Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Retained Accessory Power (Rap): Notes
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is a standard feature. The system allows the radio, wipers, power windows, trunk lid release and console compartment lamp to be operated for ten minutes after the ignition has been turned off. The system will shut down before ten minutes has elapsed if a door is opened.
Turning the ignition switch to RUN position and then back to OFF will reset the RAP system for another ten-minute interval. The main components of the RAP system are the Body Computer Module (BCM), Door Ajar Switches, two RAP relays, RAP Circuit Breaker and several fuses. When the ignition switch is turned to RUN position, the BCM turns on the two RAP relays.
When the ignition is turned off the BCM starts an internal timer and keeps the relays energized for ten minutes or until the BCM detects that a door has been opened through the door ajar switch inputs. The RAP relays are wired in parallel with the Ignition Switch. This allows the circuits powered by the RAP relays to be powered through the Ignition Switch should the RAP circuits malfunction.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.