Car Stereos: 2001 Honda Civic Radio Malfunction, t drain, power wires

Question
QUESTION: My 2001 Civic radio/CD player continues to stay on after the car is turned off (and key removed).  I have had to disconnect the left battery terminal to reset the system (so my battery wouldn't drain all day long).  This has happened several times.  Luckily, I know the anti-theft code.  But how do I fix this problem so I don't have to keep disconnecting my car battery just to get my radio to turn off?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Angela,

If it's the OEM unit, then you might have some crossed wires.  I don't know if the Honda features the same feature some GMs do wherein the stereo will stay on until the driver's door is opened so you can keep listening until you get out.

If that's the case, it might actually be the circuitry to your driver's door that's busted.  Does the cab light still behave as expected based on the driver's door being opened or closed?  That would be your first indicator.

Justin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes.  It is the OEM unit.  And the radio normally turns off as soon as the key is turned off (not the door opened).  If I have some crossed wires, how do I fix it?  How did it happen?  All other car functions are normal (cab light, power windows, headlights, etc).

ANSWER: Your stereo has two power wires going to it.

One of them provides it with constant power, all the time, regardless of whether the key is off or not.  This is the wire that is used to remember radio settings, station presets, where your CD is, etc.

The other one is 'accessory'.  This one tells the deck it's OK to turn on.  This one is only supposed to be energised when the car is on or in accessory mode.  My guess is that the accessory wire has somehow received a charge from the constant wire.

This can happen from wires rubbing together, improperly installed/uninstalled hardware in the past, weird fluke.. etc.

Justin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  So how do I get at this accessory wire and be sure it is not touching the constant wire?  I need detailed instructions as I have never tried to get at the radio and I know you have to remove some panelling and the such.  But I don't know how or where.

Answer
Hi Angela,

If you don't know, I would suggest taking it to a stereo shop as your next step.

You'll have to remove the deck which will have a wire harness plugged into it.  Unplug it, and check to see if it has 12V to ground on it with a multimeter.  If it does, you'll need to trace back until you find the source of the fault.  That could be anywhere in the car between the battery and the harness.

If it doesn't, then the fault is likely in the deck and it will need to be replaced.

Justin