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Radio Turning Itself On

SoCalChris

By SoCalChris
in Ask A GM Technician

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SoCalChris Enthusiast

SoCalChris

Posted
Posted

The last three mornings, when I've gone out to go to work, my radio has been on, and all dash lights are on.

 

My truck did this a few times over the past year, but is starting to do it more frequently now. Any suggestions about where to look? It's a 2006 Silverado, regular cab, work truck. The original AM/FM radio was swapped out for a GM 6 CD in dash changer.

 

Thanks

leboyd Enthusiast

leboyd

Posted
Posted
The last three mornings, when I've gone out to go to work, my radio has been on, and all dash lights are on.

 

My truck did this a few times over the past year, but is starting to do it more frequently now. Any suggestions about where to look? It's a 2006 Silverado, regular cab, work truck. The original AM/FM radio was swapped out for a GM 6 CD in dash changer.

 

Thanks

 

Chris, I would start by checking all the connections for the new radio. A bare power wire or connector is touch another bare power wire or connector. If they replaced the radio with the CD changer and didn't need to splice wires, then it's a more difficult problem. But that's where I'd start.

thecraft Senior Enthusiast

thecraft

Posted
Posted

On 2003 and up trucks, the radios don't have switched power leads, they are signaled to turn on and off using the vehicle's computer. Most likely, the radio is defective or the computer is telling the radio to come on when it shouldn't.

 

IMO, this is a good excuse to put a good aftermarket receiver in there!

SoCalChris Enthusiast

SoCalChris

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Chris, I would start by checking all the connections for the new radio. A bare power wire or connector is touch another bare power wire or connector. If they replaced the radio with the CD changer and didn't need to splice wires, then it's a more difficult problem. But that's where I'd start.

 

I checked all of the connections, they're all good. The radio that I replaced the original with is a genuine GM radio, so it was all plug and play, no splicing.

 

On 2003 and up trucks, the radios don't have switched power leads, they are signaled to turn on and off using the vehicle's computer. Most likely, the radio is defective or the computer is telling the radio to come on when it shouldn't.

 

IMO, this is a good excuse to put a good aftermarket receiver in there!

 

I don't care for the looks of almost any aftermarket receivers, and I've already paid good money to upgrade to this radio. I don't think the radio is defective either, it seems like either an issue with the ignition switch or computer.

 

Yes, but if the ign switch is staying in the ACC position, then the power mode master will be telling the modules to stay on.

 

That happened this morning as I stopped for gas. I turned the truck off, removed the key, and opened the door. The radio, dash lights and guages all stayed on, like the truck was still running. Also, the amp that I have stayed on. The switched power supply that turns the amp on and off comes from the MID BEC connector behind my clutch pedal, so it seems like the truck thought that it was still on, even though it wasn't.

 

Should I take a look at the ignition switch? How hard is it to replace, and how much is it approximately? If it's not the ignition switch, what else should I look at?

 

Also, could this be related to a problem that I had this winter? Gauges Crapping Out In Extreme Cold

 

Thanks for everyone's help.

cammiller Enthusiast

cammiller

Posted
Posted

The switches are cheap, $40 or so. If you get the bottom of the column trim off, the switch is not hard to change, BUT the timing of the switch is vital. There are teeth as the ign switch and cylinder are meshed together with a gear system.

SoCalChris Enthusiast

SoCalChris

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the help. I found the part at a local dealer, and am picking it up today. Our local library offers a car repair guide online, so I got the instructions on how to replace it, and properly line up the gears. My only question is that the instructions show a special tool is needed to remove the switch. Is the tool really necessary, or should I be able to rig something up on my own to serve the same purpose?

 

Thanks again.

SoCalChris Enthusiast

SoCalChris

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I replaced the ignition switch this afternoon. All said, it was a simple job, and will hopefully fix the problems that I've been having. I'll write up a how to for anyone else that has problems to refer to in the future. Thanks for everyone's help!

SoCalChris Enthusiast

SoCalChris

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, that didn't work. I woke up this morning to a dead battery. Any suggestions on where to look next?

cammiller Enthusiast

cammiller

Posted
Posted

Well, If I was working on it, I would perform a parasitic drain test. Simply install an Ammeter in series of the neg battery cable. This should only be done after determining the drain is low enough to ensure the meter will handle it. If you want to attempt this, email me and I will send you much more detailed instructions and tips.

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