Upgrade Premium 70 to Premium 150 Methode 2

Upgrading the standard Premium 70 Premium to 150 audio is a job that you can do yourselves. You need some knowledge and a good preparation. You can use the manual at Saabdocs . Not all the 9-3 models, however, have a preparation. So first check if your car is equipped with optical cables.

This description assumes that the standard optical cables are not supplied with a new AMP1. One of the users (Arnie) on the Dutch Saab forum implemented  successfully an alternative method and thanks to him this manual has been realized.

If the preparation is present, a pair of optical cables is available (capped) at the A-pillar just behind the lever of the hood lock (see left photo), One cable behind the control panel (look for the right place in the manual on Saab Docs) and there is on cable at the left side of the center console in the vicinity of the gear shift lever (see also Saab Docs). The right picture shows an example of an optical cable so you know where to look for.

Hint, if you remove the air vent, close the vent before doing so. If you make a mistake all parts in the vent will fall down in the ventilation shaft. If the vent is in the open position you might have a lot of extra work.
 

n n nIf you purchased a used amp but you miss the supplied standard optical cables and find them too expensive,  you can do it yourselves. If you are a relatively experienced DIYer you can install the cables at a relatively low cost yourselves. You have to purchase some materials. You need four connectors, and 2 cable connectors. You can buy them at the Saab dealer. Optical Cable can be bought at Conrad, you need approximately 6 meters. The order number is 183385-89 (about € 1, - per meter) but every other optical cable with a maximum outer diameter of 2.2mm (1mm core) should be okay.

Sizing and flattening the cables:
Officially, you should use special tools but since the distance between the cables in the connectors is very small, you can use a sharp (new) cutting knife. Place the cable on a good flat surface (cutting board or similar) and make a good square cut. Check the ends afterwards.
Basically, a glass cable will transfer signal or not. There will be no additional noise if you did not flatten the cable! It's just annoying if it does not work when everything is connected.

Since there is no universal connecting part on your fibrecable you need to secure it otherwise or to purchase the connecting parts. You need 8 pieces.
It is sufficient to use insulating tape at the ends of the glass cable and thus thicken the cable until it fits in the cable connector. (you could use a small drop of super glue to fix the tape)

Now you mount everything as described in the Saab docs manual.

This alternative method is much cheaper but you need more time than the prescribed standard assembly time!

Once the amplifier is mounted, it still must be assigned by the dealer with TECH II.