What Is the ACC Position in a Car?

Many drivers, especially those new to modern vehicles, might wonder What Is the ACC Position in a Car? This question often comes up when looking at the ignition switch or starter. It can seem a bit confusing with all the letters and numbers. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple once you know what to look for.

This guide will break it down step-by-step, making it easy to understand exactly what the ACC position does and why it’s useful. Get ready to learn about this handy car feature!

Table of Contents

What Is the ACC Position in a Car?

When you turn the key in your car’s ignition, you’ll notice several positions before reaching the point where the engine starts. One of these important positions is ACC. This stands for Accessory.

The ACC position is a fascinating part of your car’s electrical system that often gets overlooked but plays a key role in how you use your vehicle without the engine running.

Understanding the Ignition Switch Positions

Think of your car’s ignition switch as a series of gates that control different electrical circuits. Each position you can turn the key to (or press the start button) activates a different set of these circuits. The most common positions are:

LOCK or OFF: This is the starting point. When the key is in this position, most of the car’s electrical systems are turned off to save power and prevent the battery from draining. The steering wheel might also be locked in this position.
ACC (Accessory): This is where things get interesting. Turning the key to ACC powers certain electrical accessories in your car while the engine is off.
ON or RUN: In this position, all the car’s main systems are active, including the engine control unit, fuel pump, and dashboard lights. The engine is ready to start.
START: This is a temporary position. When you turn the key to START, it engages the starter motor to crank the engine. Once the engine starts, you release the key, and it springs back to the ON or RUN position.

Understanding the Ignition Switch Positions

The Accessory (ACC) Position Explained

So, What Is the ACC Position in a Car? It’s the position that allows you to use specific electrical features of your car without turning on the engine. This is incredibly useful when you want to listen to the radio, charge your phone, or use the power windows while you’re parked, waiting for someone, or enjoying a break.

The primary purpose of the ACC position is to provide power to non-essential systems that you might want to use when the engine isn’t running. This prevents the battery from being drained by systems that only work when the engine is on, like the air conditioning or headlights (though some modern cars might manage headlight power differently).

What Accessories Work in ACC Mode?

The specific accessories that get power in the ACC position can vary slightly depending on the make and model of your car. However, generally, you can expect the following to function:

Car Radio/Infotainment System: This is one of the most common uses of ACC. You can listen to music or the news without wasting fuel.
Power Windows: Need to let in some fresh air? The power windows usually work in ACC mode.
Power Mirrors: Adjusting your side mirrors is often possible.
12V Power Outlets and USB Ports: These are essential for charging your phone, tablet, or other devices.
Interior Lights: Small interior lights, like vanity mirror lights or dome lights, might be powered.
Wipers: In some cars, you can operate the windshield wipers.

It’s important to note that high-drain accessories, such as the air conditioning or heating system (beyond a basic fan setting), typically do not work in ACC mode. These systems require the engine to be running to function properly and to prevent excessive battery drain.

Why Is the ACC Position Useful?

The ACC position offers several practical benefits:

Comfort while Parked: You can use the radio or adjust windows for comfort while waiting without idling the engine.
Device Charging: Keep your electronic devices powered up without needing the engine to run, which is great for long waits.
Prepping the Cabin: You can get the music going or crack a window before you even start the engine.
Battery Conservation: By powering only specific accessories, it uses less battery power than having the engine on for the same function.

ACC vs. ON/RUN Position

It’s easy to get the ACC and ON/RUN positions confused. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	ACC Position	ON/RUN Position
Engine Status	Engine Off	Engine Off or Running
Dashboard Lights	Usually Off or Minimal	On (warning lights may illuminate briefly)
Fuel Pump	Off	On
Accessory Power	Partial (radio, chargers, etc.)	Full (all accessories and engine systems)
Steering Wheel Lock	Unlocked (usually)	Unlocked

The key difference is that the ON/RUN position activates many more systems, including the fuel pump and the car’s computer, preparing it for immediate engine start. The ACC position is more limited, focusing on convenience features.

Finding the ACC Position on Your Car

For most cars with a traditional key ignition, the ACC position is located between the LOCK/OFF position and the ON/RUN position. You’ll usually feel a slight detent or click as you turn the key from OFF to ACC.

If your car has a push-button start, the sequence is slightly different but serves the same purpose. Typically, a single press of the start button without the brake pedal engaged will put the car into ACC mode. You’ll see the infotainment system and some dashboard lights come on.

A second press without the brake pedal will usually put it in the ON/RUN position, with more dashboard lights illuminated.

Potential Downsides or Things to Watch Out For

While the ACC position is very useful, there are a couple of things to be mindful of:

Battery Drain: Even though it’s less than the engine running, prolonged use of accessories in ACC mode can still drain your battery, especially if it’s older or the car hasn’t been driven for a while. If you plan to listen to the radio for a long time while parked, it’s a good idea to start the engine periodically to recharge the battery.
Forgetting to Turn Off: It’s easy to get out of the car and forget that you left it in ACC mode. This can lead to a dead battery the next time you want to start your car. Most modern cars have a system that will automatically turn off accessories after a certain period in ACC mode to prevent this.

Troubleshooting ACC Issues

If you find that certain accessories aren’t working in ACC mode, or the ACC position isn’t functioning as expected, there could be a few reasons:

Blown Fuse: Each accessory is connected to a fuse. If a specific accessory isn’t working, the fuse for that circuit might have blown. You can check your car’s manual to locate the fuse box and identify the correct fuse.
Electrical Issue: More complex electrical problems could be at play. If checking fuses doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be time to consult a mechanic.
Car Design: As mentioned, the specific features powered by ACC can differ. Your car might simply be designed to not power a particular accessory in this mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What does ACC stand for in a car?

Answer: ACC stands for Accessory, referring to the car’s electrical accessories that can be powered when the engine is not running.

Question: Can I charge my phone in the ACC position?

Answer: Yes, typically the 12V power outlets and USB ports that are used for charging devices are powered in the ACC position.

Question: Will my headlights work in ACC mode?

Answer: Generally, no. Headlights are usually designed to be operated only when the engine is on or in the ON/RUN position to prevent accidental battery drain.

Question: How do I know if my car has an ACC position?

Answer: Most cars with a key ignition will have an ACC position between OFF and ON. Cars with push-button start often enter ACC mode with a single press of the start button without the brake pedal.

Question: What happens if I leave my car in ACC mode for too long?

Answer: Leaving your car in ACC mode for an extended period can drain the battery. However, many modern vehicles have a feature that automatically shuts off accessories after a set time to prevent this.

Final Thoughts

Understanding What Is the ACC Position in a Car? unlocks a simple yet very practical way to use your vehicle’s features. It’s that handy spot where you can enjoy your tunes, keep your devices charged, or just let in some fresh air without needing the engine to roar to life. This position is a thoughtful design element, balancing convenience with power conservation.

Remember to be mindful of how long you use accessories in this mode, especially if your battery is older, and to check your car’s manual for specifics on your model. Getting to know your car’s ignition settings can help you use it more efficiently and comfortably every day.