Accessory plug question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 962
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Georgia
Accessory plug question
When I have my car off, and my gps is plugged into the accessory plug, the plug shows power with a green light on it. The gps has a little green light on I guess showing it is plugged in or charging. My question is is this draining the car battery? I know the socket is hot, but the gps is off.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 119
From: Saint Cloud, FL
Basically, it stays powered all the time. From my owners manual (2005):
Accessory Power Outlets:
.........
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Accessory Power Outlets:
.........
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 962
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Georgia
Basically, it stays powered all the time. From my owners manual (2005):
Accessory Power Outlets:
.........
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Accessory Power Outlets:
.........
Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA
Only pulling enough power to lite the green ON light. Whatever that small amount would be. Does the green lite on the gps go out when it has been charged? Some units will hold a charge in case you dont have a plug avail. If the lite on gps doesn"t go out. Just unplug it when not in use. That way you dont have to worry.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 22
From: Whittier CA
If it is like most GPSs, it has a battery that recharges when plugged in. Even if the battery is fully charged, power is still going to the battery. I would unplug the GPS when the car is not on. 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 148
From: Magnolia Texas
short answer - yes it is drawing power from the battery like a cell phone, etc. you may get away with it for a while, but in a car where leaving the map read lights on for 20 minutes can kill the battery, I would unplug it!
will also keep someone from trying to steal it!
will also keep someone from trying to steal it!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 962
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Georgia
Thanks everyone. I will unplug it!
short answer - yes it is drawing power from the battery like a cell phone, etc. you may get away with it for a while, but in a car where leaving the map read lights on for 20 minutes can kill the battery, I would unplug it!
will also keep someone from trying to steal it!
will also keep someone from trying to steal it!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
to answer your question, yes, it is draining your car battery. that is why, if you search on here, one of the first recommendations to not drain your battery is to disconnect all accessories into the various plugs.
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