I had this issue with a Blaupunkt When I added the changer. I figured as
Tim said, that it would make no difference. I was wrong. I have been
busy, so I run everything through a switched fuse, but I mean to
investigate

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Hannink [mailto:tjhannink@EARTHLINK.NET] 
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 9:15 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: stereo wiring

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"