Why does my Audi A4 Executive's radio come on automatically when I start the car?

I have an Audi A4 Executive saloon, bought new in September 2009. The radio comes on as soon as the engine is started. I have visited our local Audi dealer who has looked at it, but to date has not been able to stop this happening. I would like to turn the radio on when I choose to, not for it to come on automatically when I start the car. Do you know if this can be done?

Asked on 5 February 2011 by GC, Chirbury, Montgomery

Answered by Honest John

The radio or ‘MMI interface’ should have an on/off switch. If the on/off switch is not working then the system or the radio is faulty and is permanently 'open circuit' in which state it could be draining the battery while the car is left standing. There might be two car handbooks: one for the car and one for the MMI/radio, and, having found the switch, you can test it yourself.

If the radio stays on whatever you do then demand that the Audi dealer either repairs it or replaces it under the new car warranty that he sold you with the car. If he refuses, write to him by post office special delivery (so it becomes a matter of record), outlining the events and telling him that you will now have the car repaired independently and will sue him for the cost via www.moneyclaim.gov.uk. Your rights are here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights

Tags: radio consumer rights electrical faults faulty radio

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