Does the starter work in the ACC position?
4 Answers
ACC position starter does not work. The following are the relevant information about ACC: Basic introduction: The meanings of the ignition switch positions are LOCK - steering wheel locked, power supply cut off; ACC and ON - all vehicle power supply except the starter is connected; START - starter power supply is connected and the engine starts. Function: It is a system switch that requires a key to operate, mainly controlling circuits that can freely turn on or off the ignition coil, and can also be used for other electrical circuits. It should be noted that before starting, the transmission should be placed in neutral, the clutch pedal should be depressed, and for vehicles with automatic transmission, the gear should be placed in P or N position.
At the ACC position, the starter will not work. ACC stands for Accessory, meaning it only powers accessories in the car like the radio, cigarette lighter, or USB charger, and does not start the engine or engage the starter motor. The starter is specifically designed to crank the engine to start the vehicle, and it only activates for a few seconds when the key is turned to the START position. After the engine starts, it switches to the ON or RUN position. If you accidentally leave the key in ACC for too long, the battery can drain, leaving you unable to start the car the next day. I once experienced this embarrassing situation and had to call a friend for a jump-start. So, it's important to pay attention to the correct key position when operating it. To start the vehicle, always turn the key to the START position to avoid unnecessary trouble and battery damage.
The starter doesn't work in the ACC position. ACC is for powering vehicle accessories like playing music or charging phones, while the starter remains completely inactive. The starter only engages when turning to START position to crank the engine - my driving instructor repeatedly emphasized this point as beginners often misuse it. Once I only turned to ACC trying to start, got no response and mistakenly thought the car was broken. Prolonged ACC position drains battery, affecting starting capability. Correct key rotation sequence: LOCK→ACC to test accessories→ON to check instruments→START to engage starter. Developing good habits extends component lifespan and prevents accidents.
The starter does not operate in the ACC position because ACC only provides accessory power for entertainment devices. The starter is only activated in the START position to crank the engine. Improper use of ACC may lead to rapid battery drain, increasing the risk of a failed next startup and compromising driving safety. I often remind my family to ensure the key is turned all the way when starting the car and avoid leaving it in ACC for too long to minimize malfunctions. The correct way to start the engine is to quickly turn the key or press the button to the START position, completing the process within seconds.
