All vehicles have the so-called Accessory Mode. In vehicles that have ignition keys, this mode is easily and understandably turned on and off. The second position of the key in the ignition cylinder is actually the Accessory Mode (ACC) while the third position turns on the ignition and the fourth position starts the engine.
But what to do if you don't have any ignition key? Instead, you have the engine start button that doesn't have any positions? Today, we'll tell you how you should turn on and off the accessory mode in your vehicle with an engine start button. It's not hard at all, you should just remember two simple procedures to understand everything about this mode you need to know.
Let's get started!
So, what's the accessory mode in your car?
The accessory mode doesn't turn on the ignition in your vehicle. But it turns on the power supply to most of the accessories like wipers, lights, music, touchscreen, etc. It means you can use your vehicle for entertainment, lighting, surfing the internet, or for any other purposes. But the engine and the fuel pump will not get the power supply in this mode, so the vehicle is not going to use excessive energy to be prepared for starting the engine.
This mode is usually pretty rarely used. But it's just because most people don't know much about it.
Here's when the accessory mode can be important:
- you are chilling out in nature and want to listen to some music from your vehicle;
- you are doing something outside when it's already dark and want your car to light something for you;
- you are sitting in the car and waiting for someone and you want to go online through the infotainment system;
- you want to look at some information like the service due or the statistics on fuel consumption in your vehicle without turning on the car.
So, now let's see how you turn on and off the accessory mode in your vehicle.
Turning the accessory mode on and off
If your car has a key and an ignition cylinder, it should be really easy. You just turn the key till you hear the first click and here you have it - the ignition is off but the accessories in your car are now working. To turn it off, just return the key to the zero position.
When you have a button-push engine start in your car, you may think that there is no accessory mode. But there actually is and you can use it pretty easily. Here's how to turn it on:
- make sure the vehicle is off and the shift selector is in the P position;
- don't touch the brake pedal - it's important;
- quickly push the engine start button and immediately release it (in some vehicles, you will need to push it twice);
- you will see that your dashboard is now lighted and you can use the accessories.
But the problems occur when you don't need the accessory mode anymore. How to turn it off? It's also as easy as turning it on, here's what you should do:
- don't touch the brake pedal;
- make sure the shift selector is in the P position;
- quickly push the engine-start button and release it immediately;
- see if the accessory mode is off and there are no lights anymore, the radio isn't working.
If you have the manual transmission in your vehicle, it doesn't matter which position the stick shift has, you should only worry about the handbrake. It should be applied if you want to turn on the accessory mode.
Will the accessory mode turn off automatically?
Different vehicles are programmed in different ways, so there is no one universal answer to this question. But in most cases, yes, the accessory mode will turn off automatically after 30-40 minutes since it was applied. Though, if your car is not in Parking or you have the key ignition cylinder, the accessory mode will not turn off automatically. It will work until the battery is fully drained.
The automatic disengagement of the accessory mode is needed to avoid draining the battery when it's applied by chance. So, after some time, your vehicle will turn off and stop destroying the battery.
Is it safe to use accessory mode in your car?
Yes, it's completely safe as long as you have a good battery. If the battery is weak or old, the accessory mode can drain it totally and you will not be able to start your vehicle. This is a really bad idea, so make sure the battery is in good condition before you use this mode in the vehicle.
Now you know how to turn off and on the accessory mode and why you actually may need it in your car.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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