Does Leaving "Accessories" on Use Battery?
Submitted: Friday, Sep 28, 2007 at 22:57
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Geoff1967
I know this sounds like a very basic question lol.
A mate and I were arguing about it in the pub.
If I twist the key to "accessories" in my car, to allow me to power my light through the 12 volt outlet, is this using any power if I don't switch the light on? In other words, he reckons it starts omitting power even if you have nothing hooked up to it...
Just seeking some other opinions.
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Sep 28, 2007 at 23:43
Friday, Sep 28, 2007 at 23:43
Any device that runs from the accessory position on the ignition switch, e.g. car radio, or electric demisters, etc., will be capable of drawing power from the battery if they are turned on.
Providing all "accessory" electrical devices are turned off, the current drawn from the battery will be negligible. Power is "drawn" from the battery. It is NOT emitted by the battery.
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Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 04:47
Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 04:47
The 2000-2006 Pajeros have an LCD Display that draws about 1 amp whenever switched to Accessory. There is now way to switch it off.
There are also lights in the doors which are on whenever a door is open. There is NO way to turn them off, not even a fuse to pull (that won't kill lots of other things) - dumb design for a car that many will take
camping where doors are left open !
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Reply By: Jimbo Vic - Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 06:13
Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 06:13
Here's my suggestion.
Stick a multi meter on the battery and take a reading, then turn the car to accessory, if the voltage reading drops it is using power somewhere.
ATB,
Jim.
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Reply By: Alan H (Narangba QLD) - Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 07:09
Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 at 07:09
Why not rewire the power outlet so that it has power all the time regardless of ignition switch position.
I have an inline switch on my light and can switch it off or on in the middle of the night without the need to open the doors.
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Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Saturday, Oct 06, 2007 at 22:00
Saturday, Oct 06, 2007 at 22:00
Or... wire up a (some) new power outlet(s) that runs direct from the Aux battery via a fuse.
never need to worry about lack of cranking power ever again.
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