Battery drainage prevention (door left open) -- heads up

[plain OM]

For 2005-7, only the front (wagon) dome light is connected to, and controlled by, the Body Integrated Unit, which, among other functions, turns the dome light and instrument panel "door open" warning light off after 10 minutes.

As of 2008, the map lights were connected to the BIU and come on when a door is opened, and go off after 10 minutes, along with the dome light.

In 2010 (4th Gen OB), the rear cargo area light was added to the BIU battery drainage prevention function; it too will go out after 10 minutes, along with the other dome and "door open" lights.

[Above info is confirmed by the wiring diagrams.]

Slow progression to what the 3rd Gen Owners Manual says should have been in place from the beginning.

[Se7enLC]

Originally Posted by plain OM

For 2005-7, only the front (wagon) dome light is connected to, and controlled by, the Body Integrated Unit, which, among other functions, turns the dome light and instrument panel "door open" warning light off after 10 minutes.

As of 2008, the map lights were connected to the BIU and come on when a door is opened, and go off after 10 minutes, along with the dome light.

In 2010 (4th Gen OB), the rear cargo area light was added to the BIU battery drainage prevention function; it too will go out after 10 minutes, along with the other dome and "door open" lights.

[Above info is confirmed by the wiring diagrams.]

Slow progression to what the 3rd Gen Owners Manual says should have been in place from the beginning.

I just killed my battery by leaving a light on, so I have some notes to add:

The map lights are NOT included in the battery discharge protection circuit unless they are in the "Off" position and the Door Interlock switch is set to "Door". So if you turn on a Map Light, it will diligently stay on until your battery is completely dead.

Additionally, the "Door Step Lights" are not included in any battery protection circuit, so if you open a door, there will be a light on until the battery is dead.

Cargo area is good, though, now, just don't leave a regular door open.