{"id":35108,"date":"2024-11-08T12:38:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T20:38:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?post_type=car-repair&p=35108"},"modified":"2024-11-12T07:39:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T15:39:00","slug":"how-can-i-keep-the-radio-on-when-car-is-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-help\/how-can-i-keep-the-radio-on-when-car-is-off\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Keep the Radio On When My Car is Off?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question: <\/strong>I usually turn off my car and listen to music when I\u2019m picking up my kids from school\u2014but I just upgraded to a newer car, and I can\u2019t figure out how to use Accessory mode. How do I keep the radio on when my car is off?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong> Accessory mode allows you to use your vehicle\u2019s lights, radio, and other electrical features without having to start the ignition. It\u2019s pretty easy to turn on Accessory mode if you drive a car with a physical key, but it can be a little less intuitive if your vehicle has a push-button start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn on Accessory mode in a vehicle with a physical key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a traditional ignition key, turn the key to the Accessory position (usually labeled ACC) to use your radio without turning on the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRO TIP:<\/span>
Be sure to keep your key in the ACC position\u2014not the ON position. The ON position is intended for when your car is running (or for a diagnostic inspection), and your battery may drain more quickly if the key is in this position.<\/span><\/div>
\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Turn on Accessory mode in a push-to-start vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To turn on the radio in a push-to-start vehicle if you\u2019re just getting into the car:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Do not push the brake pedal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Press the start\/stop button one time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Push the start\/stop button a second time if you want to use other accessories, like the windows or air conditioning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Note:<\/strong> If you have your foot on the brake pedal when you push the start\/stop button, the car will start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your car is running and you want to switch to Accessory mode without interrupting the music, here\u2019s what to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Bring your vehicle safely to a stop, but keep it in gear with your foot on the brake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Shift the car into Neutral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Push the start\/stop button to turn off the engine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Shift into Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      To turn off all your accessories, press the start\/stop button again twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to avoid battery drain in Accessory mode<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      In most cars, you can generally listen to the radio in Accessory mode for up to two hours without draining the battery. But if you\u2019re using other accessories like your lights, air conditioner, heater, or electronic seat and window controls, you could drain the battery much more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To avoid draining your battery completely, try to limit how many electronics you use in Accessory mode. It may be helpful to go through the Settings menu in your car\u2019s infotainment center to check if you can turn off any features that draw from the battery, like certain interior lights or the GPS system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Also, if you\u2019re sitting in Accessory mode for longer than an hour, consider starting your car periodically. It\u2019s best to let your car run for about 30 minutes after you start it to give the alternator time to fully recharge the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n
      \n
      \n