Ignition Switch Question...

[Patrick T.]

Suppose you get in the car and turn the key to the ACC position and then forget to turn the key back to the OFF position before getting out of the car. All of the accessories are turned off. Is it safe to assume that nothing will be energized by leaving the key on ACC? Thanks in advance. PT

[Edward J.]

Re: Ignition Switch Question...

Pat, I would say just a dead battery at worst.

[Jerome P.]

Re: Ignition Switch Question...

Maybe ignition points

[Richard M.]

Re: Ignition Switch Question...

Maybe ignition points

ACC doesn't power the ignition. In 63 the ACC position was added to allow you to power the radio without the IGN being powered(coil +12v applied) so you don't burn up the points(if the points were closed when on of course).

I think if all accessories are off, i.e. radio, heater blower, wipers(if applicable), etc there would be no battery drain. If you have a owners manual it'll explain it, or if you have a shop manual take a look at the ACC circuit in the schematics and it'll show exactly what gets powered.

Rich

[Chris E.]

Re: Ignition Switch Question...

If you have a car with TI, the TI harness will heat up. I would not recommend it.

[Jim L.]

Re: Ignition Switch Question...

Is it safe to assume that nothing will be energized by leaving the key on ACC? Thanks in advance. PT

Definitely not a safe assumption. On at least '63s and '64s the gauges are powered when the switch is in the ACC position. If the switch is left in this position long enough a dead battery will result.

Jim

[Patrick T.]

Ignition Switch Question...

Thanks for all of your replies. My car is a '67 SB with no TI. I only left the switch in the ACC position for about one or two hours. I tried starting it up the next morning and it fired right up and everything works. So it appears that no damage was done but I have made a mental note of this for the future. I would be very concerned if the key had been left in the START position but this was not the case. PT