Turning the engine off but leaving accessories on

[TheNoname]

Hello everyone!

I recently just bought a new 2014 Mazda3 and I can't be more happy with it. The only thing I was curious about was leaving the accessories on but turning the engine off (e.g. if I'm still listening to the radio but I've pulled into the garage). I've read some suggestions to leave the car in drive, hit the start/stop button, and then put it in park. I tried this, and it worked great. My only concern is this: Is this bad for the car? In the Smart Start Guide it says on page 6, "Pushing and holding the START/STOP ENGINE button or repeatedly pushing the button while the engine is running will turn the engine OFF. Use only in case of an emergency." but doesn't mention anything about just leaving the accessories on. In the actual full Owner's Manual on page 4-11 it says in the notes section "If the engine is turned off while the selector lever is in a position other than P, the ignition switches to ACC." but, it doesn't mention if it's bad for the engine or anything.

Can anyone help me out? Is it bad for the car to leave it in drive, hit the start/stop button, and then put it in park? You would have my eternal gratitude!

Thanks!

 

[ceric]

I don't think this will do any harm to the engine.

 

[waylonrobert]

Why not just hit the start button while in park and engine off? This should turn accessories on. Basically don't step on the brake and hit the ss button because this will start the engine. Just press the ss button.

 

[TheNoname]

The problem with that is that if, for example, I'm driving while using the handsfree bluetooth and then pull into my garage but need to finish the call, I would have to stop the engine and all accessories (including my call) and then restart the accessories.

 

[CXVille]

Hello everyone!


Can anyone help me out? Is it bad for the car to leave it in drive, hit the start/stop button, and then put it in park? You would have my eternal gratitude!

Thanks!

No, it won't hurt a thing. It is the way to do what you want to do.

 

[TheNoname]

Thank you!

 

[concept]

Then what do you do when you are done with the accessories? How do you turn them off?

(I don't have a 3, yet, so forgive my question if the answer is obvious.)

 

[Kirkhuffy]

I have an automatic iGT and all you have to do is put the car in park, hold in the button on the gear shifter and hit the car off button- car turns off, radio and stuff stays on.

 

[concept]

Okay, but how do you then turn off the accessory power?

 

[CXVille]

Foot off brake. Hit start button. Maybe hit it twice.

 

[CXVille]

I have an automatic iGT and all you have to do is put the car in park, hold in the button on the gear shifter and hit the car off button- car turns off, radio and stuff stays on.

Two hands? Kind of awkward I would think.

 

[Kirkhuffy]

Okay, but how do you then turn off the accessory power?

Just hit the off button

Two hands? Kind of awkward I would think.

Not really that awkward...