[Philkotse tips] What to do when your car radio keeps turning on?

These days, traveling in your car calls for more than just safety and actually “getting there” to wherever you want to go. Entertainment has also become a focal point when it comes to car trips.

In fact, even in short trips or just in running errands, in-car entertainment has now become a must-have.

Entertainment has also become a focal point when it comes to car trips

Now, if you have the latest vehicle, well good for you. But if your vehicle is less updated, you’re most likely stuck with a radio. The good news is that radios are easier to troubleshoot and fix it compared to touchscreen devices.

Car radio that doesn’t turn off

A car radio that’s stuck on ON can give you a hard time along with annoying consequences. First off, this can take your attention off the road. Second is that it can just be a real pain in the neck to have to deal with an uncontrollable radio every now and then.

Another is that, even though car radios draw less power from the battery compared to other electronics, it can still drain your car battery. Even if you’ve only had the radio on for a few hours, it may still be enough to rock the battery levels off its legs.

A car radio that’s stuck on ON can give you a hard time along with annoying consequences

The good thing is that we’re here to help you out if you have the same problem. Philkotse.com listed below a few troubleshooting tips along with other things you need to know.

Probable causes why your radio won’t shut

There are a couple of possible reasons why your car radio won’t shut down when you want it to. Some of these reasons apply to particular situations.

One example is a head unit that’s not properly wired. This would be a usual cause if your car came with an aftermarket radio. But asides from that there are also other reasons like a faulty ignition switch.

There are a couple of possible reasons why your car radio won’t shut down when you want it to

There are even some vehicles out there that are designed to keep the radio on for specifically for a given time. For a more thorough explanation, here are the common reasons for a car radio to stay on even when you don’t want it to:

Ignition switch – A faulty ignition switch may be providing your car accessory with power even when you think you already turned it off.

A faulty ignition switch may be providing your car accessory with the power

>>> Check out: This is how to improve your car radio reception

The radio is designed this way – There are some car radios in the market that are especially intended to stay on. The duration can vary depending on the vehicle model.

When this system breaks down, the radio may fail after the time intended. Your radio can be left on for longer when this happens. Incidents like this usually require the attention of an expert in the area.

Head unit wiring – If you had this problem from when you first installed the unit, the very problem could be the head unit itself.

There are some car radios in the market that are especially intended to stay on

Ignition and key cylinder – If these parts are damaged or have worn out, it may give you a false assurance that the accessories are no longer using power. In some cases where this is the problem, the car radio stays on because it still in the “on or accessory” position.

Troubleshooting and fixing car radio

Now that we’ve uncovered the possible causes of this problem, it's now time to dig a little deeper. Read on below on how you can address these causes:

1. Check the wiring of the head unit

If your problem with the radio started when you installed the head unit, this might be the cause. Most car radios have single ground wires asides from two power wires. One of these power wires should always be hot. The other wire is only powered whenever you run the engine.

It also happens when you switch the ignition to the accessory position. If your head unit’s main power wire is connected to any power sources that are always hot, the radio is stuck on.

If your problem with the radio started when you installed the head unit, this might be the cause

You can verify this cause with the use of a test light or a voltmeter. If both of the wires are always hot, you will have to rewire your radio. You should make sure that it only receives power from something that’s hot only when the ignition switch is at the run or accessory position.

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2. Check the ignition switch

Some of the problems connected to the ignition can cause the accessories in your car to still have power even when they shouldn’t.

If you performed step one and realized that you couldn’t find a power source that’s only hot when the ignition switch is turned to the accessory or run, this may be your problem.

You will need to check if there is still power available to the accessories, even if the key is in off position

You will need to check if there is still power available to the accessories, even if the key is in off position. If there is still power available, you will need to realign your cylinder.

Aside from that, you may also need to replace your ignition switch. But this will still depend on the situation that you’re up against.

>>> Also read: Reasons why your key gets stuck and how to solve this problem

3. Check the key and ignition cylinder

This probable cause is still somehow related to the first two steps. The difference is that it’s more related to the vehicle’s mechanical ignition cylinder. If your ignition or key cylinder is worn out entirely, you will most likely be able to take out your key easily.

This probable cause is still somehow related to the first two steps

You can even take this out even if the ignition is at accessory or run. You can actually solve this dilemma by making sure that your ignition switch is in the off position whenever you remove your key.

This should turn the radio off. If the problem still persists despite your best effort, you may need to replace the broken cylinder.

4. Check if the radio is supposed to stay on

There are car radios that are supposed to shut off after the timer runs out. To find out if your radio is anything like this, take your key out then leave your vehicle.

Remember to shut the door and come back after a few minutes. Check if the car radio is still on. If it’s shut off after you come back, your car radio may be set this way. If your radio is still on even after ample time, you may need the help of a professional.

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There are car radios that are supposed to shut off after the timer runs out