Hi Sarah.

In my Bentley, diagrams for '85 start P. 97.60. IIRC, the '85 wiring
changed ~ mid year. Check your VIN against the VIN shown in the first set
of '86 diagrams.

Not sure if I'm understanding your question, but typically there's two
power sources to a head unit: one constant power to maintain presets, one
to operate the radio. Over a relatively short period, the "constant" power
draw would drain your battery down. (say two weeks, no battery charger,
very little engine run time).

A radio draws far less current than what's needed to turn the starter. So
it will work, to a point, but starter won't turn. Also, the radio may be
connected to a second battery. This is typically located behind the driver
seat.

There's lots in the archives on auxiliary or "aux." battery setups.

Your radio may be wired straight to a given battery. Hopefully there's a
fuse in that circuit! One could install a switch between the constant power
going to radio, or just disconnect that wire and live with no presets.

Neil.

On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 8:48 AM, Sarah Kieschnick <photofreakk@yahoo.com>wrote:

> Hey All,
>
> I have a question:  Why is my new radio always "lit up" even when turned
> off and ignition is off also? And after 2wks (from installation of radio),
> now my battery is dead, even though I started it several times including
> for 10minutes the day it "died"?
>
> So if the radio maybe drained my battery-Why does my radio still work and
> have power, even this morning?!?
>
> I am a newbie and looking @ my Bentley guide, but why doesn't it show 1985
> wiring? Do I just look at the 1983 wiring on 97.20/97.21??  (I obviously
> didn't do the install - I paid the previous owner to do it and he had done
> several but is on the road to Grandcanyon as we speak to ask him)
>
> It is a 1985 Westy vanagon GL 1.9
>
> Thanks,
> Sarah in Tx
> 1985 Westy vanagon GL 1.9 "Lennon"
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>

--
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engine<http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines>