Question: I usually turn off my car and listen to music when I’m picking up my kids from school—but I just upgraded to a newer car, and I can’t figure out how to use Accessory mode. How do I keep the radio on when my car is off?
Answer: Accessory mode allows you to use your vehicle’s lights, radio, and other electrical features without having to start the ignition. It’s pretty easy to turn on Accessory mode if you drive a car with a physical key, but it can be a little less intuitive if your vehicle has a push-button start.
Turn on Accessory mode in a vehicle with a physical key
If you have a traditional ignition key, turn the key to the Accessory position (usually labeled ACC) to use your radio without turning on the car.
PRO TIP:
Be sure to keep your key in the ACC position—not the ON position. The ON position is intended for when your car is running (or for a diagnostic inspection), and your battery may drain more quickly if the key is in this position.
Turn on Accessory mode in a push-to-start vehicle
To turn on the radio in a push-to-start vehicle if you’re just getting into the car:
- Do not push the brake pedal.
- Press the start/stop button one time.
- Push the start/stop button a second time if you want to use other accessories, like the windows or air conditioning.
Note: If you have your foot on the brake pedal when you push the start/stop button, the car will start.
If your car is running and you want to switch to Accessory mode without interrupting the music, here’s what to do:
- Bring your vehicle safely to a stop, but keep it in gear with your foot on the brake.
- Shift the car into Neutral.
- Push the start/stop button to turn off the engine.
- Shift into Park.
To turn off all your accessories, press the start/stop button again twice.
How to avoid battery drain in Accessory mode
In most cars, you can generally listen to the radio in Accessory mode for up to two hours without draining the battery. But if you’re using other accessories like your lights, air conditioner, heater, or electronic seat and window controls, you could drain the battery much more quickly.
To avoid draining your battery completely, try to limit how many electronics you use in Accessory mode. It may be helpful to go through the Settings menu in your car’s infotainment center to check if you can turn off any features that draw from the battery, like certain interior lights or the GPS system.
Also, if you’re sitting in Accessory mode for longer than an hour, consider starting your car periodically. It’s best to let your car run for about 30 minutes after you start it to give the alternator time to fully recharge the battery.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
