2002 saturn vue, stereo wiring problem

i hooked up a kenwood stereo w/ removable faceplate in my 2002 saturn vue. but it would not light up. the cd player functioned, but did not play over the speakers. i did confirm that it was getting power and properly grounded. but the faceplate part doesn't do anythig. so after switching around the wires a bit. i was able to make it work, by attaching the red 12v and the yellow/memory 12v together. then the systems works fine. except for, when you turn of the car it does not go off. you have to turn the stereo off manually. it comes on with the acc. but stays on no matter what, until you tun it off. also you loss memory when you turn it off.

anyone have any ideas???

You need to check both your red and yellow wires in the harness.  The yellow wire needs constant power and is used to retain memory.  The red wire is for accessory.  There should be a few red wires in the harness adapter for your saturn.  You need to test which shows accessory power and use it.  If you're not showing proper power on both wires, check the fuses once you're sure there are no shorts.