Showing Car: Hatch and doors open...drain power? all lights off?

[BillyMagnum]

So I'm debating on showing my car coming up in a few weeks.
It's nothing perfect but that's not the point. Anywho...
It has custom paintwork and subs in the trunk. I'd like to possibly leave the doors open slightly and trunk up to show it off. I know I can obviously switch the mirror and other interior lights off to keep from using power and burning up, but what about the trunk light?? is there any way to keep it off? Also is there anything else that will drain power? I'm not going to have the car on or anything but just want it open and everything off so I don't drain power.
Thanks
David

[Smileybug]

You could always unhook the battery if you are worried about draining it.

[BillyMagnum]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

You could always unhook the battery if you are worried about draining it.

that never crossed my mind haha...good idea. anyone else have anything?

[Smileybug]

Not sure if there is a way to turn off those lights. Maybe a relay or fuse you could pull? I don't think those lights draw a ton of power though. So if its just a fairly short period of time you might be ok as long as you have a good battery.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

I'm not sure you can turn the cabin lights off. And I would not disconnect the battery, I'd simply pull the convenience lights fuse. The trunk light is probably on the same circuit, but, if not, pull that fuse also, or remove the bulb. Even that single trunk light could pull down your battery (especially age and condition related), over several hours. Have a good show!

MORAV

[BillyMagnum]

to the bently manual! to look at fuses lol

[ziptron]

On my 2001 the interior lights turn off automagically after 15 ? minutes.
I have left my hatch and doors open over night on many occasions, and have never had an issue with the battery for the brief time they stay on.
Give it a try !

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

I thought they might turn off automatically, but let the '00 OM get away without making a copy, and have learned to never assume what feature existed in one year on a NB existed in another. And you are right, the hatch light probably won't drain the battery over a few hours.

M.

[Tesla]

No need to worry. Just take your bug to the show and open everything. The bug will survive the day and will love you for that. If you want to stay on the safe side, bring your jumper cable and someone will be happy to help you at the show if something goes wrong.

Have fun!

[FastAndFurious]

unless your battery is very weak, it should be able to hold. If your worried about it, you could always just turn on the car for 5 mins or so and let it run every hour

[Blugg]

Lights will turn off automatically

In my Show Bug i have had both doors, bonnet and boot open for 3 days. It never moved from where it was being shown. When i came to start it there was no problem.

[mlt]

If you are not planning to close/open trunk and doors you can always close all latches with a screwdriver and thus turn corresponding lights off. Just make sure no one will try to close trunk/door in such state

[sublow1]

Take it from me I have been showing my bug for a little while now. I can leave my doors engine compartment and my trunk open all day and never have to worry about my battery going dead. It is very important when you're showing your car that you have everything open if not they will deduct points from you for everything they cannot see. Just a few pointers make sure that you have a good display with your car. Maybe a couple tools out an oil can a gas can a first aid kit this all helps with the judges. The more you can give them the more that they like. Good luck in car shows if you're down in Oklahoma maybe we can trade hints. GOOD LUCK.

[BillyMagnum]

thanks for the pointers everyone!

[Motown Philly]

Has anyone installed a Battery Kill Switch?

I've looked at them a couple times, at the Auto Parts store, but I was thinking it would be to much of a hassle everytime I would use it. I figured I would have to reset the clock, which wouldn't be to bad, but then if my Radio went into lock-mode, and I would have to punch in the code, and reset all the channels, which then I would most likely never use it again.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Phil

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by Motown Philly

Has anyone installed a Battery Kill Switch?

I've looked at them a couple times, at the Auto Parts store, but I was thinking it would be to much of a hassle everytime I would use it. I figured I would have to reset the clock, which wouldn't be to bad, but then if my Radio went into lock-mode, and I would have to punch in the code, and reset all the channels, which then I would most likely never use it again.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Phil

A better alternative, is just work out what you want to kill and pull the fuse

[sublow1]

This is what I use. Battery Brain Battery Charge Protector You can set it so the hot wire from your ECM and raido backup keeps all the info alive. Hope this helps.

[sublow1]

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