Hi,

One of my friends had his car broken down last week as he left the A/C on, while the car was parked for an hour or so. ( the car was off, but A/C remained on...don't know how). I did not know about this issue, and I am sure many others do not know about it as well.

Can I request forum members to add some valuable car maintaince / saftey tips here, so that newbies like me can avoid similar problems?

Thanks,

MG.

All of the answer below is based upon the add on that is in that car. Please confirm the same before you read.

There are a few cars that have retrofit A/Cs that run on Electricity. They are independent of the Traction, which is the Engine. But it will shut down when the battery runs out or when the key is removed from the ignition.

In this case, He/she shut the Engine and the Battery kept the Unit running. Must have left the keys in the ignition and left it running and forgot all about it??!! Possible? Some times the breakers stick.

There is an interlocking feature, which shuts it down, when the keys are removed. Some are designed not to start till the occupant/driver starts it, even after the key is inserted, it will not start. It is on a demand basis. The driver gets it to work after he sits in the car and puts it ON. Even then it will wait for two minutes and then go through a check and then comes on at its own pace. Also these units might not come on at all during the winter months, if it is set up right.

Maintenance: Check the interlock and see if the removal of the key from the ignition shuts the electric motor for the A/C.
Check the Circuit breaker for make and break. (ON and OFF) OR if found easy and inexpensive to remove and replace, then, change it or renew the unit. Some times the current passing through the points weld them in the running mode. (That is another possible reason- so, I suspect this unit)
I don't want to say NO ONE, but not may have such a retro fit unit.


Freddie.

Quote:

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Originally posted by musicgold

Hi,

One of my friends had his car broken down last week as he left the A/C on, while the car was parked for an hour or so. ( the car was off, but A/C remained on...don't know how). I did not know about this issue, and I am sure many others do not know about it as well.

Can I request forum members to add some valuable car maintaince / saftey tips here, so that newbies like me can avoid similar problems?

Thanks,

MG.

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Thanks a lot folks.

Also, if possible, can you suggest a list of things one should have in the car, such as a booster cable set, a torch, etc ?

Thanks,

MG.

Fire extinguisher , blanket , radio , 1st aid set , cookies , small camera (for accidents) are items which come to my mind .

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Fido.