I have a Range Disabler, version 8.6.1 that I bought in July 2019 from Range. So it should be one of the later versions which shuts down when the car is not being driven. But I have noticed that one of the blue indicator lights stays on constantly, even after the car has been sitting in the garage for several days. I have not got down to see closely which of the four indicator lights it is yet, just have noticed it glows constantly. Easy to see in a darkened garage. Any one else noticed this on their units, or have any ideas? According to the Range website the latest versions should have all lights off when the engine is not running. I have sent an inquiry to Range, but have not had a response yet. Just wanted to know if there is any information on the forum while I am waiting on a response from Range.

 

I just checked mine and no lights on at all.

 

No lights are on mine, Version 8.6R1. Car has not been started for about 2 weeks.

 

Thanks for the replies. Hopefully I can learn something from Range.

 

That was going to be my suggestion. There's no lights on mine either.

 

Check to make sure you haven’t accidentally hit the device getting in or out of the car and knocked it loose. The device has to be completely in the OBDII receptacle. If it is loose, after you put it back in, you have to go thru one start and stop cycle to get it turn off. My light stays off after I drive the car.

 

The lights in my Range Device are off when the car is not running. Give Range Technologies a call and see if they can help.

 

I've had one running v8.6.1 since Jan 2019. No lights on.

Hopefully Range can address your issue. Good luck.

 

One of the drivers to that LED is probably shorted causing that one to stay on.

 

Got a reply from Range. I had let them know that I have it powered thru an OBD extension cord with switch. I have this set up so that I can switch it off when I want without unplugging it. But I usually just leave the switch on which should be the same as leaving it plugged in the port. The range response is that having it powered thru the extension cord is what is causing it not to go into sleep mode. I don't buy this. Having it powered thru the cord should not cause it to function any differently than with it directly plugged into the OBD port. If I am overlooking something, please let me know.

 

Tinkertech - I appreciate that idea. First, I understand that this issue is not of great importance overall, but it puzzles me and I like to understand things. I have now identified the LED which stays on as the one marked #1. So what you are saying is that even if the internal controls circuit in the Range device is sending a signal to this LED to switch off, if the driver of this particular one is shorted it is keeping the LED illuminated even though the device may truly be in sleep mode. Is that the correct understanding of your take?

 

If you don't agree with the explanation from Range, simply unplug the device from the extension cord and plug it directly into the OBD Port and see what happens. If it goes off when you shut the car off they are correct. If it does not go off, you are correct.

 

Thanks 4 Speed. That is what I will try this evening when I get home from work. I haven't had time to experiment with this issue much since I discovered that the light was on even after the car had not been driven for a few days. All I have determined so far is that when I switch the cord off the light goes out and when I switch the cord back on, the light comes on, even though I have not started the car at all since discovering this. Maybe this weekend I can determine more.

 

I am not sure why a switch is needed if the unit is designed to turn off on its own or go in to sleep mode? Or is there still a battery drain when it is in sleep mode and must be shut off by a switch or unplugged?

 

Yes Frankie2blue
Usually a semiconductor device fails due to over stress or a latent manufacture defect. When the current or voltage junction in the transistor or probably in this case an FET (field effect transistor) enters into a failure mode the junction will be overstressed and first shorts then the excessive current will cause the junction to 'burn' open. In some cases the junction is not completely burned 'open' and a small amount of current will still flow. The control gate of the device is no longer in control of said device, can not turn the switch (device) on or off thus resulting in the LED remaining on if the junction still has some contunity.

 

Frankie2blue - You are correct to assume that if the unit is working as advertised a switch is not needed. That is one of the good features on the newer versions. They supposedly turn themselves off when the car is shut down to prevent battery drain. I installed the switch on mine just for the convenience of a test of the unit from time to time. I have the Range unit mounted just under the dash just to the left and below the steering wheel. I have it secured with a zip tie. It is out of the way and does not interfere in any way with my knees getting in or out of the car. The test I refer to is this: Occasionally when on a level stretch of highway, cruising 60-70 mph, I want to disconnect the Range unit and watch my display and catch the engine going into V4 mode. Then I switch the Range back on and wait for it to go thru it's setup and be sure that it causes the engine to go back to V8 mode while I am still traveling at the same speed, engine load, throttle position, etc. As you might imagine this sometimes is a challenge due to finding a suitable stretch of highway and traffic considerations. But with patience, I can run this test occasionally and so far the unit functions fine as far as disabling V4 mode. And I find that just reaching down and turning off an inline switch is more convenient and safe that pulling the unit out of the OBD port and reinstalling while driving. It just concerns me that the unit will not extinguish all the LED lights when I stop the car, as the Range website says it will.

 

1. Takes it out of the way of my entry/exit side of the steering wheel, i've knocked the plug for the extension cord out of the OBD socket before.
2. Before i had the extension cord: once when i went to a dealer and wanted to remove the RANGE, the plug plastic had "galled" to the plastic socket, and i ended up pulling off the top of the RANGE. now, much easier to remove from the obd port without touching the RANGE at all.
3. can't help the op about the RANGE light, it is out of sight and the only light i watch is the "V8" on the speedo. never want to see that green V4, ever.
4. an extension cable with on/off switch was just pennies more than an extension cord. why not?
5. 2 years and 9000 miles of smiles - used on two different C7's. Long live the orange V8 light!

 

Check the version number. It blinks on start up, they explain on their website how to check it.