Any problem with leaving ignition on to power stereo?

Red Beard

Planning on eventually putting in an aux battery and powering accessories from that, but in the meantime, is there any problem with having the key in the on position without the engine running in order to listen to the stereo while hanging out?

Thanks

spitsnrovers · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:59 am Post subject:

If your stereo is wired up correctly, shouldn't the AUX position power it without powering up other circuits - eg fuel pump, ignition, lights?
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'88 VW Westfalia
'75 Triumph Spitfire 1500

PDXWesty · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:05 am Post subject:

You don't want to have the ignition and fuel pump running when just listening to the radio. Check that to be sure. I have mine wired to constant power so the key isn't even required. Some people don't like this becaust they can't remember to turn it off. I suppose I'll worry about that if my memory ever starts to go... Wink

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

Red Beard · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:05 am Post subject:

SCM · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:06 am Post subject:

Red Beard · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:08 am Post subject:

RCB · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:04 pm Post subject:

hdenter · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:24 pm Post subject:

I haven't had the need to look into this area yet myself, but wondered if it is like my Golf. In the Golf, inserting a key actuates the aux circuit.

Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

Timwhy · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:38 pm Post subject:

This thread will explain the how to wire in a relay for the radio. You only need to put the key in the
ignition to power the radio.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...adio+relay
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'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

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joseph928 · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:47 pm Post subject: key

cmvan · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:21 pm Post subject:

If you wire it OEM style some units will drain the battery even if you think it is off. Key in wiring, or separate power switch is the way to go with newer head units.
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81 westy
88 westy ahu e-tdi
11 tdi jsw

reluctantartist · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:33 pm Post subject:

I am not sure how it works on the other systems, but on L-jet the fuel pump is not running in the on position unless the engine is running. The AFM has a switch in it that keeps the fuel pump running when air is flowing through it.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

brownbus78 · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:01 pm Post subject:

The PO of my van wired the radio so that there's no need for the key at all. I really like it and if I ever go solar or get an aux battery (or both) it's really easy to make it happen. All I do is pop the face plate out when not in use that way I know for sure it's off.
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87 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Edition - sold
82 240D Diesel - recommissioned
85 380SE - laid up

syncromike · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:26 pm Post subject:

I installed a simple SPDT switch in my dash. Down position powers the radio and other accessories when the ignition is on, which I use for daily driving. When I flip the switch up, the radio and other "aux" devices stay powered with the ignition off, which I use for camping.
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'91 Syncro w/ Country Homes PopTop

sanchius · Samba Member Joined: May 03, 2007 Posts: 1455 Location: IN

From 2010: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4358630&highlight=radio#4358630

The mod I really like and use a lot is ...

An Ipod compatible headunit with remote,
+ headunit power automatically switched on/off when the key is in/out of the ignition (irregardless of whether the ignition is turned on or off)
+ a toggle to power the headunit any time.

Ipod headunit/receiver: I'm using the previous gen receiver to the Sony CDX-GT640UI, which has a hidden ipod input wire running from the back of the headunit to an ipod in the glove box. I just keep one of the kids throw-away ipods (busted screen) in the glovebox and navigate via the headunit controls. The headunit keeps the ipod charged and, with the remote, I can control the headunit from the back of the van or upper bunk. I find that I simply _never_ listen to the radio anymore, just a constant, non-commercial, stream of exactly the music I want.

Headunit power when key in ignition: I have been running this setup for a year or so, so I don't remember exactly how I wired the power, but the key is to tap into the grey/black ignition switch wire to either switch the headunit on/off or run a relay for the headunit power. I haven't had any issue with having both the key in and the toggle on at the same time. This thread illustrates the basic wiring approach: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=379642.

Headunit on-anytime toggle switch: I hate worrying about losing/locking-in keys, so my keys are either in the ign when I'm in the drivers seat or they are in my pocket, period. The on-anytime toggle switch lets us keep the music on when we pull offroad for a vista or lunch or when sitting in the back without me periodically going thru those "Oh cr*p, where's my keys?" moments.

Next up is adding a toggle to the remote on/off signal from the headunit so I can take the aux amps offline easily.

see also http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=4814271&highlight=radio#4814271

and http://www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/HTML/04/09/01.html

AdrianC · Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:50 pm Post subject:


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