I was washing the car this morning with the keys in my pocket when the radio suddenly started playing. I had not washed anything but the exterior so no water under hood or in cab. Turned radio off but the backlight for the clock stayed on and is still on. Must be some kind of short somewhere but I have no idea where to start looking. Has this happened to anyone else out there?

 

Well this is really weird, I have not heard of this before. However, the engine compartment has a fuse block with a water tight cover just in front of the battery. I'd make sure the top of it is locked down securely and it's dry inside there. After that I'd look for moisture at the roof seal above the center console. I'd also suggest pulling the A/C control panel out to check for moisture behind it. If you do find any water in those areas, I'd disconnect battery, get out my hair dryer and use it to evaporate the moisture as soon as possible.

 

Tried fuse box. It was dry and see no moisture around roofline. Haven't pulled ac panel yet but wife said light went out after she parked at work 15 miles away.

 

Very odd...you'll have to keep us posted on anymore incidents of super-natural possession of the radio. BTW when the radio did play on its own, any meaning to the song heard...ala Stephen King's 1983 novel and movie, Christine?

 

It sounds like the radio is sensing that the ignition switch is in the ON position. Track down that wire and you will likely find the culprit.

 

I'm wondering if you used the high pressure wash at a car wash. I use a gentle hose most of the time, but those occasions I'm at a car wash I never get the sprayer closer than 4-5 feet. I never go through an automated wash. Water is forced places it wasn't intended to go.