Hi, this is a tricky one.

(At least for a guy who has yet to acquire the manual)

When I start the car the radio does not come on unless I press the stereo button. After a while of driving it (the stereo) will “time-out” and turn off, if I shut off the car before the stereo times-out the radio remains on.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

According to the Bentley C5 wiring diagram, the radio has 2 sources of power. Fuse 37 is direct, and fuse 5 feeds from the ignition switch. It seems that your radio is running off 37, so start by checking fuse #5 which should be a red 10 amp. If that is good, you have to start checking the power from there to the radio.

 

At first I had a glimmer of hope for a simple solution (Fuse #5). Alas, it looks like I have picked up some type of electrical bug...as the steering wheel controls no longer work nor light up?

Next week I am going to pick up a Bently’s

Does this sound like a fried wire harness to you?

(thanks for all your help so far)