2004 E320 Radio turns on by itself
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2004 E320 Wagon
2004 E320 Radio turns on by itself
Periodically, the Harmon Kardon radio that came with car will turn on. Car is turned off, no key in ignition. Radio not left on (not that that should matter). Drive somewhere, go inside store or arrive home and come a little later and radio will have turned on. Once it totally drained battery overnight. Any idea what can be causing this or how to fix?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2004 E320 Wagon
Thanks. I will note that you can turn the radio on when the car is off (i.e. no key) so the radio receives power all the time. I was planning to pull the fuse tied to the radio and confirm that there is no further battery drain ... temporary fix.
How do I look into the other issue you suggest: the ignition and/or central gateway module?
How do I look into the other issue you suggest: the ignition and/or central gateway module?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Periodically, the Harmon Kardon radio that came with car will turn on. Car is turned off, no key in ignition. Radio not left on (not that that should matter). Drive somewhere, go inside store or arrive home and come a little later and radio will have turned on. Once it totally drained battery overnight. Any idea what can be causing this or how to fix?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 998
Likes: 136
From: VA
W212 E-class, W211 E-class, F10 5-Series
Periodically, the Harmon Kardon radio that came with car will turn on. Car is turned off, no key in ignition. Radio not left on (not that that should matter). Drive somewhere, go inside store or arrive home and come a little later and radio will have turned on. Once it totally drained battery overnight. Any idea what can be causing this or how to fix?
Sorry, Plutoe, but you are also confused...VirginiaE320 is indeed correct, in that the radio will function with the car off and no key. They have been doing that for years, both Mercedes and non-Mercedes cars; sometimes when I am washing my car or out in the garage, I will reach in and turn on the radio to catch some tunes while I am doing a small chore---no keys or ignition required.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Hey VirginiaE20. Welcome to the forum...I see that you are also from VA...what part? Sorry that you have this issue, I had a similar problem with my e39 BMW in that the entire HVAC system would turn on by itself overnight and blow at full speed! Car was bat-sh** crazy.
Sorry, Plutoe, but you are also confused...VirginiaE320 is indeed correct, in that the radio will function with the car off and no key. They have been doing that for years, both Mercedes and non-Mercedes cars; sometimes when I am washing my car or out in the garage, I will reach in and turn on the radio to catch some tunes while I am doing a small chore---no keys or ignition required.
Sorry, Plutoe, but you are also confused...VirginiaE320 is indeed correct, in that the radio will function with the car off and no key. They have been doing that for years, both Mercedes and non-Mercedes cars; sometimes when I am washing my car or out in the garage, I will reach in and turn on the radio to catch some tunes while I am doing a small chore---no keys or ignition required.
This indeed correct. I listen to the radio all the time with the ignition in the off position after I park. It will continue to play till you open the door or till the battery minder turns it off (20 minutes or so).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 336
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
These modern head units tend to reset every now and then, some more often than others. Could be it does not remember the on/off state after a reset but if the car had been parked, the radio should not be active at all to make any resets (while driving the radio control unit is active even if the driver switches the radio off).
Trending Topics
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
