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26.11.2006: Testing
Connect the MP3 player and turn the stereo on. Push the cassette door inward to hit the first switch. The stereo will switch to the tape mode. Usually, the deck will start right on and show "TAPE PLAY A>" (or "B"), playing the music from your MP3 player. If you only see "TAPE" on the SID, push the door further to press the second switch for a second or two, then release it. The deck will engage the playback and you'll see "TAPE PLAY A>".

Head unit modification on a 1999-2005 Saab 9-5 to add a line input for external media player connectivity.

Parts of this guide are outdated, please search Saab forums for more recent solutions for adding a line input to a 9-5. You can still use this as a general guide on taking the stereo apart.

A digital music player is an attractive and convenient source of music in the car, but the stock head unit does not have a line input. Many people end up using an FM modulator or a cassette adapter, which inevitably sacrifices the sound quality. Not everyone agrees to this compromise, especally if you have a premium Harman Kardon stereo in your car, or a custom upgraded system.

There are several alternative solutions for direct MP3 player connectivity. This guide shows how to do it yourself by using the tape deck inputs of the internal amplifier. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to add a direct line input to your stock head unit without sacrificing any existing functionality.

Thanks to Daniel Giertz and all the Saab forum members who did the research and contributed to the installation guide.

 

 
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