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.
Circuit/System Description
The retained accessory power system allows specific vehicle functions to operate after the ignition is turned OFF for a predetermined time. Relay retained accessory power is controlled by the body control module (BCM) using inputs from the door ajar switches to determine control of the relay when the ignition is turned OFF. Radio retained accessory power is controlled by a serial data message from the BCM using inputs from the driver door open switch. Refer to RETAINED ACCESSORY POWER DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION for more detail on subsystems using retained accessory power.
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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.