C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Accessory mode vs Run mode

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Old Dec 1, 2019 | 01:37 PM
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Default Accessory mode vs Run mode

Hi,
I am a fairly new Corvette owner.I have a thought that applies to the radio / stereo (not original).In the old school they say it is not good to have the ignition on as an accessory position when the engine is not running.In my 1991 car, I can't turn the Ignition Switch to Accessory mode.
Sometimes I like to run the stereo when the engine is off.I can do this in Run position.The owners manual says that the Accessory and Run positions are "on" positions that allow you to operate your electrical accessories such as the radio.In Run mode, all instruments are active and lit.I don't know how they are in Accessory mode.Do you think it is safe to use Run instead of Accessory?Thanks in advance.
Eric

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Old Dec 2, 2019 | 09:35 AM
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It's not "unsafe". But you're wasting a bunch of electricity (battery life) by powering your ignition, ECM and other things in the car that don't need power, just to listen to the radio.
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Old Dec 2, 2019 | 09:38 AM
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The reason the ON position used to be "bad" was when points were on vehicles.
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Old Dec 2, 2019 | 11:50 AM
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Thanks guys for your input. Now I will try to fix the ignition switch so that I can use accessory mode and not waste the battery.
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Old Dec 2, 2019 | 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by puterami
The reason the ON position used to be "bad" was when points were on vehicles.
you could burn points. You're also running all the electronics (blower, ecm etc...) vs just the radio and other convenience accessories.
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Old Dec 5, 2019 | 02:14 PM
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In my 89, if I turn the key carefully back from run, it ***** off the ignition but the radio stays on. It might work for you too.
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Old Dec 11, 2019 | 12:56 PM
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Thanks for the tip, it works on my 1991 car also.However, I had to switch to a wire that is hot in ACC or RUN as the Wiper / Washer Switch assembly.I took the power from the fuse box.
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