Radio, clock, etc... won't turn off!

[orange bird]

Hello all,
this is my first post in this forum, and I regret to say that I will probably not greatly enrich the forum....the reason I am here asking (begging?) for help is that I am clueless about cars. My 2001 Alero's stereo usually turns off when you open the driver side door, but now for some reason it is turning off, but then a few seconds later it turns back on whether the door is open or closed. The radio will turn off but the clock and dash lights stay on, so I know it is draining the battery. My first thought was to pull the fuse, but I was told it might connect the lights also (?) and I need those. Should I just disconnect the battery altogether? Any thoughts/help appreciated.

thanks, Kate

[orange bird]

also some of the dash lights are on, and I am not sure if this is connected, but the panic button on the keychain does not set anything off. I tried pulling the radio batt fuse and interior light fuse, but the dash lights stay on so i think the battery will die anyway. Help!

-Kate

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

It sounds like the body control module (BCM) is hung up or flaky. It controls theft deterrent, interior lighting and retained accessory power (RAP), etc.

For now disconnect the battery negative and leave it off overnight. Then reconnect and see what it does.

[orange bird]

I will check the battery and try it in the morning, I was nervous to mess with the battery in the dark and I didn't know what to disconnect anyway If it is the BCM thing, any clue how $$ it is to fix? Is it a big deal? That will have to wait until next week when the service depts. open up again I suppose. Sigh. Thanks--

Kate