While trying to pin down a parasitic drain (possibly to big for something like radio memory), I noticed that it would stop if I unplugged the BTN fuse - I then narrowed it down to the room fuse, and then the radio, which was odd since it would power down whenever I switched off the engine and removed the keys...

Then the weird stuff started happening when I remove it out to inspect the wiring and check for shorts - everything seemed normal:

LtBlue/Red to Radio's 12v+ (yellow)
LtBlue/White to Radio's +Accessory (red)
Radio to Ground...etc

After hooking it all back up without changing anything, the radio turned on, even though the key was out of the ignition. It would turn on as soon as I connected the unit's Yellow to LtBlue/Red.

Any guesses are helpful. I'm thinking ignition switch related, as the problem kind of fixed itself before a week ago (removed the unit to check the wiring, replugged everything as is, stayed on, but then possibly starting/shutting off fixed it ?? it went back to its normal behavior of shutting off immediately after key is removed. not really sure though, I'll try again tomorrow).

I cleaned up the previous owner's mess of crimp connectors with actual solder, but maybe there's some other weird thing happening somewhere else.

Thanks!

 

The stock radios have a constant 12v source that stays on all the time, and also pull a couple 12v lines from the acc/on from ignition. There is also a powered line coming from the electric antenna and from the illumination switch. Radios were case grounded to the dash via the mounting screws.

I would pull up the fsm, get some masking tape and label what wires you've got. Then get a diagram for your aftermarket radio. It shouldn't pull a noticeable amount of power when its off.

Feel free to post some pictures. Best way we can help with radio issues

 

update, went to plug in the head unit without having changed anything since last time and the problem magically fixed itself - as in, it shuts off immediately when the keys off / taken out ​​​​​​

I'll see if my battery drain problem continues, but for now, the head unit works great, lol