DuB-EnG: Volvo HU-850 Radio CD Player Repair Teardown Dissasembly and Modification solution

[@karen4you]

There is something reassuring watching someone fix, improve and get something working again.

[@DubiousEngineering]

My neighbour is super happy that I fixed his car radio... now he can enjoy some music and politics on his long journeys. I’m very surprised that they didn’t recall these - I’d be nervous of it setting on fire 🔥... it gets over 300C to melt solder!!

[@rickardolaing6262]

Hello Dubious Engineering, it works. I followed all your instructions and I am so happy and proud that I can now listen to my original Volvo HU-850 Radio. This solution ends my years of radio silence and many frustrating visits to Volvo dealerships. Thank you Dubious Engineering .

[@DubiousEngineering]

I'm so happy this fixed your problem!! - Any tiny support or coffee money goes back into the pot to help create useful and educational videos!! :-) paypal.me/dubiousengineering?locale.x=en_GB

[@rickardolaing6262]

@@DubiousEngineering Did i rejoice too early ? . After one day the radio returned to its usaul behavior. During drive the radio went off and did not respond to any alterations. One hour later it came on again by itself. i will observe the performance in the next few days.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Awww. How annoying!!! ... did you replace any of the capacitors!??

[@rickardolaing6262]

@@DubiousEngineering I only replaced the Resistors and the Transistors with a factory made Heat-shrink. I have second radio so I will try the operation again.

[@paxanrus]

@@rickardolaing6262 hi sorry to bother you. Did you get your stereo working? I replaced resistors, but not transistors. So you replaced both resistors and transistors and stopped working after one day?

[@samuelmacey5813]

Morning, I stumbled on this video yesterday so this morning i took my HU-850 apart as i was having the same issue and the Circuit board was slightly different design but my car is the last of the mk2’s and i found the issue! Small bit of solder later it works! So happy to have music back !

[@DubiousEngineering]

Great news! - Well, at least I showed you how to get into it! :-)

[@donmoore7785]

Excellent DIY, and excellent technique. The only question I had was, by improving (adding!) the heatsink, is increasing the wattage of the resistors even necessary. Regardless, an extremely helpful video. The Volvo dealer isn't going to tear the radio apart and imagine how much you would pay if they did.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Thanks 🙏 ... yeah I think I went belt AND braces 😁 ... :-)

[@rogerbowles5480]

you wouldnt take it back to volvo for a stereo that is that old youd go to an electrical engineer or similar i use a car stereo shop in Hove for mine

[@wardverhelst8897]

Thanks for the video. My Hu-850 was first jumping on/off and finally dead. I went trough the comments and tried the easiest solution. I have also seen also the brown heated area. I just redid soldering on the 2 resistors and 2 transistors, without renewing them. Then I have put the print card for 10minutes in an oven at 200 degC. Don't bake a cake afterwords, it smells... :) ...Put it in the XC70 again, and.... all works fine. Don't know how long....

[@DubiousEngineering]

Great work 💯👏

[@philiprowney]

Great stuff, shared on the Volvo group on FB. BTW it was indexing the disks because it had had the power out for some time. [ it needs to to display which disks are 'in' and playable, the 6-play in my Focus does it too ]

[@DubiousEngineering]

Thanks Philip, for the share and the info... Yes, I guessed it was doing something like that. It appears that there are a lot of Volvos with this unit, I hope this video helps those that are capable of doing their own repairs... and if not, they could contact me and I may be able to help! :-)

[@rvillamayor26]

I replaced the two transistors and the two resistors, and the radio is back on!. But intermittently stops hearing and soon returns to function. The resistors I put on it are the same model as the originals, and not the long-legged kind of video. You hear little clicks even with the radio off. Please, you can give me your opinion on that. Best regards.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Souunds like power supply issues... maybe the capacitors have dried out?

[@danielbataiosu6980]

My radio starting playing up with high and low volume, hissing, banging, cracking noises in speakers, which at same stage when you don't expect them at all, at least my self been scared when the noises started and without been aware where the noises come from and what's the cause. After seen your video I'm tempted to try and fix it in near future. Great video, Thanks for sharing!

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good luck!! They are nuts when they start going wrong!

[@danielbataiosu6980]

@@DubiousEngineering I’ll try, any way the radio is gone and to be of any use must be repaired. And thanks to your knowledge and kindness of sharing, this would be possible, Thanks!

[@Retrograde99]

i have the HU-650 model here the same problem accured although this model is a little bit different so i got 4 d1760 mosfets and on the back 4 of the same 1R0 resistors what resistors do you recomend for to instal and where can i buy them i live in the netherlands so

[@DubiousEngineering]

Aha! - I suggest you do your research ... sorry, I dont live in the netherlands!! :-)

[@TheSGrosser]

Hey M8, I’ve let a professional solder in some new resistors and transistors, but now it does the knack thing anyways and doesn’t put out sound for a few seconds. U got an tips or ideas on what’s still the problem ?

[@DubiousEngineering]

Hope your professional has an oscilloscope and a signal injector!! :-)

[@patpolin4632]

The lights has gone out on the front facia of my HU850 can you offer any suggestions on how to replace them?

[@DubiousEngineering]

Ahhh bugger ... sadly no.

[@tibormaczek1278]

Thank you so much for the video, I learn a lot! I have the same problem, looks everbody have this burn out on the panel, (HU-850) Make me crazy when driving, switch on music 100% volume feel have a heart attack. When I took apart I noticed someone the past disconnect the cd player grey cable and covered with black adhesive tape.?? dont know why Plus the cigarette lighter cable disconnect too. I try to used the cigarette lighter for charge phone ect... now I know why not working because disconnected for some reason I never give up, when I see this video and read all the comments, I just feel take it out and have a look. Take it out today, screws out everything out, hope working soon:) at the moment just a empty hole there:) I follow all the instruction, and order the parts soon, I would love to share my experience when everything done. Hope my friend help to do a soldering. Good luck for everybody

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good luck too!!! Fingers crossed 🤞!!

[@krzysztofkrol8875]

Hi😀 and huge thanks for this great video!!. The same problem in my case. No sound but only click.... So I teared my HU850 to small pieces to the bottom and found the same issue: almost burned out these two resistors 1R0 ....I am going to try to fix my HU 850 soon too. But one question about components, I live in a small city so it's no chance just to go and buy resistors or so... To avoid doubling of shipment costs and the time... if needed ....what kind of capacitor(s) and transistor(s) should I have to ensure successful reparation if it'snecessary to replace as well? thanks for advice, Krzysztof

[@DubiousEngineering]

Strongly recommend you pull it apart and look for the burnt components and make your own list.

[@DubiousEngineering]

So sorry it may be different depending on what’s burned out... please open the unit and make your own list. Thanks, Howard

[@krzysztofkrol8875]

@@DubiousEngineering Thanks a lot once again 🙂

[@davehartnett146]

Great video how do you get hold the replacement resistor?

[@DubiousEngineering]

Buy on eBay or through RS Farnell etc

[@davehartnett146]

@@DubiousEngineering what size resistor?

[@DubiousEngineering]

@@davehartnett146 sorry I can’t remember it’s been two years since I made the video. I think I tell you in the video. Likely 1/2watt 1ohm

[@kingsleysetter3778]

Any idea why my radio lights have stopped working? Seems to be a common fault. I believe the fault could lay with a connection to the headlamp switch as all lights have failed at once

[@DubiousEngineering]

sounds like that or the relay... did you check the fuse?

[@kingsleysetter3778]

@@DubiousEngineering Thanks for prompt reply. Lights come on intermittently, or did! Will check fuse tomorrow. Many appear to have this issue in all the forums. Will advise. Thanks

[@paxanrus]

Thanks for a great video! I did exactly as you showed in the video, replacing the 2 resistors, but no luck. Still does the clicking sound and gets loud all of a sudden(by the way in the video you soldered only one resistor. Did you put in the second one as well? Just making sure). Would you say I should buy the 2sd1760 transistors and try replacing those as well? If so, I wonder if it would be hard to remove those transistors since they are glued. Thanks in advance

[@DubiousEngineering]

Its difficult to say, the electrolytic capacitors may have dried out because they got too hot...

[@johnlang3233]

Great video - thank you. Just one thing - what is the value of the two SMD resistors ? They look like 1R0 which is one ohm, but it looks like you replacement them with 10 ohm resistors - or am I reading that wrongly ?

[@andreasljungquist4477]

How "big" high power resistors did you fit, 1W, 3W? I have found this 1ohm 30w, LTO030F1R000FTE3, think it is easier to mount, not have to turn resistorlegs round and about. Thanks

[@DubiousEngineering]

I just went with 1 watt resistors... also, having those legs means you can place the passive carbon away from the hot zone and the extra metal in the legs may also help to dissipate some of the heat!!

[@timhoward7556]

I have also a HU-850, but it has intermittent FM audio. Everything else is OK. Have you come across this? Any ideas?

[@DubiousEngineering]

Sorry Tim, no, I haven't seen only the radio issue

[@scooty6789]

I’ve got this very issue ! Works a bit, stops working, I forget to switch it off then it blares put suddenly at max volume ! Gives me a heart attack every time 😂. I will try this 👍 thank you

[@DubiousEngineering]

Hilarious 😂😆

[@alexanderrolsing]

Hello, what exactly was the problem? I have a HU850 radio.... it is driving me crazy... firstly the CD Changer just kicked out all CD and doesn't want to take them any more. After a few month it became worse. Sometimes the sound works, somtimes not. When sound is off, you can hear a strange noise like "clack-clack-clack" or "ticking" out of the speaker. During this time, the Park-Distance-Control is also not working. Then, suddenly it makes a louder CLACK/TICK and sound is back again. It happens undependent from temperature.... Sometimes it works for the whole day, sometimes for some minutes only. Can you help?

[@DubiousEngineering]

I’m sorry Alex, my best suggestion is to buy a working replacement...

[@alexanderrolsing]

@@DubiousEngineering Oh nooooo ;( Thank you for your reply

[@eugenpavel2983]

Hi! What resistor you used ?

[@DubiousEngineering]

1 Ohm I think - it was a very long time ago!

[@el_konrado8465]

Hello mate ! I also have HU-850 causing trouble. When I bought the car it was completely dead and only kept clicking every few seconds. Took it to someone who does these repairs and had my unit replaced for a "fixed" unit. All seemed to be ok, but... Soon as the weather gets really hot it looks like the unit is overheating and then suddenly it does what some people mentioned here already, it insta goes to max volume, then goes quiet and starts clicking like before... After switching an engine off and giving it some break it works again but the problem repeats itself over and over. When the temperature outside isnt very high the radio seems to work ok although I didnt test it for hours, more like 30-40mins. What do you think is causing the trouble, the repair the guy did not good enough or maybe installing a proper heatsink could help as it seems like my unit isnt gone completely atm? Normally I would take the unit back to that guy but he lives 50miles away so maybe there is something I could do myself ?

[@DubiousEngineering]

So sorry bud, these radios are terrible... my best recommendation is to install something different! Howard

[@panteaflorin6783]

Resolder the 2 chip s pins, the larger one is the culprit

[@finhill4914]

Hiya pal, recently bought a volvo v70 but the bloke said this issue only started after he changed the battery. I had intermittent sound on my drive back and noticed it getting very hot so turned off. The day after I had nothing but the popping others have spoke of and it also doesn’t get hot anymore. I’m going to attempt this repair but in your opinion what does the cause sound like, the battery change or is that just coincidence? amazing video though which has given me the confidence to attempt a repair

[@DubiousEngineering]

I wouldn't waste your time... This issue came back after about a month... Pfft

[@finhill4914]

@ how annoying, guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and get an aftermarket radio and ruin the look of my car ☹️

[@darrenkilby5007]

Is this also the reason my rear parking sensors are not working on my s60

[@DubiousEngineering]

Very unlikely

[@volvoguyV70R]

A common problem with the 850 is the backlighting stops working. Not on the LCD display, but the backlighting on the knobs & buttons. There are several posts about it, and it is not a simple "replace the bulb" problem. Just wondering if you've heard of this problem, and if you have a fix or solution.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Sorry I don't have a solution... that radio is seriously poop 💩 😳

[@zzoinks]

@@DubiousEngineering poor job Volvo 😠. How can I enjoy my tunes now?

[@rogerbowles5480]

@@DubiousEngineering its actually a very good system just poorly put together

[@rogerbowles5480]

Road radio in Hove are fixing both of mine illumination gone on both although a cd deck was knackered so will be adding a bluetooth module

[@rvillamayor26]

Could you tell me the capacitor specifications I have to put in, and how many are? Thank you very much for your answer.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Sorry ... this is fitted back in my friends car so I can’t easily help.

[@panteaflorin6783]

2200 microfarad

[@mabskha7917]

Excellent video. Was hoping too see on how I can fix my bass control dial , my one doesn't seem to work.

[@DubiousEngineering]

So sorry to hear!!! I like extra bass!!! ... take it apart and spray contact cleaner in the pot (unless it's an encoder pot) 😀

[@CHB94]

I'm having the same problem with a HU-650 model. What resistor did you use?

[@DubiousEngineering]

I can't recall... Hopefully you should see the resistor colours in the video, you can work it out then...

[@CHB94]

@@DubiousEngineering Thank you! I'll have a look and see what I can do, looks like the old resistors that comes with the radio desoldered themself. Might just help with a re appliance of solder.

[@ianrota6854]

Great description and video. Thank you. Would you mind (if you see this repying with the correct part numbers?

[@DubiousEngineering]

Sorry no part numbers…. Also, the fix didn’t work, after a month same problem came back.

[@plumbdude3]

Same problem 😭 I don't suppose you offer a repair service do you ?

[@DubiousEngineering]

It’s a flaming nightmare ... so much effort... better off fitting a different stereo. I’d charge a lot!!

[@plumbdude3]

Cheers for reply, yes to be honest a new head unit is probably how I will go.. Could spend a fair bit repairing mine and something else fail in a few months.

[@jangruber1929]

Hi there! I have a weird problem with my HU-650 and I thought you might be able to help because although I've found a few people on the internet with a similar problem, I haven't found a solution yet. Basically, every time I start my V70 the rear speakers work perfectly fine but the front speakers don't. But after about an hour or one and a half hours of driving, they work perfectly fine. It almost seems like the radio has to "warm up" a bit for them to work. Do you know where that issue could come from and if it is fixable? I considered swapping my HU-650 for one from eBay or upgrade to a HU-850 while I'm at it but they're going for 200€ here in Germany so it would be nice if I could just fix it. I haven't yet taken my radio out of the car because I need it every day but if you need pictures from the inside of the radio, I could do that! Thanks in advance!

[@DubiousEngineering]

Hi Jan, sounds like a similar problem... start by unplugging everything and reseating the connectors first. If that doesn’t help, you’ll likely need to get the radio repaired...

[@jangruber1929]

@@DubiousEngineering Okay I'll try that. Thanks for the quick response!

[@donmoore7785]

Mine is the reverse. My fader control appears to be wonky (corroded inside) and if I fiddle with it, the rears come and go. After seeing this teardown, my hopes to repair with deoxit are tempered by the fact the potentiometers appear sealed and maybe very hard to obtain. I'm going to try anyway. I would not be surprised if your issue is similar - try adjusting the 4 controls with small knobs, and pushing the knobs to the sides to see if you can make the problem come and go.

[@rvillamayor26]

I have disassembled my HU-850 and it effectively has the board burned out by the SD1760 Transitors. I am looking on the net, where I can buy these transitors online. Can someone say me where can I buy them.

[@DubiousEngineering]

I found them on eBay

[@shaunfogarty5744]

Great Vid! I own a 2007.5 V70R with the HU-850 that has the Aux jack and it went 120db of crackle bonkers so I took it apart and learned that Volvo revised the board and fixed this particular issue. There are now 5 power transistors and they apparently do not get very hot. As to my problem, Hmmm-

[@DubiousEngineering]

Ahhh bugger... sounds like a connector?

[@a_jegers]

Did u ever resolve this? I too have a 07.5 with the exact same problem.

[@DavidBrown-rn5be]

Hi, thanks for the super video. I have exactly this problem which started couple of weeks ago in my 2005 XC70. I have pulled the fuses for the radio and amplifier and now of course have no sat-nav or parking sensors. Unfortunately I think your solution would be beyond my skills. I want to find a second hand unit to replace mine. Have you any suggestions how to test a unit to know that it works before fitting? Many thanks for your help provided by this video.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Only way to test it properly is to plug it into the car - sorry to say... too many connections to try it out.

[@GVers-dt5ot]

I have a question about the 1 ohm resistor. Do you connect the new one to both solder points or only the right one (hard to see on the video :-) ) Thanks for the great work.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Oh crikey... I can't remember now... sorry it was two years ago!

[@davehartnett146]

Looking to get my HU-850 repair would you repair it for me

[@DubiousEngineering]

Sorry, to much effort and no way to test it!

[@michaeleleftheriou2698]

Great video, you make this look easy enough for dummies like myself to consider. Just wondering how this is getting on after a year? Is everything OK, or has it gone back to issue land? Many Thanks

[@DubiousEngineering]

Strong suggestion... stuff a different radio in there. It’s like plugging an old dam. One hole fixed, nest one open!

[@michaeleleftheriou2698]

@@DubiousEngineering hahaahah I get ya... Thanks again bud 👍🏼

[@IfInDoubt..]

I've an HU-850 unit thats in dire need of repair. If only there was someone up North repairing these!

[@DubiousEngineering]

Awww ....

[@Snorklaren0]

Thank you for the video. I dissasembly my radio and saw that the resistor had a crack. I had some issue with the light in the unit not working so i could not see what to click on at night. Will this fix that too? or is that something else thats wrong

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good luck my friend!!

[@Makela_]

I was havin the exact same isses with hu-850, but the newer version with 5 transistors. There was also miscoloring but the components looked ok. I threw the pcb in the oven for 200 C for 8 minutes and now it is working again.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Oh wow! …. That’s an interesting fix! …. What do you think it was ? 200C won’t reflow solder joints…

[@Makela_]

@@DubiousEngineering not sure ... 200 C is what people generally recommend for this caveman general fix attempt. I also left out the CD player so maybe it just draws less power now and remains stable ?

[@nicholegourneau5758]

Mine cuts on and off what could that be

[@DubiousEngineering]

Check the connector and wiring in the back of the unit

[@anderslindh9730]

Tried it and unfortionally it didn't work 😔 I switched the resistor only, and the stereo is powered, but it still has that same problem with no sound, but sometimes just pops on max volume although the stereo is off 👎 Maybe i need to replace the transistors aswell.. or perhaps the poweramplifier under the Seat...

[@DubiousEngineering]

What a blooming nightmare... sorry to hear

[@panteaflorin6783]

Try resoldering the the 2 IC pins that are for audio sound that are beneath that alumínium case

[@tibormaczek1278]

Hi Guys, just a little update where I am now with fixing the HU-850 Stereo, my friend solding a transistor but, had a mistake sold 2 on it, left and right, the heat sink brilliant what he done, I take apart twice now, (never give up) keep practicing. Next step try again tomorrow, also I found another problem, the amplifier cable looks loose a bit so may that cause trouble is well, if I have time I would love to share some picture how is my experience, I have 2 option, if not working after this time.....................I don't know:) Thank you so much all the help, I let everbody know if is working soon or not :) Take care

[@DubiousEngineering]

Fingers crossed Tibor!! :-) I wish you luck!

[@tibormaczek1278]

@@DubiousEngineering Thank you so much, the positive feedback, everything ready to go, we found out tomorrow:)

[@connyhalvarsson9024]

Do you always need to replace the resistors or is it possible only to solder them again. Can this work anyway for some time and then you know this solution works. :) Really nice video :)

[@DubiousEngineering]

Totally up to you, but just resoldering the existing resistors back in may mean they unsolder themselves again in the future. Thanks kindly for the compliments :-)

[@gunox7]

I have the same issue with HU-650, PCB got darker. I tested the Transistors, they seem okay. I will test the resistors then test the device. I want to write the results and the checklist for other people.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good luck my friend !

[@gunox7]

​@@DubiousEngineering First of all, these resistors are fine. I tested a few other components as well. They seemed okay. Then I tested Audio Amplifiers at the connection board. They were okay and worked well. The big metal cover in 1:22 is actually cover for DAC(Digital 2 Analog Converter). I had to lift the cover to see what's under it. The first few thoughts of mine were "The IC is close to heat source. Did the leads have to be resoldered?", "Amplifier works but why don't I can't get sound, is this problem related to this IC?" and I shall check it etc. The first think I did was pressing on the IC while I supplied the board with 12V, then the IC magically started working. I didn't check any other stuff and cleaned the IC, applied flux, applied new solder after that I cleaned it again. It started working. I thought this as a temporary fix and reassembled the radio unit. I told my cousin that this IC were suffering very high degrees, this can cause its early death. If something like this happens again, I need to replace that chip. So, check the DAC guys, it might be the one that causes problems :D

[@MultiPureskill]

Nice video, learned alot, at the moment im trying o repair it myself, unfortunetly second try and still not working, i bought some of the transistors but they are hard to get, (i hope i bought correct ones " 2SD1760Q") Also where do you live? Any chance i could send it for repairs or get more info from someone smarter and more educated than me? Thanks. Would love to know how to fix these radios in future, alot of friends have same problem.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Absolute nightmare!! Really sorry, I have no way to test without plugging back into a car...

[@MultiPureskill]

you changed the resistors and the transistors? Did you change anything else? Thanks for the info :D

[@cwmbc]

It would of been safer to reconnect the battery positive post first. Before the neg... volvo also recommend you allow the can bus system to reeboot before you turn the ignition key. To ensure all systems link.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Very good point!

[@karlos400r]

I know you did this years ago but do you think you’re fresh enough that if I posted you mine you could do this for a little bit of money? 😂

[@DubiousEngineering]

So sorry... No way to test it afterwards... Need a Volvo :-)

[@karlos400r]

Could I ask, was the choice of replacement resistors because they are easy to place vs the smd ones?

[@timballam3675]

Always connect +ve on battery then negative!

[@DubiousEngineering]

Yeah - my poor advice caused a spark there!! Fundamental really when you think about it!! Thank for your observation Tim!!

[@donmoore7785]

Absolutely great advice. If your wrench slips whilst on the negative terminal, and short to ground, no problem. Not the same for the positive terminal UNLESS the negative cable is not connected. Therefore work with the positive terminal only whilst the negative one is disconnected.

[@03ege]

i need this video on german

[@DubiousEngineering]

Maybe turn on subtitles ?

[@03ege]

@@DubiousEngineering funktioniert nicht

[@rickardolaing6262]

I am going to try this out

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good!! Let us know how you get on!! You may also want to consider replacing some of the local capacitors as they tend to dry out in that heat!!!

[@rickardolaing6262]

@@DubiousEngineering Do you replace the transistors also ?

[@DubiousEngineering]

I didn’t bother. But they are not expensive

[@arena1403]

@@DubiousEngineering Hi, I followed your video instructions and I had the same problem as described before, it worked great but after a short time just clicking again, but I didn`t replace the capacitors, so would you be so kind and tell me which ones to change and maybe, even,how? Sorry, I`m an amateur although I fixed a couple of things before...thank you in advance! When I get it done, you get some coffee money, for sure!!

[@DubiousEngineering]

@@arena1403 The problem... The device is in my mates volvo now... he absolutlely wond want me pulling his car apart again!! Sorry!!

[@03ege]

mine radio is hu 805

[@DubiousEngineering]

Good

[@tushargaming25]

Hello and OMG video and cool and awesome a good and

[@DubiousEngineering]

Thank you dipak 🙏