Forest

Does the original radios in these cars turn off? I can't figure out if there is an on-off switch.

I was poking around, and found some "non-audi" work behind the radio - the orignal two red wires that had supplied the radio have been clipped, an power has been brought in from the warning buzzer (so the radio powers on/off with the ignition key).

When I re-connected the red wires, the radio never seemed to turn-off - the display is always illuminated. How was this supposed to work orignally?

cuatrokoop

Sounds like you have something hooked up wrong.

The factory deck worked independantly of the ignition switch, but when you switched it off, it definately turned off (along w/display). You likely have one of the "hot" wires wired to the wrong source.

Forest

I don't seem to have an on/off switch on my radio, its always on as long as the key is in. Even if I turn the volume *** all the way counterclockwise, it still doesn't turn off...is there something I am missing here?????

In your experice, can turn the factory deck on or off, even if the keys are out of the ignition?

Jax

If it's a factory radio - Alpha is the model I believe - turning the volume pot all the way down to the power detent turns it off.
Most likely, you have a defective radio volume/power switch.