Too much load of battery?
#1
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Too much load of battery?
My wife tends to leave the a/c in the on position when she shuts-off her engine. So when she starts it up, it automatically comes on. I believe that by doing this, she is putting too much of a load on the battery and starting system. Her last vehicle, a 97 olds, went through 4 batteries in 3 years because of this I believe because nothing else was ever found to be wrong with the charging system. Am I correct or are the newer vehicles protected enough to prevent this. She has a 2004 CRV. Thanks
#2
Contributing Member
I had a girlfriend who insisted on turning off the HVAC and radio every time she turned off the car... kinda interested in hearing people's opinions!
I think that when the starter is active everything else shuts off, but I'm not sure.
I think that when the starter is active everything else shuts off, but I'm not sure.
#5
Im also obsessive about turning off the air conditioner/heat, radio, etc any time i turn off a vehicle. Its just how i was taught! I was told there is less wear on the battery at startup and it prolongs your battery life. My grandfather pretty much taught me everything i know about cars so i dont know much about the modern engine....Someone with more knowledge please clarify!!!!
#6
Contributing Member
relays switches and thingamabobs...
basically a lot of the extra load is switched OFF when the starter is engaged, specifically anything tied to the ACC circuit
basically a lot of the extra load is switched OFF when the starter is engaged, specifically anything tied to the ACC circuit
Trending Topics
#9
Contributing Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Bucklesberry, North Carolina
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
So there is no effect on the battery whether or not you turn your A/C on or off before shutting off your car?
I get fussed out by my gf all the time for leaving the A/C or heat on when I shut off my 4runner. She seemed persistent enough that I just started doing it because I got tired of hearing her. Would be nice to have a good intelligent comeback for her one of these days
I get fussed out by my gf all the time for leaving the A/C or heat on when I shut off my 4runner. She seemed persistent enough that I just started doing it because I got tired of hearing her. Would be nice to have a good intelligent comeback for her one of these days
#10
Registered User
Ever wonder if she was using crappy batteries and leaving lights and junk on alot?
Heck, a/c doesnt exist to me-I only run it if its to unbearable to touch anything in the car..which isnt often.
Heck, a/c doesnt exist to me-I only run it if its to unbearable to touch anything in the car..which isnt often.
#11
Contributing Member
Okay.
No, leaving ANYTHING on when you turn off the car isn't bad for the starter in the least, nor bad for the electrical system. You can cause drain by adding aftermarket stuff, but that is only while the car is running.
As was said, when you turn the key to "start", everything else shuts off.
No, leaving ANYTHING on when you turn off the car isn't bad for the starter in the least, nor bad for the electrical system. You can cause drain by adding aftermarket stuff, but that is only while the car is running.
As was said, when you turn the key to "start", everything else shuts off.
#12
Registered User
Correct. Only thing that will stay on when cranking are things that will still work with the keys out of the ignition, like the headlights, hazards, horn, etc.
Last edited by Adam F; 01-20-2007 at 05:25 AM.
#13
Registered User
My step-dad always yelled at my for leaving my stereo, A/C on when I shut my cars off. I have never replaced a battery in any of my cars. I had my 4Runner for 3 years, my Celica for 1 and my Jeep for 1 now. My GF also shuts everything off, because she was told the same thing. To each their own I guess.
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Idaho
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe on OLD cars the acc didnt shut of when you went to start, but on everything I have driven built in the last 20+ years it shuts all the acc off when you go to start... not an issue at all. And I also cant see it killing batteries, maybe causeing a slightly slower start, but not killing batteries.
#18
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
Ok, thanks for all of the replies. I had always turned everything off except for the stereo. I guess she is off the hook. Now I have to find out why she needs a/c when its 55 degrees outside. LOL
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bourbonblues
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
20
12-15-2017 05:43 PM
Swampwalker
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
5
10-12-2015 09:49 AM