You’re not alone if you’re wondering what those acronyms on your car’s dashboard mean. One of the most confusing ones is “FAP” or “full accessory power.”
What does this mean? And more importantly, what does it do for your car?
Full accessory power is a feature that allows your car to continue running even after the ignition has been turned off.
This can be useful in some situations, but it’s important to note that this feature will drain your battery, so you should only use it when necessary.
In this blog post, I’ll break down FAP and explain what it means for drivers.
What Does Full Accessory Power Active Mean?
Most cars nowadays have a feature called Full Accessory Power or FAP. It allows the vehicle to continue running even after turning off the ignition.
This can be useful in some situations, but one should remember that this will drain your car’s battery. So, using this feature only when you need to is better.
Which Accessories are Active with the FAP?
The FAP feature keeps the power to some accessories active even after you turn off the ignition. These usually include:
The Headlights
You can keep your headlights on even after you turn off the car. This can be useful if you’re parked in a dark area or if you need to change a tire at night.
The Radio
Some radios will stay on even after the car is turned off, allowing you to continue listening to your favorite tunes. However, this will drain the battery faster, so it’s best to turn the radio off when you’re not using it.
The Climate Control
If the air conditioning or heater is turned on, the FAP will keep those running even after you turn off the car.
This can be useful if you’re parked in a hot or cold area and want to keep your car at a comfortable temperature.
The Windows
Some cars have the feature to keep windows rolled up or down even after the car is turned off.
This can be helpful if you’re parked in a shady spot and want to keep the sun out or if you want to ventilate your car before getting in.
The Trunk
Some cars have a trunk that will stay open even after the vehicle is turned off. This can be helpful if you’re loading or unloading groceries and don’t want to keep your car running while you do it.
Should I Use the FAP Feature?
The FAP feature can be helpful in some situations, but it’s important to remember that it will drain your car’s battery. So, you should only use it when necessary.
Suppose you’re ever unsure about whether or not to use the FAP feature; consult your car’s owner’s manual.
They will have more specific instructions on using this feature safely and effectively.
Tips for Using the full Accessory Power Feature Effectively
Here are some tips on using the FAP feature:
Use it after a Long Drive
After a long drive, your car battery will have plenty of charge. So, if you need to use the FAP feature, this is a good time to do it.
Use it for a Short Period
Don’t leave the FAP feature on for too long, as this will drain your car battery quickly. Only use it for as long as you need it.
Turn off Unnecessary Accessories
If you’re not using an accessory, turn it off. This will help conserve your car battery’s charge.
Keep an Eye on the Battery Level
Keep an eye on your car battery’s level when using the FAP feature. If it starts to get low, turn off the feature and allow the battery to charge.
How do I activate the FAP feature?
The FAP feature is usually activated by turning the key to the accessory position or pressing a dash button. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to activate this feature.
How do I deactivate the FAP feature?
To deactivate the FAP feature, turn the car off or press the button again. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for instructions on deactivating this feature.
How do I find the FAP feature?
The FAP feature is usually located near the ignition switch or on the dash. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on finding this feature.
Conclusion
The Full Accessory Power Active means the car will continue running even after turning off the ignition. This can be useful in some situations, but one should remember that this will drain your car’s battery.
So, it’s better to use this feature only when you absolutely need to. I hope this article has helped you learn how to use this feature effectively.