radio only works when headlights are on

[PeterGustavsson]

any idea why? maybe i need to post a pick of the wiring on this new kenwood.
it works fine when the headlights are on, but even when the key is out i can turn on the stereo by turning the parking lights on, somewhere there must be something crossing, but where?

[scantar]

You'd have to take a look at the wiring schemes in your Bentleys. The headlights have continuous switched power to the switch but the headlight function is wired to cut out when the key is off.

Like if you wired it to the headlight wiring coming after the switch then it's only going to have power when the light switch is at Parking light (always powered) or when the key is on and the headlights are on (switched power) [for example...not sure if the light switch is wired after the switch...just a visual so you can get your head around what to look for]

[eggsngrits]

The Kenwood is an aftermarket unit, yes? (Don't know what they supplied in Europe).

There were TWO power inputs to the Clarion head units that were original equipment: the main power input is switched through the ignition, and the secondary input is powered from the instrument panel lighting circuit. This second power input was to power the display only, so that you could see the clock, etc. even with the radio switched off.

You've wired the main power input on the new unit to the second power input rather than the main power input.

[peva]

Sounds to me as though someone has wired the radio power source to the dash illumination, possibly ashtray light.

[anjum]

Originally Posted by eggsngrits

The Kenwood is an aftermarket unit, yes? (Don't know what they supplied in Europe).

There were TWO power inputs to the Clarion head units that were original equipment: the main power input is switched through the ignition, and the secondary input is powered from the instrument panel lighting circuit. This second power input was to power the display only, so that you could see the clock, etc. even with the radio switched off.

You've wired the main power input on the new unit to the second power input rather than the main power input.

Sounds like nail head hit on!! Change it over before the rheostat in your dash burns out.

[PeterGustavsson]

that sounds like it, but i cant track it down. i pull it all out today and switched things around. i could hear it click on but then not power on one configuration. so it seems the battery is connected ok, but not the running power. confusing.

and all the wires coming are coming out of one 'tube' (i traced it back and no wires coming in somewhere else, all from the same source as far back as i can reach.

heres some photos. it must be something about the green and brown/white...