed I realized after the fact that it didn't come with the ISO loom originally, BUT I do have it as I bought it a little later. I'm guessing I have to cut out from the "traditional method" wiring and then it plugs up from there?
If you plug the ISO loom directly into the Mekede, then the low passthrough adaptor connects to half of that. You can splice it if you're feeling adventurous
Hi - Do you offer an installation service. Whilst the video is very informative I would rather have an expert install the product for me. I have a Saab 93 2011 convertible & not sure if all the same connections etc apply. I have also watched your video reviews of other units that you might now feel are better units. Supply & install would be a good option for me.
Great video thanks I have purchase joying but I am little bit confused how to install it. Could you be able to explain how this head unit work on auto transmission. Thanks in advance
@@SaabUnleashed not yet, I was about the buy it then I realise connect2 says not suitable auto transmission. I have contacted them and it is not suitable because of paddles
@@SaabUnleashed here is the reply from connects2. You are correct we do not support the SWC for vehicles that has auto transmission, it was only an issue if the vehicle has a paddle-shift on the steering wheel as the value are very similar to each button press, so if the customers does not have paddle shift on his steering wheel this interface should work.
Out of curiosity. Do you know how much an auto electrician would charge to install an Android head unit? I'm useless with this stuff. Prefer working with wood lol Unless your close to Bedford and fancy teaching me? 😛 Always worth an ask.
hi I have a 2010 9-3 cabriolet with an automatic gearbox. When trying to secure/purchase a wiring harness I am told they aren’t compatible with Automatic only the manual cars. Could you offer any advice or insight?
Excellent video. I’m not installing the 10 inch version but I did appreciate the details on how to connect the plugs. My Connect2 harness is trying over the ocean right now so it is good to see how it will go together when it arrives. Have you considered using an RCA adapter instead of the bypass connector to provide the low level inputs to the factory amp? I don’t remember how many pre-outs this unit has but if you have front and rear then that would remove the head unit amplifier completely.
It has 5 pre-outs, one for each speaker and the sub, but I've historically had bad audio interference issues when using pre-outs with this car's speakers (not with this head unit) It's easier to just use the passthrough adaptor anyway.
@@rileytully6813 I bought mine from Ebay, the seller was in the UK. I just got the radio harness (with the hands-free adapter). I wish I had gotten the complete kit with the passthrough adapter, mounting kit frame and bezel all included. The other parts I bought were cheaper, but don't work near as well, and I have to keep the volume below about 12 (out of 50?) to keep it from blowing my ears out.
Have to ask are you considering installing on ng 9-5, can you see any particular problems? And more importantly solutions if needed. Would be great to do videos in categories, labeled 9-5 and 9-3. Just a suggestion
I do have categories, and the 9-5 has it's own section if you look at my channel home page. I have a video on my Android 9-5 NG head unit (although I am doing another one shortly to install a the Dasaita 11.6inch head unit so make sure you subscribe)
Hi, great video. I've been wanting to change over my stock radio on my 2007 Saab 93 convertible, but everywhere I go, they tell me that they can't do that as there are no aftermarket replacements (Ive been to 5 shops and Best Buy). You mention in your video that there are kits that have the harness and all the other connectors that you used. Is there a way that you can provide where you purchased the kits or the connectors and what part number they are? As I am a novice at this, it would be extremely helpful.
I'm trying to do this with an Xtrons on my 9-3, and I've bought the connects2 loom & amp passthrough from your links. I can't see an amp remote turn on connection on the Xtrons loom. I connected gnd, k1, k2 up - but all that's left on the Xtrons loom is brake, ant, reverse, ill. Should that work?
The amp trigger wire, that blue and white wire on the connects2 loom, needs to recieve 12v or you won't get any sound. Just tap it into the red wire on the same loom
Looking forward to getting one of these for my 9-3; wanted to ask what are the options for DAB radio. Does this head unit support it & is it possible to convert either the existing aerial or the shark fin to a DAB one, or would I have to use an in-car windscreen aerial? Thanks
You will need to buy a USB DAB adaptor for whatever Android head unit brand you buy, but it is plug and play, you just need to download the app for it to function. As for your antenna question, there is an adaptor you can buy which allows you to split from the main vehicle antenna to the SMA that screws onto the DAB adaptor. I successfully tested this on the Mustang GT install I did, but I will be reproducing it in an upcoming video
Very nice video! I ended up buying the same head unit from Joying after watching your video. I’m now planning to install the gear I had in my old car. Alpine PXA-H800, Rockford Fosgate T600-4 and 4 x Boston Acoustics Pro 60SE. I would like to retain the chimes. I plan to keep only the centre dash speaker as I will replace the LR dash speakers with tweeters. I’m aware I need to run new speaker cables to the front doors etc. I’ve read somewhere you can reroute the LR dash speakers to the Centre one. Seems like I also need to retain the factory amp for this to work. Would you happen to know where exactly I would do the rerouting? Is it at the factory amp? It’s a 2009 Saab 9-3 Sedan with the 7 speaker system. Your help and guidance is much appreciated.
If it was me, I would leave the factory amp in situe with the center speaker attached. If the car is like the 2003-2006 9-3, as you say you will need to swap the centre speaker with one of the other channels, you can just drop this at the factory amp
Are you in the UK? If you order from China, you generally won't get customs fees. Order from Europe and you will get stung. That is my experience, and I order a lot
Hi Stuart - Can you help me with the Android IDoing headunit? I am not sure how to wire the Key 1 & Key 2 from the Canbus to the back of the IDoing headunit.
Hi would like to pull the trigger on this unit for my facelift 9-3. The single din would maybe be the one, can you tell me of a supplier for the adaptor and leads ? Great vid, will do this double if I can’t source single.
Hey Graham, the video description has the link for the fitting kit. If you're going single din, you'll have to find a way to screw the single din unit into the cage to keep is secure
Hi, thnx for the great video! I am going for the 8inch Joying 2 din headunit. Can you do me a big favour? Can please you name all the materials (steering wheel adapter, cables, harnesses and pass trough) and brands I will be needing for my car (9.3. Cabrio 2007 Turbo Vector) for replacing the Saab Infotainment Plus headunit). Thnx so much in advance.
Any tips on wiring the illumination wire to trigger screen auto-dimming? The illum wire from the car's harness is always hot so that doesn't work. I currently have it hooked up to the cig lighter LED power and that sort of works, but I want the screen to be in daylight mode when the headlight switch is in the middle position (low beams off, parking & side markers on). That position turns on the big lighter LED which turns the Headunit to night mode. What's the easiest way to wire the illum wire to when the low beams are on?
Been watching your vids, great content! However, I have bought from the links, now finding out that if you have a saab automatic it's not this simple, and that the linked connects 2 don't work. Wish I knew that before I dropped 400 quid on incorrect linked products that I can'treturn as on ebay. Any ideas at all? Thanks so Much
There's some mixed information regarding automatics. I'm sorry if you're having issues, although you should still find you can return items on eBay, the sellers are large retailers and if it's not fit for purpose, they're not going to have a choice. It is possible to get steering controls working on automatic cars.
Hi. I have the "hissing" sound you mention.. where can i buy the pass through adapter you mention in the video? I could not find it on joyings homepage...
Great video man. Quick question, how do you rate the double din 7inch joying? I can’t bear to lose the cup holder! It seems it is the older chip and no doubt other differences. Just wondered if you had any thoughts about it? Thanks, Dan.
Hi, sorry to revisit this, just wondering if you used your original microphone for hands free or if you used the Joying one? Just about to pull the trigger. Many thanks. D
@@SaabUnleashed Thank you for the clarification! Do you know of any way you can make it work in these 2003-2006? I happen to be interested in buying one.
I am unsure. People have said that this works on automatic, but the manufacturer does state it doesn't. And because I only have access to a manual 9-3, I can't do the test myself
Hi, thank you for the video. COuld you please help me with one problem? I got the same canbus decoder which has 4 cables . Key 1, Key 2, GRD and 3,5mm jack. I wired up the key 1,2 and ground but i am left with this 3,5mm jack which I dont know where to connect. My Xtrons unit (Exacly same like yours from previous video) does not have the steering wheel jack input).My steering wheel works partially only so I have no idea. Can you please reply? Thanks
So this being the newest version of an Android head unit, and it is almost non adjustable for angle, up,down,left, or right for sun glare and prime viewing angle? Is it only going to stay at the same angle and view of the stock radio? 🥺
Hi pal when connecting the canbus patch lead, key 1 and key 2 seem obvious but which side to connect the ground lead to? The steering wheel controls are the only thing I can’t get working. I should add that I have the auto box 93, and have since seen the messages about the steering buttons not working with the paddle shifting wheels.
Hey Dan, I've personally not tried to do an install into an auto 9-3 but it's quite possible that compatibility issues might prevent the wheel controls from working
Hi l have a SAAB 9-3 2Lt 2005/ first registered 2006 Convertible, it has SAT-NAVE which has a CD 93 disc player in the boot for the Sat-Nave l want to install a updated After Market Head Unit this Video seems to be for later SAABs please is there a Unit for the 2005 and do you have to remove the player in the boot and any other parts, there is a Shark Fin Aerial for the Sat Nave on the boot lid can this be used for the After Market Unit, were can this and all needed to install a 7 inch screen unit/
You need to do a lot of work to install aftermarket in that car. Check my other video modified satnav ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zDnQZDIFRCU.html and fully aftermarket ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PmJHbgXNpOs.html
You can't find a kit because there isn't one. 9-3s between 2003-2006 need complete rewiring, aftermarket amp and dashboard modification to install something aftermarket
I had this brand head unit before, and I returned. The steering button can be programmed, but it never work correctly. At that time I have Google Pixel phone that they don't support. I ended up get the Kenwood head unit. Also, when you plan to install the backup camera don't tape the reverse light. I got a open circuit now. Replacement hardness and labor cost US$900.
You need to manually wire in aftermarket headunits into the prefacelift ass no harness exists. You would also need an aftermarket amp to drive the door speakers. And you'd need to fabricate a mounting bracket, and you'd need to disassemble the existing radio you have to hide it in the dash, as it's removal will prevent your car from starting. I have a video showing the process, although it isn't great and I must redo it - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PmJHbgXNpOs.html
@@SaabUnleashed LOL...Crazy that I'm watching one of your videos RIGHT NOW...LOL. OK...Thanks...I'm gonna run it on stock (AUDI) system, no aftermarket amps (etc...)...just did want any weezing sound while driving. But your saying stock system should be good, with out.