The radio in my 2000 S-Type is the cause of the all too common battery drain found in the forums. Lots of people who've replaced their radios go to a touchscreen which looks a bit too modern for me. So couple of thoughts on options:

Has anyone actually attempted to fix the original radio? I suspect that since the radio runs when the car is off, it could be hardwired to avoid the drain -- ideally with a separate pin to keep the clock running. I don't care if the radio runs with the car off, so that seems like the simplest way. Has anyone attempted or done this?

I could grab a used unit on eBay, but concerned it might also have the drain given how common this seems to be.

Does anyone know of a non touchscreen unit that could fit in this spot? I don't mind going the used route if needed.

Would appreciate advice from those who've gone through this before.

 

Pretty sure the battery drain is caused by the ignition key flap staying open which keeps the car awake. In my v8 02 which I don’t drive often I’ve installed a kill switch on the battery. Looks like this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29233214433...3ABFBMltKbh91j

 

I specifically traced the drain to the radio itself - nothing else is causing the drain. Are you suggesting that the key being in the slot failing would cause the radio, and the radio only, to be drained?

 

For my cars the ignition gets stuck if I forget to rattle key before removing it then car stays awake and radios play music all night or week lol. If you've tested yours maybe the unit is defective.

 

Hello,
the Radio has continuous current and a switched 12V line. The continuous current is required, among other things, for the clock. I would disconnect this line to test and then measure the consumption (after 30 minutes that the control units need to shut down) on the battery (quiescent current).
Greetings, Willi