My 745T wagon was in the shop for front end work. When I got it back, the radio (a CR-718 cassette radio) needed to have the code entered. I thought "no problem", just enter the same code I've always used when the battery is disconnected but now the radio doesn't recognize the code anymore. The shop says the radio is dead and has to be replaced. Having a radio is essential for me. Cost is somewhat secondary. What are my options?
Can the original radio be repaired? If so, by whom?
I'd prefer to retain the original radio but an upgrade to one with a CD player and USB inputs has some appeal. Nothing fancy. What brands & sources should I look for?
I much appreciate any help.

 

Crutchfield has 73 choices starting at $49

https://www.crutchfield.com/car/outfitmycar/mycar.aspx

 

The number of choices are severely limited due to the chip shortage. After applying a couple of filters on the Crutchfield website, only three units are actually available for shipping. One of them might work for me but I'm still interested in seeing if the original radio can be repaired.

 

you can find a used CR718 radio with code on Ebay for $50-75. Or you can find a replacement on Crutchfields with more power, newer features and they probably have a wiring harness for converting and aftermarket radio to the Volvo connectors (or shop ebay as well). My guess is your car takes a standard single DIN chassis - but you may want to measure your radio's depth so you don't buy something that is too deep to fit.

Also, when the shop says the "radio is dead" and it was working prior, I'd check fuses and make sure the unit is getting power. Not sure if this model has a code lock out or not (ie where the radio locks up if the code was entered incorrectly) so you may want to try and disconnect the battery for a few hours (or over night) then hook back up and see if you can enter the code again.

 

Thanks for your helpful response. I'll check fuses, but the display shows the "Code E" message and the numerical code while I'm entering it so there is power to the display. This radio has a two-hour lockout if an incorrect code is entered three times. After two hours, you are able to enter codes again.