It is natural to get annoyed if your jeep radio doesn’t turn off when you cut off the ignition. It may look like a petty issue, but it can drain your battery if left unattended overnight. There could be issues like a wiring problem, faulty aftermarket installation, and several others.
In this post, I will explain the most common causes of your jeep radio not turning off after killing the ignition and how to fix them.
So, consider DIYing them yourself before going to a dealership.
Also Read: 8 Jeep Grand Cherokee Suspension Problems With Solutions
5 Reasons why jeep radio won’t turn off
These are the most general issues if the jeep radio isn’t turning off; believe me, they are easy to diagnose.
1. Faulty aftermarket radio installation
By far, aftermarket radio installation is the most common cause of the radio not turning off after killing the ignition. Since the stereo system that comes from the manufacturer is simple and doesn’t have advanced features, people who are fond of music choose to upgrade it from a local manufacturer and get it installed by a mechanic.
There comes the problem; local mechanics are sometimes expert electricians thus, make mistakes while connecting the radio wiring to the head unit, eventually resulting in a constantly playing radio even after the ignition is turned off.
How to fix it?
If you have tried multiple tricks still the radio doesn’t turn off while cutting the ignition, consider taking it to the manufacturer.
Expected damage
Remember to carry an original receipt or warranty card if the radio still comes under the warranty period. If you have it, there would be no repair cost.
2. Malfunction in the ignition switch
Multiple-colored wires in your radio system connect it to the battery or head unit. Most of the time, the ignition switch provides accessory power even when it appears turned off. Other symptoms of an ignition switch malfunction are working windows and wipers even after the ignition is turned off.
You can diagnose this issue simply by using a voltmeter. Suppose the red and yellow wires of the radio are turning hot even after the ignition is cut off. In that case, your radio has a constant power supply, and the ignition switch is faulty.
How to fix it?
In this scenario, you must take your jeep to the mechanic. Unfortunately, you can only DIY it yourself if you are a jeep expert.
Expected damage
You must expect to pay around $150 to $200, including labor costs and part price, depending upon the model of the jeep you are using.
3. A faulty door switch
A faulty door switch is another common issue that keeps the radio turned on. Jeep doors have sensors that signal to ECM to turn off the radio. If the door switch doesn’t work efficiently,radio keeps playing when the power is killed.
How to fix it?
You can easily replace the door switch if you are mechanically inclined, but if you feel it is a tedious task, take professional help.
Expected damage
DIY repair is always cheaper; the switch replacement would cost around $10. If you take it to a mechanic, expect to pay about $50-$100.
4. Worn-out ignition cylinder
Before heading to the main problem, you must understand the basics of an ignition cylinder.
The ignition cylinder has two positions. The first is called the accessory position, where you can turn on the radio, wipers, and windows without turning on the ignition. The second position is known as the start position.
When the jeep grows old, the ignition cylinder weakens, resulting in an easy take-off of the key at the accessory position. At this stage, it seems that you have locked the ignition switch while it remains in the accessory position that keeps the radio and other things in working order.
How to fix it?
First, consider realigning the cylinder yourself, as in most cases realigning solves the problem. Still, if the problem persists, unfortunately, you must take your jeep to a professional expert.
Expected damage
Repairing cost will depend on the severity of the problem but keep an expected worth of $400 for paying the mechanic.
5. The car radio is designed to stay on.
Some manufacturers design radio so that it remains turned on for five to ten minutes even when you kill power. Timing depends on the model of the jeep you are using.
If this is not the case, then there must be some trigger mechanism issue with the ignition switch that does not turn the radio off.
How to fix it?
You can DIY it simply by holding the radio ON/OFF switch for 5 seconds. This will cut the radio power with the battery.
Moreover, you can alter this delay time too. Just go through the steps mentioned in your owner’s manual. You wouldn’t need to take your jeep to a mechanic.
FAQs
1. How to turn off the radio in the jeep wrangler?
Push and hold the on/off button on the radio display for 30 seconds. It will turn off the radio itself, then you can reprogram the delay by reading the owner’s manual.
2. The jeep compass screen will turn on.
In the first place, please turn off the engine and restart it. If the problem persists, use the Factory Reset option as it will delete all the error-containing files, resisting the screen to turning off eventually, restoring its default settings.
Also Read: Jeep Cherokee Vs Grand Cherokee – Complete Comparison
Final Words
Jeep radio won’t shut off is a common issue in various models, including Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, or Compass; that can be quickly sorted out if you go through the above basic diagnostic steps.
You can DIY fix them if you know the basics, but in the other case, you must take it to a mechanic.
Till then, have a safe drive!