BCM Problem?

[aldaran]

I've noticed that last couple of days, that my factory radio started to turn off as soon as the ignition is turned off. It never does that until one of the doors is opened. I thought no big deal since it doesn't do it all the time. Today however, while driving the radio turned off for about 30 seconds then came back on by itself. Has anyone run into this problem? What controls this feature? Is it the BCM? This is in reference to my 2000 Camaro which has the monsoon system. Thanks!

[jasonp99]

I've got the same issue on my '97 TA with Monsoon stereo. Not only does the radio kick off every so often, but when it's off the window motors cease to work as well. It always turns back on eventually, and if it turned off when I shut the ignition off it'll turn back on immediately if I turn the key back to ACC. Sometimes while driving I can get the radio/windows to work again if I hit the door lock button. And sometimes it'll go for a week without this happening, very strange.

Only thing I've done to modify the stereo is add an adapter to the compact disc connector so I can connect my iPod with RCA jacks.

[aldaran]

Everything else works fine when this happens. Like you said, it could go a couple of weeks without doing it then randomly, the radio turns off when the ignition is turned off before anyone opens their door. Any ideas out there?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

The only thing I can think of is maybe the RAP (Retained Accessory Power) relay is going bad or the power to it is intermittently being lost due to a bad connection or broken wire. The only common link I can think of for these systems are though that relay. Rob has a picture of location on his website.

[Injuneer]

I think in 96 they added a body control module (BCM) and incorporated the features of the RAP module in the BCM.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I think in 96 they added a body control module (BCM) and incorporated the features of the RAP module in the BCM.

I didn't know that. I thought they still had the RAP with the BCM.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

I didn't know that. I thought they still had the RAP with the BCM.

Nope. RAP is in the BCM.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Nope. RAP is in the BCM.

Acronyms R us.

[aldaran]

I guess I need to check to see if the power windows will go down next time when the radio turns off. If the windows do not move, then the BCM must think the door is open right? Is there anything in the door that tells the BCM it is open? However, the last two days it hasn't done it again. I will keep you guys up to date when it happens again.

[Injuneer]

The door switch that turns the interior lights on tells the BCM that the door is open. But the retained power feature for the radio and windows should only work when they are not receiving power via the ignition switch being in "accessory" or "run" postitions.

[aldaran]

Well, its been a week and it has not done it again. Weird. I will keep you posted. Is the switch for the door in the door. I don't see one like on the third generations.

[Injuneer]

The switch is screwed into the body.... in the door jamb, just to the side of where the plastic kick panel attaches to the edge of the door opening. Its a little plunger type switch that the end of the door pushes in when its closed.

[aldaran]

Well, it finally did it again. When it happens it shuts down RAP so the windows will not move up/down as if you had opened the door. I wasn't able to find the little plunger switch in the door jam. I can email you a pic to show you what I see. So what else could cause this problem?

[aldaran]

now things are getting a little crazy. the radio started to shut off while driving. at night, the display turns off, and the theft lock light blinks. then it will come back on as if nothing happened. the buttons remain lit. anytime this happens, as soon as i turn off the vehicle, the rap will not work. everything will turn off. i'm starting to think its the radio that is going out. i have the monsoon system, so i assume when the radio turns off, the amp automatically shuts off too? anyone know how the whole thing works? thanks again!

[BrdWAtti2d]

Check the harness into the BCM. There could be some corrosion causing intermittent connection or just a bad pinout. That would make the car seem as though it was possessed.