VW Gamma stays on after ignition key removed !

[vwpolo16v]

Just fitted a VW Gamma to the 9N -- simple plug and play. All works fine except that it does not switch OFF when the ignition key is removed (as stated in the manual).

How do I fix this ?

[vwpolo16v]

Clearly too complex a problem judging by the zero response...I guess everyone is really thinking hard on this...digging through all the wriring diagrams everyone has, etc

[jmv]

Just fitted a VW Gamma to the 9N -- simple plug and play. All works fine except that it does not switch OFF when the ignition key is removed (as stated in the manual).

How do I fix this ?

sounds like there is still a 'live' running to your head unit ?

this is what mine has, only so i dont loose all the settings on the radio etc.

[vwpolo16v]

Thanks for the suggestion, JMV. I looked at the black power plug that plugs into the back of the radio and it seems completely factory standard wiring loom without any mods.

Either :
1. The 2003 Polo's were wired to NOT switch power. Or,
2. there's a magic setting somewhere on the radio to keep it on after ignition off. Or,
3. There's a magic setting on car's computer that currently is programmed to not to switch the power to the radio.

which ever, it's getting a little annoying having to remeber to press the radio button before getting out of the car

[carmadaaron]

This is really wierd since its OE stuff you're using. You can buy an after market ISO adapter harness which swaps the yellow and red wires around.... i think that should solve it.

[vwpolo16v]

Thx, carmadaaron -- I'check the wires again to see which way around they are. But if I swap the permenant and the switched 12v's , then surely the radio would think it was disconnected everytime I switched it on and would display SAFE ?

Actually, I have just fitted an ISO harness that taps off the lights illumination wire for the CD-Player see photo:



BTW, I had this problem BEFORE I fitted the above cable.

Being a cheap skate, I wonder if there's a way of pulling out the two wires from this harness and swapping them (assuming swapping would work)

[carmadaaron]

well theres no harm cutting the red and yellow wires in the middle, then crimping on your own terminals, cos if they dont work after the 'swap' they can be plugged into their normal colors.

When it stays on when ignition key is out, it sounds like problems that aftermarket HU have when connected to a car.

Have you tried plugging the car's harness straight into the HU?

[vwpolo16v]

good suggestion to cut-n-crimp the two wires.
Yes I have plugged the cars harness straight into the HU - still the same (stays on without the key).

[AKs_SlickPolo]

Could have been dodgy wiring of the headunit or a problem at the ignition, as the switched power wire originates from the ignition. Do you have a aftermarket alarm? - in a typical installation the ignition wires are tapped into to wire it up and so there may be some problem between these.

To find out get a multimeter and test the current coming from the switched wire when you switch the car on. This will tell you what is wrong - the headunit or the switched wire.

Dodgy switched wire will mean re-wiring it from the ignition to the headunit.

[vwpolo16v]

Sorry just got back from my travels.
AK, I just took the Gamma unit out and looked at the wiring harness.
The colours seem non-standard but does not looks tampered as there's black clothed taped around the harness that's beautifully finished -- indicating a factory harness.

Pin 1: Gala -- White with purple stripe
Pin 2: Mute for Phone -- not connected
Pin 3: Diagnosis -- Grey with white stripe
Pin 4: Switch Ignition -- Black with red stripe
Pin 5: Theft Protection -- Red with yellow stripe (thicker wire)
Pin 6: Lighting -- Grey
Pin 7: Battery +ve -- Red with Yellow stripe (thicker wire like Pin 5)
Pin 8: Battery -ve -- Brown (thicker wire)

I put the multi meter on Pin 4 and it always red 0 volts and did not change with Ignition (ON or OFF).

Pins 5 and 7 always had +12v.
Pin 6 turned to 12v when the lights were turned on.

So now I am puzzled as to where the Black/Red wire from Pin 4 is going to. It certainly is NOT to switched ignition.

I connected an aftermarket cd/radio (a Goodmans) and that too behave just like the VW Gamma. That is, stayed on without the ignition key so I don't think it's the Gamma.

[AKs_SlickPolo]

Pin 4 - Black with red stripe is your switched ignition wire. Its not non-standard, many VWs I've done ice installs on have the same colour.

If it appears as 0 when the ignition is turned on thats where your problem lies. Did you just connect the multimeter to the pin? maybe the wire is not attached to the pin or its a loose connection. Oh and also check all your fuses in the drivers side panel to just incase.

If its not, its either a faulty wire, or faulty ignition switch. To re-wire it you'd need to tap into the ignition wiring, normally under the steering column. It will be the same wire and may have a marking like +15. But you may find that there are loads of similar wires - you'd probably need test each similar looking one with a multimeter under the ignition too!
check for any non-factory looking wire soldered to the original car looms or any signs of tampering under there too. May be old alarm wires or something.

If your not sure, best to speak to your local audio fitter, you don't want to mess it up!


Hope this helps

[vwpolo16v]

AK, thanks for the tips m8. Good to know Black with Red stripe is standard. I got some info which suggested it should be Yellow with Red as standard.

Yes I only touched the multi meter to the Pin 4. The wire looked solidly attached to the pin.

Did not think about the fuse. Will check that.

Failing that, I think you are right -- get an audio guy to check it out.

Many thanks.