Affective consequences influence learning by impacting the probability that a behavior will be repeated. Hence, the modulation of stimulus-response binding and retrieval (SRBR) effects through affective consequences holds implications on whether SRBR can be viewed as a contributor to instrumental learning. In this talk, I will present recent findings indicating that affective consequences in form of aversive heat stimuli do not influence binding and retrieval mechanisms. Replicating the results of Parmar and Rothermund (2024), who had employed monetary rewards as affective consequences, the data suggest that binding and retrieval effects are automatic and independent of affective consequences. I will discuss this conclusion in terms of the implications for our understanding of the relationship between SRBR and learning.