My radio is in low power mode and will randomly kick back in even sometimes when just unlocking the car. I have checked the battery which is measuring 12v when switch off and 13.88v when running. In the ‘secret’ menu on the radio, the radio is receiving 11.7v. Any idea what this could be? I was thinking of resetting the radio, like I would reboot my computer haha, but I don’t have a radio code. Any help greatly appreciated. Not a major issue just a niggling gremlin.

these cars do not have a radio code, so feel free to try what you wish.

Volume will be limited when the engine is not running, and turning it up will show Low power on the display, if you try to turn it up loud without the engine running.

If you are getting problems while the engine is running, it maybe an indicator of an alternator problem on the horizon.

Should you need to replace the alternator in the future, only fit a Denso brand as the others will give you more problems

If you are getting 11.7v while the engine is running, you could try replacing the fuses (behind glovebox) incase the contacts are dirty.

So testing the power to the radio it is 11.7 volts when engine off and 14.7 volts when engine ticking over. Even getting 14.7 volts radio still in low power mode and no sound. Battery tested and fine, charging correctly. Surely it can’t be the alternator if radio getting plenty of voltage?

so you can't hear any music at all ?

When you turn the volume knob, do you get a number count up on the display ? 10,11,12 etc

No, the volume button on radio and steering wheel both don’t work when in this mode. It will randomly kick back in which can be when driving or just unlocking the car even with radio off.

sophie.weatherby@me.com wrote:

My radio is in low power mode and will randomly kick back in even sometimes when just unlocking the car. I have checked the battery which is measuring 12v when switch off and 13.88v when running. In the ‘secret’ menu on the radio, the radio is receiving 11.7v. Any idea what this could be? I was thinking of resetting the radio, like I would reboot my computer haha, but I don’t have a radio code. Any help greatly appreciated. Not a major issue just a niggling gremlin.

Sorry maybe I should have been more precise. Engine off battery is reading 12.4 volts when engine running it is 13.88 volts. Radio voltage, when engine off is 11.7 volts when engine running is 14.7 volts.

Just checked the fuses: f52 should be 5amp but someone has put a 15amp in and f53 sis and should be a 15amp but the blades look a little tarnished but not blown. After pulling them out and resetting radio it seems (fingers crossed) to have it working again.

Just replacing the fuses shouldn't make any difference regardless of their rating. Low power mode is a sure sign of short journeys, weak battery poor alternator .

Charge the battery off the car

Radio low power mode is a designed response to low voltage. The system will load shed various items in a particular order in order to ensure the battery has enough juice to start the engine.

If you have 11.88V when a load is applied - and unlocking the car and turning on the radio means you've woken and powered up every single ECU in the car - then the battery is basically "not good".

The variation in voltage might indicate a cell on its way out. You say "battery tested", how was that done? 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed