Does it harm the car's electrical system to leave the ingition in the "on position" as when playing radio.

Question

I have a 2003 Subaru Legacy. Sometimes when camping I will play the radio in the car for an extended period (2-3 hours). I don't know if cars these days still have coils - but when I was a kid I seem to recall it was harmful to leave ignition in the "accessory" position for an extended time because it might "burn up the coil." Hopefully, modern car electronics avoid this problem, but I want to be sure. Please don't refer me to my user manual or tell me to call the dealer. If you know the answer, or have relevant information, please provide. Thank you.

Answer 1

These newer models are all electronic, My dad has spent 100's on repairs to his electric system in his Mercury. A lot of my friends also have spent a lot of money on theirs as well. It cost way more money now to fix an electric problem than to replace a coil. Where an old coil was 12 bucks, the newer cars coil is 300. I wouldn't chance it if I were you. I wold buy me a portable radio.

Answer 2

Why not turn the key to the accessory position? You will use less power and save the battery a few amps of current.

In the old days, using the acc. position would let you play the radio, but leave the ignition off. Besides that, the old radios actually had vacuum tubes in them and used a lot of current to play. good luck.

Answer 3

it doesnt hurt it to leave it on accesories, when playing the radio, because all your doing is running straight off the battery, but leaving it on the start position, can burn up the module and coil. so when you want play your music, put it on accessories, thats what its for.

Answer 4

no u jst will kill the battery