I would see if the red lead is actually drawing any power from the battery
when the radio is turned off with its power switch by connecting it to a hot
lead, turning off the radio, removing the fuse and inserting an ammeter or
test light between the fuse holder connections. Chances are that that it
won't, so you would just need to remember to turn off the radio when leaving
the vehicle.

Is it just that Americans are seen as to lazy to turn off their radio when
they leave their vehicle and need to have it connected to the ignition
switch in order to keep them from forgetting and killing their battery?

Tim Hannink
Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
Winter Park, Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink Vanagon Album
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers

----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Barrett <dan@OFFTHEHILL.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 2:18 AM
Subject: stereo wiring

> Volks,
>   I'm putting a new stereo system in Mudskipper.  Thanks to my multimeter,
>   and a new box of 15 amp fuses (doh!), I've located the battery lead, but
>   it appears to be always hot.  The head unit I've purchased (Pioneer
>   DEH-P4400) has two power inputs: one for the "terminal always supplied
>   with power regardless of ignition position" and one for the "terminal
>   controlled by the ignition switch."   I figured, hey European cars are
always wired hot, there is no
>    "accessory" ignition position, but the DEH-P4400 manual cautions
>    thusly: "the red lead should be connected to a terminal coupled with
>    ignition ON/OFF operations.  If this is not done, the vehicle battery
>    may be drained when you are away from the vehicle . . ."   Does this
mysterious lead ring any bells?  The Bentley diagram is a
>    little confusing.
> Many thanks,
> d.
> 1990 GL -- "Mudskipper"