power down accessories?

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Old 09-11-2005, 08:00 AM
Civic Duty's Avatar
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Join Date: Jun 2005
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Default power down accessories?

Conventional wisdom is to shut down volt-thirsty accessories like stereo and AC when turning the car off, thereby reducing the strain on the starter and the car's electrical system upon subsequent ignition. This doesn't seem like it should be important in our hybrid, since the 144v system and the electric motor are used to spin up our engine. Right? I don't like going through the routine of turning my AC and stereo off and then back on every time I get in or out of my car.
 
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Old 09-11-2005, 09:05 AM
Hot_Georgia_2004's Avatar
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Location: Atlanta, Ga
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Default Re: power down accessories?

The accessory bus is often times controlled by a relay.
(Your key works the low power relay which switches the heavier load bus)

If it uses a mechanical relay you can extend the life of that part by shutting down higher current devices.
If it uses an electronic version it makes no difference.

I haven't seen a HCH schematic and don't know which version is used, but I do know I hear relays click somewhere under the dash every time I drive.

Personally I'm not very concerned about it but if you are, the highest (Stock) device used on that bus would be your AC/Heater fan blower.
Next would probably be the wiper motor.

While there are other high watt devices like headlights they are not connected to that bus and would be switched off anyway at time of starting.

The stock radio doesn't consume very much electricity, neither does the AC (Just a clutch, but the fan is involved)

If you are concerned then I'd just switch the blower fan to off before restarting.
 
  #3  
Old 09-11-2005, 10:53 AM
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Default Re: power down accessories?

Funny how old habits die hard. We were taught to "shut off everything" before killing the engine, even though none of it will "drain" the battery when you engage the ignition starter.
 
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