Playing Radio With The Engine Off

[Jim Hardie]

Previous cars that I have owned all had a first turn position for the ignition key that enabled the radio to be used without turning on the ignition warning lights. The C5 does not have this.

It goes against the grain to have the warning lights on without any intention of starting the engine. I always understood that to do this would burn out the ignition coil.

Can anyone enlighten me please?

[Parkesie]

Newer ones the radio can be turned on without the key. As long as economy mode isnt on.

[Johndouglas]

It goes against the grain to have the warning lights on

On your C5 you shouldn't need to have the warning lights on. With the engine off, just switch the radio on. It'll stay on until the economy mode cuts in. Duration will be dependant on the health of your battery. Anything from five minutes up to half an hour.

[Jim Hardie]

Thanks for your replies guys. When the radio went dead as I switched off the ignition it never occurred to me to simply turn the radio back on by its own switch. Age creeping up on me I fear.