Lifehacks

Will my battery die at a drive-in?

Joe Ford

Will my battery die at a drive-in?

So, will a drive-in movie kill your car battery? Absolutely, running your radio and speakers for several hours on end will drain your car battery at a drive-in movie. Not to mention any other accessories you may have pulling on the car battery.

How do I keep the radio on at the drive-in?

The ONLY way to keep your radio on indefinitely is to leave the car running. There is no way to keep it from turning off. The ACC position will only last for 15 to 20 minutes and it cuts itself off again. The ONLY way to keep your radio on indefinitely is to leave the car running.

How do I keep my car in ACCessory mode?

Pressing the Power button without your foot on the brake puts you in Accessory mode so you can listen to the radio (and run down the 12V battery.) Pressing the Power button a second time without your foot on the brake puts you in On mode and all electrical components can be operated (and run your 12V down even faster.)

How long can a car run in accessory mode?

about 30 to 45 minutes

Does ACC mode drain your battery?

Generally speaking – No. The ‘Acc’ position on your ignition switch is designed to only supply power to limited items such as the sound system and often the fan. A battery in reasonable condition will power these accessories easily for two hours and more and still be able to start the car afterwards.

What does ACC mean on the ignition switch?

ACC (Accessory) — Allows operation of electrical accessories with the engine off. ON — The engine runs and all electrical accessories can be used. START — Engages the starter. Release the ignition switch when the engine starts. The ignition switch returns automatically to the “ON” position.

How do you know the ignition switch is bad?

5 Signs of a Failing Ignition

  1. Car fails to start. Perhaps the most generic symptom of ignition trouble is a vehicle that won’t start.
  2. Key will not turn. On the other end of the spectrum of obviousness is a key that will not turn in the ignition.
  3. Stalling.
  4. Flickering dashboard lights.
  5. No noise from starter motor.