Honda Accessory Mode Won't Turn Off – Why? And What to Do?

Accessory mode in your Honda is the condition that allows you to use almost all functions in your car while the engine is still off and the ignition is off. In a push-button vehicle, you turn on accessory mode when you press the start button without pressing the brake pedal. Also, it will be activated if the car can't turn off due to some reason when you are trying to turn it off.

If your Honda goes into accessory mode and is stuck there, you should check the shift lever button and the push-button start system. Also, the battery may be the issue. It's a well-known problem that usually happens with Accord models of different years. But I've heard about Civic and CR-V having the same issue, so I won't just focus on the Accord.

In this article, I'm going to tell you about the following:

• Symptoms and signs that your Honda is in accessory mode.
• What are the reasons for the Honda to get stuck in accessory mode?
• How can you quickly solve the problem on your own?
• Can you still drive such a car?
• What if you can't locate the problem?

Let's get started!

Symptoms of your Honda being in accessory mode

First of all, we need to make sure that we are on the same page. It's not that easy to do given the Accord may treat you with so many different minor issues that it's hard to describe them in an article.

So, you will benefit from reading everything that's written below if your Honda is doing the following:

• when you finish your trip and want to leave the car, you put the shifter in Park and press the engine start-stop button;
• the engine turns off but the lights on the dash of your vehicle are still on;
• also, you see that almost all electric functions like the AC fan, music, and even wipers are working;
• the engine start-stop button is illuminating;
• your trip computer is accessible although it should be off when the car is completely off;
• your headlights are working.

While some of these features may work even when you properly turn off the car, the majority of electric units should go off. So, you may make the conclusion that your car is in accessory mode.

Also, when you try to leave the vehicle, the dash says "ACC Mode" and may even give you a warning chime. So, the vehicle isn't ready to be left like that because it won't close all the doors from the fob and it will drain your battery for several hours.

Reasons your Honda is stuck in accessory mode

So, why have things changed, and now you can't turn off your car? There are several reasons for this. Whatever the reason, you shouldn't leave your vehicle like this. It won't lock the doors properly and it won't be safe for a long time - I mean the car will drain the battery and then it may be damaged in terms of electrical and electronic units.

Here are the reasons I can think of:

1) The shift selector is not in Park

Whenever your car is not in Park, the electronic control systems won't allow you to turn off the vehicle completely. The ignition will stay on and you won't be able to leave and lock the car. The reason for this is the safety precaution. Your vehicle may roll back or forward if it's left that way, so the manufacturers try to make sure your car is always in Park when you try to leave it.

2) Shift selector issues

Also, the shifter sensor or the shifter assembly may be the reason for the problem. For your car to completely turn off, you need to put it in P. But how can your vehicle know that it's in P? Your shifter has a special sensor that allows the ECU to understand immediately which mode is activated on the selector.

It's easy to check. When your engine works, move the shifter through different modes and look at the dash. Do you see the gear mode indicators changing in accordance with what exactly you are applying on the selector? If yes, it should be fine. If not, this is the culprit.

3) Engine start-stop button dead

It's not that common for vehicles to have issues with the start-stop button but it's not impossible. Fortunately, in Honda cars, the button may even be replaced without any experience. It just pops out of the plastic panel it's installed in. You just need to reach it from the backside and push it with your hand.

If you are sure it's all about the button, you may order the new one and install it. But make sure you buy the OEM button. Also, if the car is under warranty, just go to the dealership - they will replace it for free.

4) Low battery

It's not that uncommon for a Honda car to have issues with the battery. But it's not really common for low batteries to cause the car to be stuck in accessory mode. Anyway, it's possible. You never know what to expect from the low-battery problem. The car may develop almost any glitch and getting stuck in the ACC mode is not the worst thing that may happen.

Your battery should have 12.5 volts when the engine is not running. If it's lower than that, you should recharge or replace the battery. The average lifespan of car batteries is 4-5 years.

How can you quickly solve the problem on your own?

So, we are about to discuss the DIY methods of repair. Some of them are easy and free, some will require experience and money for parts. But still, any of these methods is much cheaper than going to the dealership or even to the independent repair shop.

Here's what you should try:

• Press the button on the shift lever several times. Move the shifter to P and press the button several times. In many Honda cars this button glitches and sometimes it may lead to the car not seeing that the transmission is in P.
• Turn the car on and then off again. Maybe, it's just some glitch in the ECU and it will go away once you put it into another cycle.
• Disconnect the battery. At least, you will turn off the accessory mode and will be able to lock and leave the car safely. After reconnecting the battery, you may see that the problem is gone. At least, temporarily. Disconnect the negative terminal first, but connect the positive first.
• Check the battery voltage. If nothing else helps, it's quite possible that you may need another battery or at least to recharge the current one.
• Replace the button. This is one of the least possible culprits but you may still want to do that if nothing else works in your situation. But before you do that, I suppose, you should take the vehicle in for inspection.

The majority of these DIY repair methods don't require a lot of skills and money. They are easy. But if you are about to buy something expensive like a new battery or maybe the push-start button from Honda, you may want to get to a trusted repair shop and have your vehicle inspected. This may save you some money, in the end.

Can you drive if the car doesn't go out of ACC mode?

Well, if you can start the engine, you can safely drive. Your Honda will only have problems when turning off completely. But if it's possible to start the engine, this problem won't affect other important functions of the vehicle. But anyway, ignoring this issue is obviously not a good idea. If you ignore the problem, you just can't leave your car safely anywhere.

So, no, you shouldn't call a tow truck immediately whenever such a problem happens. You may try restarting the engine and then you may go to specialists and have it inspected. Or at least you may take it home and leave it in the garage with the battery disconnected.

What if you can't locate the problem?

If the problem is really bad and you can't locate it, the best thing you can do is to visit the dealer or a trusted shop. A good mechanic will most likely locate the issue during 10-20 minutes and you won't need to pay a fortune for inspections and repairs.

No towing or roadside assistance is needed because, in most cases, your car can be driven. Just drive it to the nearest shop and have it checked by a professional mechanic. Also, explain everything to the mechanic and mention all the noticed symptoms. This will make the inspection faster and easier which means the repair will cost you less money.