Your Chevy radio stays on after turning off the car because the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system keeps it powered for about 10 minutes or until you open the driver’s door. This feature relies on the RAP switch, relay, door jamb sensor, and Body Control Module (BCM) working together. If the radio stays on too long, check for pending infotainment updates, a stuck relay, or a faulty door switch. A weak battery or poor ground can also disrupt shutdown. Swapping the RAP relay or testing door switch signals with a multimeter helps diagnose issues. Software glitches or BCM faults may need professional scanning tools. Ensuring all switches and connections work properly resolves most cases—especially when simple fixes don’t stop the drain. You’ll find targeted solutions match each possible cause when you investigate the system step by step.
Quick Tips
- Check the driver door jamb switch to ensure it’s grounding properly when the door opens, cutting RAP power.
- Swap the RAP relay with a matching one in the fuse box to test for a stuck or faulty relay.
- Inspect for pending infotainment software updates, which can keep the radio on for up to 20 minutes.
- Test battery voltage and charging system, as low voltage may cause erratic RAP behavior.
- Scan for BCM or CAN bus faults using a dealer-level tool if basic checks fail to resolve the issue.
Why Your Chevy Radio Stays On After Turning Off the Car
While your Chevy’s radio is designed to turn off shortly after you shut down the engine, it may stay on unexpectedly due to a malfunction in the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system.
A faulty RAP switch, failed relay, or BCM issue can prevent the signal that turns off accessories. This keeps the radio active, drains the battery, and may cause starting issues. The RAP switch is meant to deactivate when the driver’s door opens, but if it fails to pop out, the BCM won’t receive the off signal, keeping the radio powered—this is known as a failed RAP switch. Electrical issues like water infiltration or corroded connections can also cause relays to stick and keep accessories powered, resulting in battery drain and persistent operation of the radio battery health.
Software Updates: Why Your GM Radio Stays On
Your Chevy radio might stay on after you turn off the car not because of a broken switch or wiring issue, but due to a pending software update in the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Systems like MyChevrolet, Cadillac CUE, and IntelliLink require updates to finish before powering down. Use the settings menu, connect to Wi-Fi—your phone’s hotspot works—and follow prompts.
The update takes 12–20 minutes, runs automatically, then shuts the radio off when complete.
Also check for related electrical faults like a failing alternator, since electrical issues can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
How the RAP Switch Controls Radio Power in GM Vehicles
When you turn off your Chevy’s ignition, the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system keeps the radio on as long as the doors stay closed.
The Body Control Module (BCM) activates the RAP relay, sending power through pin 87 to accessories like the radio, using signals from door switches and the ignition circuit.
If a door opens or 20 minutes pass, the BCM cuts power—just like it does when battery voltage drops too low.
Ensure the vehicle battery and charging system are in good condition before troubleshooting battery voltage to prevent unintended RAP behavior.
Retained Accessory Power Function
The Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system keeps certain electronics running after you turn off the ignition, and it’s what lets your Chevy’s radio stay on for a short time once the engine’s off.
Your BCM manages RAP using relays and serial data, powering the radio for about 10 minutes—unless the driver door opens or voltage drops.
Switch Activation And Signal Flow
Inside the ignition switch assembly of your GM vehicle sits a small but key component—the RAP switch—that kicks into action the moment you turn the key from RUN to OFF.
It detects key movement, sends a signal via Class II bus to the BCM, which then powers the radio through a pink wire.
This ground or 12V signal keeps accessories live for 10–30 minutes, ending when you open the door or time expires.
Inspect the RAP Switch for Proper Function
Check the driver’s door jamb switch, located at the base of the door frame, by opening the door and seeing if the courtesy lights turn on.
Test the tan wire with a multimeter to confirm it provides a ground signal when the door opens, which tells the BCM to cut power to the radio.
If the switch doesn’t ground properly, the RAP system won’t shut off accessories, leading to a drained battery.
Also inspect the door switch for wear or damage and replace it if needed to prevent leaks and failures in related systems like the transmission front seal.
RAP Switch Location
Look closely at the driver’s side door jamb, and you’ll spot the RAP switch mounted right where the door meets the frame.
It’s a small, four-pin unit with three wires—tan, light green-to-black, and black.
The tan wire sends a door-closed signal, grounding when shut.
You can see it at night when the courtesy light activates.
Test Switch Operation
Start by verifying the RAP switch’s behavior as you open and close the driver’s door—watch closely to see if the plunger pops out fully when the door opens and retracts when closed.
Turn the ignition off with doors shut; the radio should stay on for 10 minutes.
Open the driver’s door—power should cut immediately.
Repeat several times, confirming consistent response.
Diagnose the RAP Relay if the Switch Looks Fine
If the radio keeps playing long after you’ve shut off the engine and walked away, the problem mightn’t be the door switch—instead, the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) relay could be the culprit.
Check the under-hood fuse box, inspect for damage, swap with a matching relay, and listen for clicks when opening or closing the driver’s door to confirm faulty operation.
A common underlying cause of similar electrical oddities is a loss of communication on the vehicle’s CAN BUS, which can affect relays and modules and produce unexpected behavior.
Is Your BCM Causing the Radio to Stay On?
The radio keeps playing even after you’ve turned off the engine and locked up the car, and you’ve already checked the door switch and swapped the RAP relay without fixing the issue—now it’s time to contemplate the body control module (BCM) as the source of the problem.
The BCM receives door switch signals, manages accessory power timing, and sends shutdown commands. If it fails, the radio stays on.
Faulty BCMs often cause intermittent electrical issues, drain batteries, and disrupt lighting systems. Since the BCM controls retained accessory power (RAP), a malfunction means the radio won’t turn off when expected.
Inspect the BCM after confirming the RAP switch and relay work. Dealers can diagnose intermittent BCM faults accurately.
Also check the battery and ground connections for issues like corrosion or loose cables, since poor ground connections can cause or worsen intermittent electrical faults.
Normal Delay vs. Real Problem: Is 10 Minutes Too Long?
Often, your Chevy’s radio staying on for up to 10 minutes after turning off the ignition is completely normal—it’s part of the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system designed for convenience.
The radio shuts off automatically when the timer ends or you open the door.
If it stays on longer than 10 minutes, even after opening the door or removing the key, that’s a problem worth investigating.
Door Sensors and Lock Settings That Affect Radio Shut-Off
Pay close attention to how your door sensors and lock settings interact, because they play a key role in turning off your Chevy’s radio after you shut the engine down.
Your driver’s door switch signals the BCM to cut power; if it fails to pop out, the radio stays on.
Some models wait until doors lock, not just open.
Faulty relays or outdated software can mimic sensor issues, so check updates and scan for errors to pinpoint the cause.
When to See a Dealer for Persistent Radio Issues
While some radio shut-off issues can be resolved at home, you’ll need to visit a Chevrolet dealer when problems persist despite basic troubleshooting.
If warning lights flash, the battery drains overnight, or the engine struggles to start, these point to BCM or RAP switch failure.
Since faulty modules, relays, or software often require specialized tools and diagnostics, dealer proficiency guarantees proper repair and long-term functionality.
Wrapping Up
Your Chevy’s radio staying on after turning off the car is usually controlled by the Retained Accessory Power (RAP) system. If it stays on too long, check the RAP switch, relay, or door sensors. A faulty body control module (BCM) could also be the cause. Most delays under 10 minutes are normal. Update your software if needed. For persistent issues, see a dealer to diagnose deeper electrical problems accurately.
