For all you master installers?

Question

Ok, I have a problem that I can't seem to figure out. I have a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta and I just put in an aftermarket head unit. I bought a special harness for it that is suppose to retain the RAP (retained accessory power) feature. This is suppose to keep my radio on after I take the key out of the ignition but turn it off when I open the door. The problem I am having is that the radio will stay on after I take out the key and open the door. The only way it will turn off is if I open the front passenger's side door. I'm not familar with VW wiring at all so I don't have a clue what the problem is.

I'll explain a bit further. At first I was told it was a programming problem. But I tried what Metra suggested and it didn't help at all. I figured out that it was probably my car the other day. I found that when I took the key out and opened the door I could still use the power windows. However, when I opened the passenger door I could not longer use them. This means that somehow that door is not working correctly. What is even stranger is that it always use to work on my stock radio.

If anyone has any ideas please let me know. I will probably be taking my car to the VW dealership soon but if it is an easy fix I would much rather do it myself. Metra told me the problem may be a door switch is not working.

My wiring harness is the Metra XSVI-9003 and I have the Monsoon system with the double din radio.

Answer 1

You say you had no problems with it before the install? So a bad switch in the driver door can be ruled out? Did you do the Initialization process before turning the radio on?

Update: I would say there must be a problem with the switch, since the passenger side works as it is supposed to.

Answer 2

sounds like you have switched and constant reversed, I'd try switchig the yellow and red

Answer 3

Here are 2 fixes:

have a car stereo installer, or if you are handy,  switch the door pin wire on the drivers side  and run it to the passenger, then run the passenger to the driver.  This way when you open the drivers side, the car will think you opened the passenger door and turn off your radio.  

A slightly better way will be to tap the passenger door pin and connect the passenger door to the driver's door pin with a diode in line.  This way the door chime feature (lights left on/key in ignition) continues to work, good luck.