Its always annoyed me that the Radio/CD in my 328 will only come on with the ignition full on in the run position. Most modern cars have an "accessory position" on the ignition switch such that some things will operate without the ignition being fully on. The 328 seems to have this first position on the key as well. The question is is does it work? is there power there & is it possible to use it to provide the power feed necessary for the Audio equipment trigger circuits? If there is, any clue as to what colour wire I'm looking for!?
Position "0" is locked. Position "II" is run, and position "III" is start. There is a position "I", but it doesn't appear to do anything. (The key buzzer operates as soon as you move the key off "0".) The stock wiring for the stereo is un-switched B+ power -- on all the time -- you have to remember to turn the stereo off, because it doesn't operate off the key. Most aftermarket installations don't work that way. (And an external amp really complicates matters. I took a tap off the driver's electric window fuse, so my stereo would switch off with the ignition, although I use the stock B+ power for the stereo memory. The previous stereo had a switch hidden under the dash to activate the stereo, external amp, and radar detector. If I forgot to hit that switch when parking, it'd drain the battery. I baselined the car back to factory stock before installing the new stereo. (Based on US wiring --- the UK version will vary a bit.)
I got under there & fixed it tonight. On my ABS (88/89) car position 1 fires up the ABS pump. Looking at the back of the switch there are 5 connectors: Red (live), One with two yellows One with a Yellow & a Yellow & black stripe These both go live in position 2 only One with two whites (I think that's the starter) ...and then there is a Blue with red stripe - that one goes live with position 1 so I've made up a little "Y" connector (so havn't cut or stripped the original wire at all) & am now using that as the trigger. So the stereo will now come on in position 1. The trigger circuit uses tiny amounts of power so no issue with load etc. I also have an external amp & that is triggered by the head unit turning on, so no problem with that either
Yes you have a modern car...as the wiring diagram indicates presence of an accessory position at the ignition switch but it is unused so there goes its modernity. Check with a volt/ohmeter at the ignition switch connector for unused wires. In addition there is the 'key inserted' switch portion of the ignition switch which is used for the 'remove key' buzzer function. Insert key for music on. Sweet
Hmmm, no "remove key buzzer" on my car. I was looking at it from underneath so maybe I missed an unused terminal hiding above the others. I'll have another look tonight & see if there is yet another terminal that triggers when the key is inserted. If there is then Ill just have check that it stays live in the "run" position. Thanks for that.
I recall reading a post saying that the buzzer is in the passenger footwell compartment and often has been disconnected by owners. My radio (Sony) is wired with two power connections; one for continuous power to the clock/memory circuit and the other from the accessory position for play.
