Monsoon radio install problem

[vetterss]

New to the forum and new to Beetles. We bought a used 2004 GLS that had a Sony aftermarket single CD in it. It is my wife's car and she wanted a stock radio. I bought one, single CD monsoon unit on eBay since I found the monsoon amp in the back. My problem is I installed it, got the security code and it works great. If we don't use the car for 36 hours or so the entire car goes dead. However, a battery charger will start the car right up without any charging time.

I did take it to a dealer who said the amp was not turning off. I find that hard to believe. I bought a used amp and last night my wife heard a clicking sound under the instrument cluster while the car had sat all day without use and sure enough the car was dead. The odds of me having two amps doing the same thing are very remote in my thinking. I have removed the radio and disconnected the amp and will let the car sit and see if it dies.

Does anyone out there have any ideas what the heck is going on? Does the radio somehow have to be calibrated to the amp in back? Any suggestions would be helpful.

[dmbluebeetle]

The Monsoon amp has constant power to it, It goes to "sleep" when the right rear speaker output shuts off from the radio.

The clicking sound under the dash should be investigated more as it is a relay that might be causing your problem.

Make sure the radio is coded as a Monsoon (should say MONSOON in the display when turned on). It will take a VAG tester to code it for the car. The dealer should know how.

[CGK]

There was a recall for the Monsoon amp that affected a range of '04 VIN numbers.
It's possible that the amp was never replaced under the recall when the aftermarket headunit was installed.
I've attached the recall details so you can check to see if your NB is included and you can also check to see if you have the replacement amp.
Take it to a dealer and get yourself a new amp if you need one.

[Texasmame]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

The Monsoon amp has constant power to it, It goes to "sleep" when the right rear speaker output shuts off from the radio.

The clicking sound under the dash should be investigated more as it is a relay that might be causing your problem.

Make sure the radio is coded as a Monsoon (should say MONSOON in the display when turned on). It will take a VAG tester to code it for the car. The dealer should know how.

I'm getting the same clicking and draining of the battery. I see the relays are not in the interior fuse panel - how can I go about accessing them?

[dmbluebeetle]

You have to remove the cover under the dash above the pedals, a T20 torx I think takes out about 3 screws then the panel pulls off. From there you should be able to see the relays. It just seems odd that this started after the new radio was installed.

[Texasmame]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

You have to remove the cover under the dash above the pedals, a T20 torx I think takes out about 3 screws then the panel pulls off. From there you should be able to see the relays. It just seems odd that this started after the new radio was installed.

More and more, I'm thinking this has to do with the Monsoon AMP. I've installed many a head unit and never had this issue. The only thing different here - that damn AMP.

[dmbluebeetle]

You said you replaced the amp with a different one, I find it hard to believe that 2 different amps are doing the same thing, not impossible but just rare to see 2 different units being defective the same way.