How to Add an AUX Input to a Saab 9-3

[@chunkmeister1122]

Just a thought but I would definitely recommend turning the stereo off before attempting to remove the unit. Just to avoid any problems that may or may not happen!

[@sam1174]

Press the "SRC" button on your steering wheel. If it switches between "Radio" and "CD" then you need to have a mechanic turn on the aux input. If is scrolls from "Radio" to "CD" to "Aux" then you are good to go. Don't go to a Saab dealer to get it done. They will charge you $150 to $200. Any independent mechanic with a Tech 2 computer can do it. It only takes 5 minutes and they will charge anywhere from $40 to $75. (A couple of women told me the mechanic did it for free. I wonder why...)

[@sam1174]

On the steering wheel you should have a "SRC" button. Each time you press it it switches between sources. If you have the aux input connector, then you should be able to switch to aux. If the button doesn't switch to aux, then you need to take you car a mechanic with a "Tech 2" computer. They can enable it for you. Independent shops charge about $50 to $75. Saab dealers charge $150 to $200.

[@sam1174]

I can't send you the link so I'll try to add it either to the comments or to the video itself. It's very detailed on how to connect the wires to the pins on the radio.

[@jonathanbondeus6995]

I don't have any black wire there you say that you connect the ground. I have a SAAB 9-3 SS 2003 (the interior looks the same as yours), and where shall I connect my ground wire? Your guide is very helpfull by the way! thanks a lot for doin this !!

[@ermiasabate9942]

Sam, I found the this video being very helpful can you please post a video about how to replace ignition switch for Saab 93. Thanks

[@sam1174]

I figured out the pinouts if you still care. On the stereo, pin 3 is the right channel, pin 4 is the left channel, and pin 10 is the ground. I've made some prefab harnesses to simplify the installation. Go to my NEW video to see how it's installed. The link to the new video as at the beginning of this one. If you'd like a harness, just send me a message and I'll tell you how to order it.

[@jalshield]

It was on mine, I had just the stock radio, but it had a aux in underneath my center armrest (the ones that were one big storage bin) next to the latch. I always thought it was from the factory, maybe I wrong and was just lucky.

[@sam1174]

I just used some cheap microphone wire from Radio Shack. It has two thin conductors and a shield all inside a single jacket. It's called a twisted shielded pair. You want small wires, like 18, or 20 gauge. I realized since making the video that you're going to have to attach the wires directly to the pins on the back of the stereo. You can't tap the wires like I did. A guy on Saab Forums used RS232 female pins and just slid them over the pins on the radio. I'll try to send you a link...

[@XESwift]

Well put together..I may have to do this very same project. I'm buying a 2004 9-3 Aero and I can't find an AUX input on it :(

[@sam1174]

Keep in mind that you'll probably have to get the dealer to enable the aux input in software. Press the input button on the right side of the steering wheel to see. If it just toggles back and forth between radio and CD then the aux input isn't enabled. If it scrolls from radio, to CD, to Aux, and then back to radio you're good to go. Otherwise you'll have to pay the dealer or an independent shop to hook it up to their computer to enable aux.

[@CardboardSliver]

I think my aux was factory installed, cause it's inside the centre console, right next to the power jack inside. works great for my little Bluetooth adapter. Just wish I could keep that jack hot at all times.

[@petersaabistas4723]

thanks for the video! will spread

[@sam1174]

They one I added is just tapped off of the factory aux input, so you can plug into either one.

[@GeicoKaveman]

Did you find which channel is right or left? Will be doing this with mine, but have no center console jack. Going to add the in dash one like you did. How does the jack secure to the cd player plastic?

[@MRREAL4LIFE]

I thought you said some decent music will be played. Joking..I love that song "Dirt Road Anthem" by Jason Aldean and many other. He even did a remix with the rapper Ludacris, lol. Great post and will go do my 05 9-3 now.

[@richardburchett]

Very nice. I think I'll try it. I've been using an FM transmitter, but it's very unhandy. A simple plug-in aux port would be much better.

[@sam1174]

Richard, so many people were asking me about this that I started making plug-in cables. They are easy to install. Check out my website: www.auxinputs.com (No, this isn't a spam comment because I'm commenting on my own video , LOL!) I also have another video on KZbin where I show how to install the plug-in cable. Here's a link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqLNaoCZZ7J-rqc

[@richardburchett]

Thank you so much. I will look it up and make an order.

[@dtfan58]

thanks man. have you ever had a problem with your buttons on your steering wheel not working? i just bought my 9-3 today.

[@lfcscouser2010]

i have 2004 9-3 aero and there is no aux in the armrest. are you sure its there?

[@clint0374]

Did you not want to route the aux in wire to the arm rest storage in the middle? theres a cap in there where the aux cable can come through. I am about to do this set up but instead run it thru the right side of the center key ignition/ throttle/ cup holder and up into the armrest compartment.

[@sam1174]

Some of the cars came equipped with the aux input in the arm rest, others didn't. I'm not sure which ones have it. I think it has something to do with the package (Aero, 20.T, etc...).

[@deinim5854]

Hello Sam and everyone. I have got a 2004 Saab 9-3 arc with the most basic sound system offered by Saab - 4 speakers and a head unit without no display, also no cd-changer. I looked into the images at auxinputs and the version that looked closest to mine also had a cd changer. So my question is do I need one in order to get the kit working.

[@rvv7899]

I was also looking into aftermarket stereos but the problem there is the car display would have to be left unplugged is there anyway around that that you knownof?

[@sam1174]

I guessed correctly, and I don't remember which is which. The jack from Radio Shack has a knurled nut on the front. You remove the nut, stick the jack through the hole, then screw the nut back on.

[@sam1174]

Thanks!

[@jalshield]

I used to own a 2004 9-3 Aero, the aux in is located underneath the center armrest.

[@JohnSmith-di2rn]

Hello. I have the wire that plugs into the back of the stereo, but i was wondering whether they computer needs to be flashed for it to work or not

[@450o054]

i found independent shop they charged me $55 for activation. One question what kind of wire u used for aux input. Name or item # would be great.

[@veli-pekkakivimaki2633]

Hello. Did you have any issues after you connect those fibres with loop connector? Do i need like Tech2 on this progress? And how about Amp1, that one under drivers seat, i have one, and three speakers comes from there. Where amp1 takes its signal, does fibre has something to do with this? I have 9-3, 2004 year model. Thanks!

[@sam1174]

+Veli-Pekka Kivimäki, the amp gets the audio from the head unit. The video shows how to pump audio into the head unit, so you don't have to worry about the amp under the seat. You DO need to have the aux input enabled with a Tech 2 programmer, but there are several ways to get that done. Go to www.auxinputs.com/installation.html and scroll down to the section on enabling the aux input.

[@carrietelfer4709]

i would like to order one of these leads, what do i do now ???? i have a saab 9-3 right hand drive 2.0t conv aero, exactly as ure vid shows

[@robertpierro9951]

Hey Sam, I have a 2003 saab 9-3 ARC and would like to purchase the already made connector kit. Please get back ASAP. Thanks!

[@gregaustill]

Sam, I am working on a saab for someone that is missing amp 2(water damage) so I looped the fiber optics back to make all functions still work(other than the door speakers)... will this still work for me? I tried another method unsuccessfully and want to make this thing work

[@sam1174]

I honestly have no idea, but maybe someone else will know. You can probably pick up a replacement amp on eBay or at a junkyard for dirt cheap.

[@franciscofarias9381]

It should work

[@pace033]

I have the aux jack installed from factory, but cannot figure out how to get to AUX in the factory stereo. Any help would be great. Thanks. Ryan

[@sam1174]

There's a button on the steering wheel marked "SRC" pushing that button toggles between radio, CD, and aux. If it skips aux and just goes back and forth between radio and CD, you'll need to have the aux input activated by a shop with a "Tech 2" programmer. All of the Saab dealerships have one, but you can get it done much more cheaply at an independent shop. Most independent shops that work on GM cars have a Tech 2 programmer.

[@villamelendez2559]

I currently own a SAAB 9-3 2.0T Linear and would like to install an AUX cable. Is the radio connecter the easiest way? How do I purchase?

[@arnaldosero7575]

how did you make your dashboard interior looks new?

[@maxxleon4979]

I vreally like the "semi-permanent" GPS install lol any instructions on how i could do that?

[@carrietelfer4709]

i have a 2004 same model , but no aux connection under the armrest, aux is listed on the stereo screen.

[@frodebrattbakk5225]

i did not understand what kind of plug you used and how did you know where to plug them in?

[@sam1174]

+Frode Brattbakk Go to www.auxinputs.com. You can buy a premade cable there. It makes the installation very simple. It plugs right in to the back of the radio. There's also a video on that website which shows how to install it.

[@ObesePuppies]

will this work on a 2006 saab 9-3 2.0t?

[@sam1174]

Yes. It will work on any 2006 9-3. Go to www.auxinputs.com and look at the pictures of the different dashboards. If your dashboard looks like one of those, then the cable will work on your car.

[@rvv7899]

i have a 01 9-3 and was wondering if this would work for it or if there were other options

[@sam1174]

+Ricky Vera Sorry, it won't work on any 2002 or earlier Saabs. The radio is totally different than the radio on the newer Saabs.

[@PlaceboAddress]

+Ricky Vera Have you checked some of the online SAAB forums? Just start googling. I wish I had the link readily accessible, but if you check around - there's a specific video referenced with one guy making it fairly clear what to do. He's got it on his blog, but described in forums. The process, however, involves pulling out & taking apart the radio head unit, soldering 3 wires, ground, left and right from the L&R of the OnStar that goes out over your speakers. You know? The audio that goes over it and says... "Hi - I'm Lisa" Basically your defunct L&R OnStar audio becomes your aux. For the most part I believe most everyone who's done it - has had success. I've done it myself, but need to tweak some things. Biggest issue I think - is people making sure their ground is well soldered. I not only added an auxiliary, but also actually added a bluetooth as an auxiliary using with the same process described in the video. I used some of the cheap $25 bluetooth devices with a 3.5mm jack that enable you to make speakers wireless. You can find them online, or even at Best Buy. I used Aluratek (see below) The "tweaking" I have to do is a little more complicated because when I added the AUX I also added an OEM SAAB disc changer. I don't know if my ground issues are the changer, my AUX DIY, or something combined. At any rate - I think hacking the radio is a nice option because, with some other AUX DIY options you have to give up something - like the disc changer inputs. If you don't have a changer - not a problem, but I now have CD in the dash, cd changer, tape, of course radio, AND bluetooth which allows so many more possible options. (I use my iphone) BTW - If when doing this process for your 9-3, you can STILL add even another AUX by simply adding a stereo Y cable into your wiring scheme. Keep it hidden and permanently connected, or expose it to your dash somewhere, so you have a quick plugin place for ... whatever. www.bestbuy.com/site/aluratek-bluetooth-audio-transmitter-white/4236915.p?id=1219711483005&skuId=4236915

[@MEOWMEOW-wz2ql]

+sam1174 there is a kit you can buy if you have a 9-3. Just look up Saab aux kit for 9-3

[@dtfan58]

I have one in my armrest (2.0T) but its not an option on my headunit. how do i activate it?

[@450o054]

Man that wasn't a lot of work. i have saab 9-3 2003 n my cd player skip songs and dealer says 180 to add aux cable which is ridiculous. I'm definitely going to try this.

[@ullapulla89]

Do you know, could this be done with saab 9-5 -02?

[@thomasgibson2090]

Nice watch

[@carrietelfer4709]

how do i get one of these leads please

[@sam1174]

That's crazy. They should know how to do that. I'd find a different dealer. Search on Craigslist for "tech 2". There are some independent shops who have the software to do it and I've seen a local one advertising on CL that he can make tech 2 changes.

[@sam1174]

Sorry, Carrie. I just started a new job about a month ago and I've been working 60-80 hour weeks. Yesterday I ordered enough parts to make 50 more harnesses. I had them shipped by Express mail, so I should have them by this weekend and I'll be shipping early next week. If you're still interested, send a gmail to martylunsford. KZbin won't let me insert the actual address in this post.

[@carrietelfer4709]

yeh looks like someone fitted it b4 u bought it

[@BadGrandma]

good job! i do wanna buy the connector cable from you too! plz get back to me!

[@antneeb3b112]

do you still make and sell these? I need one if so. what is your email address?

[@sam1174]

Yes I do. Go to www.auxinputs.com. That's my website.

[@sam1174]

Go to my channel. There is a video there which shows how I did it.

[@eduardodisalvo7356]

quali sono i fili da collegare

[@carrietelfer4709]

would u like to answer my msg or am i wasting my time