LS Focus stereo + integration

[Rollake70]

hi all

i have an 06 focus CL, and whilst most audio forums claim that the stock headunit is completely standalone (ie, not integrated with rest of car electronically) i unplugged my stock system today as i plan to install an aftermarket unit..

but driving around tonight i have noticed that when i turn the car on, the dash cluster itself, and all dash lights and interior lights do not come on until about 30 seconds after i have turned the car on..the tacho even stays at 0. all the while, until everything goes back to normal, the red shift arrow and the engine light are both on.

however after 30 seconds, all is normal..

i havent checked to see if goes back to normal once i plug the stereo back in yet, but id like to make sure its not the stereo before i got installing a new one, so that if it is something else, i can get it fixed under warranty.

also, does anyone know if the new car warranty requires me to have my stereo proffesionally installed?

thanks

- Craig