There are a lot of secret messages and symbols in the language of cars. We should know them, but we might not pay attention until we see a light on the panel of our car. It’s possible to see the message “Full Accessory Power Active.” It might sound hard at first, but it’s something that all current cars have. Let’s learn what “Full Accessory Power Active” really means.
A sign on your dashboard says “Full Accessory Power Active” when your car is in a mode that powers the radio, lights, climate control, or power windows while the engine is off.
Full Power for Accessories
The tech that goes into making cars today is amazing. With many complicated systems, they find the right mix of comfort, power, and efficiency. These systems must monitor electrical devices like sound systems and windshield wipers that need to draw power from the battery. The alternator charges the battery while the engine is going, which is good.
“Full Accessory Power Active” usually shows up after you’ve set your car in a particular mode, which is usually done by turning the key to “Accessory” or “ACC” without starting the engine all the way. If your car has a push-button start, you can often use this mode by hitting the button without letting go of the brake pedal.
In this mode, the vehicle’s equipment can run without using gas. This is helpful when you need to use the radio or charge your phone while waiting in the car without leaving the engine running. Remember that using this mode for a long time can drain the battery, especially if you have a lot of power-hungry devices simultaneously, like internal lights, sound systems, or air conditioning.
When Full Accessory Power is on, what accessories can you use?
You can use your car’s electronic features when “Full Accessory Power” is turned on without the engine going. Accessories can be different for each car, but in most of them, these are what you can find:
Radio/Entertainment System
Listen to the radio or use the CD player (if you still have one). You can also connect your phone to the entertainment system via Bluetooth to play music or podcasts.
Lights
You can usually use inside and outside lights, like headlights, spotlights, or cabin lights.
Change the settings for the power windows and seats. In some cars, you can also change the settings for the power seats.
Air Conditioning or Climate Control
You can run the fan or air conditioning depending on your car. However, the air conditioning may also not work if the engine is not working.
Power Sources
All of the car’s power sources should be turned on so that you can charge your phone, laptop, or other small device.
Displays on the Dashboard
You’ll see many displays on the dashboard, such as the trip computer, navigation system, or backup camera.
How do I turn on and off the Full Accessory Power feature?
Most cars have a key or start/stop button that can be used to turn on and off the “Full Accessory Power” (FAP) feature. The exact steps will depend on the year, make, and type of your car.
To Turn On Full Accessory Power
- With a key ignition, put the key in the ignition and turn it to the “Accessory” or “ACC” setting to turn on all of the accessories. Most of the time, this is one step before “On,” which starts the engine.
- With a push-button start, press the button to start or stop the car without putting on the brakes. This should turn on the power mode for accessories.
To Turn Off Full Accessory Power
- If you have a key ignition, turn the key back to “Off” or “On” to start the car.
- If the engine is off, press the start/stop button again without stepping on the brake pedal if you have a push-button starter. Press down on the brakes and press the start/stop button to start the engine.
Is there anything bad about using the full accessory power feature?
What you should remember when you use Full Accessory Power Are these:
Getting Low On Battery
FAP lets you use your car’s battery to power things like the lights and radio when the engine is not running. The battery might die if you use it for a long time. Starting your car might not be possible if it gets too low.
Life Of Battery
You might not get as much use out of your battery if you use the FAP tool a lot. Your car battery can die, just like a phone charger that doesn’t last as long after a few years of use.
Not All of It Works Well
There is a chance that some parts of your car will not work as well when FAP is turned on. Some things might also not cool or heat, like the air conditioner or heater.
So, be smart about how you use the FAP tool. You should get an extra battery or a portable charger to use your car’s power without starting the engine.
What’s with the “Full Accessory Power” message that shows up while I’m driving?
The “Full Accessory Power Active” sign usually only shows up when using your car’s accessories while the engine is off. If you see this message while you’re moving, it could mean a problem with your car’s computer (ECU).
Your car’s electromechanical unit (ECU) controls all of its functions. But it can mess up, just like any other machine. If you see the sign “Full Accessory Power Active” while driving, it could be because of a mistake in the ECU setup. This means the computer in the car might be sending the wrong message.
Some types of the 2015 Ford Edge had this problem, so they were recalled. That message was shown because of a problem with the program in the ECU. The problem was fixed by updating the software, which changed how the ECU was programmed.
If you see the message “Full Accessory Power Active” while you’re moving, you should have a real person look at it. You will need to take the car to a certified service shop so that they can figure out what’s wrong and fix it.
Conclusion
You may see the word “Full Accessory Power Active” in your car. This means the car’s electrical accessories use power from the battery even when the engine is not running. This lets you use the radio, lights, or air conditioning without starting the car.
Remember that it uses battery power, even though it’s helpful when waiting in the car and wanting to use these devices. Using it for a long time could drain the battery and make some features less useful.
