Vauxhall Corsa B (1993 - 2000) - 1996 - Re-wiring radio

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Sat 29 Dec 2007 12:28
1996 - Re-wiring radio - Waino
Having lost the security code for the original radio, we decided to replace it with a 'better' radio. It appears that, as far as the radio is concerned, there are 3 associated wires - the ground, the constant live and a 'switched' live that comes on with the ignition switch. It appears that we have a fault with the ignition switch which gives us a poor/intermittent contact.

Rather than fiddle about with the ignition switch, can anyone advise if the radio can be powered by bridging the wires so that the switchable power is also on constant? Is the stereo likely to drain the battery in standby? Are there any pitfalls/precautions?

Many thanks Waino

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 29/12/2007 at 12:29

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Sat 29 Dec 2007 12:37
1996 - Re-wiring radio - Dynamic Dave
When I fitted a Kenwood stereo and 10 disc multichanger in a mk3 Cavalier, I ignored the switched live feed (as I wanted the stereo on sometimes without the ignition). I just wired up the constant live feed to both the switched and permanent live connections of the stereo. In the 3 yrs I had the car, it never drained the battery.
Providing you remember to switch off the stereo, then the only power that will be used will be to maintain the radio presets (unless the stereo stores them without the need of a permanent supply)

Thing to do is try it, and hook up a multimeter to see if any current is being drawn while the stereo is off.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 29/12/2007 at 12:38

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Sat 29 Dec 2007 12:43
1996 - Re-wiring radio - Waino
Thanks for the swift reply, DD. We are here with soldering iron poised, having just tested it with 'dry' joints. We'll go for it! Cheers!
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Sun 30 Dec 2007 09:51
1996 - Re-wiring radio - Waino
Just to add, as a sequel, that so far the radio appears to be working fine wired in as suggested above. Initially, I had reservations because I thought that I had read a report about adverse effects on the rest of the car's electrics (ECU etc?) caused by messing about with the original radio.
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Sun 30 Dec 2007 10:08
1996 - Re-wiring radio - jc2
1996 ECU'S were not particularly sophisticated;problems have come in with the later systems that use use one wire to send power around the car and pulses to turn on/off all the lights etc..
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Sun 30 Dec 2007 10:09
1996 - Re-wiring radio - elekie&a/c doctor
There is no hi-tech electronics on these so it should not be a problem.It is possible to take an ignition supply from the cigar lighter (if fitted) or brake light switch .Btw the fault with the ignition switch aux circuit is fairly common on these early Corsa models and is usually not the switch that us faulty but a worn plunger pin on the rear of the ignition switch barrel.hth
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