The stereo in my '56' Vauxhall Astra doesn't turn on and off with the ignition - why?

Question

I have 2006 Vauxhall Astra and ever since it had some work done on it last year which required the battery's disconnection, the stereo has worked independently of the ignition. I.e. when I start the car, the stereo doesn't come on unless I switch it on myself, and when I stop the car and take the keys out of the ignition the stereo stays on until it's turned off manually. Obviously this latter point is most worrying as it's so easy to walk away from the locked up car with the stereo still playing - something that has almost happened on a couple of occasions.

How do I sort this out without taking it to the dealer and spending loads of cash?

Answer 1

There is a separate wire (from power wire) that swiches with the ignition.  That wires tells the radio to turn on and off.

Apparently that is now hot-wire to ON all the time.  Somebody re-wired it (for some reason) wrong.  If the stereo is an after market unit, you should be able to find that wire going to the fuse box.  It is possible that wire was mistakenly removed then replaced on the wrong fuse.

Good Luck...