Don’t know what the unknown light blinking on your car dashboard is? You are not alone in this! It is extremely common to see different warning lights on your car’s dashboard which can be pretty confusing in regards to what they mean. Not all symbols that light up on your car’s dashboard are a warning light to a problem.
One of them is “Full Accessory Power Active” which is present in various vehicles, especially in a range of models of Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, and Ford Explorer. This symbol provides information about the power supply through your car.
Note: You may be interested in understanding what “A” in a circle mean.
Unsure of what the full accessory power feature is? This guide will provide you with all the vital information about what this light means on your Ford. So, shall we move on? Let’s go:
What Is A Full Accessory Power Active Feature?
Full Accessory Power Active (FAP) is a feature built around the concept of power allocation in a vehicle. The lighting up of the FAP symbol on your car’s dashboard is an indication of whether or not you have enough charge in the vehicle’s battery to be able to use this feature without losing electrical power.
In simple terms, it is a feature that allows certain electric functions of your vehicle to continue running even after turning off the ignition. It is recommended that you use this feature only when required to bypass the issue of early battery drainage.
Which Accessories Are Active With The FAP Feature?
The accessories that remain active with this feature greatly vary with the make and model of the vehicles.
1. Power Windows:
This feature allows the windows of the car to be rolled up and down when needed even with the ignition off.
2. Radio:
Some people prefer to keep the radio turned on even with the car turned off. A greatly convenient feature for music enthusiasts for sure!
3. Climate Control:
The FAP feature allows you to stay warm or cold, whatever is required according to the outside temperature. You can stay comfortable all the time and everywhere with this feature.
4. Auxillary Power Outlets:
You can keep your devices charged all the time with this feature!
5. The Trunk:
Some models also allow you to keep the trunk open allowing you to load and unload things without your car running.
6. Interior Lights:
The FAP feature also allows the passengers to keep the interior lights on, making it feasible to look for things when parked in a dark area or during the night.
Some of the other features that may work with FAP include LCD screens and power seat adjusters.
What Are The Benefits Of Full Accessory Power Active Feature?
The next thing left for us to do is to brief you on the benefits of the FAP feature.
- FAP prioritizes power supply to critical vehicle systems. This means that with lower battery power, FAP first powers ignition, airbags, and other systems that are essential to keep the car running and the passenger protected.
- FAP manages an efficient power supply and prevents rapid power drainage. It also increases fuel efficiency and extends battery life.
- FAP improves the vehicle’s performance leading to a smoother ride and responsiveness.
- FAP allows drivers and passengers to use the powered accessories, be it during long waits or short stops.
How To Activate Or Deactivate The FAP Feature?
- Activating The FAP Feature: Although the make and model of the car can lead to variables in the activating process of this feature, the general process is the same. It can be done by turning the key to the accessory position or by turning on the accessory button located on the dashboard.
- Deactivating The FAP Feature: Just like activating there are also variations to the process of deactivating from model to model. Generally speaking, it can be done by turning off the car or by pressing the same button used to turn on the feature.
If this doesn’t work, you can always check your car’s owner’s manual for simple instructions.
Note: Take a look at the video below to get a better understanding of how to use the FAP feature.
How To Use The Full Accessory Power Active Feature Efficiently?
Let us provide you with some golden tips on how to use this feature efficiently:
1. Use The Feature After A Long Drive:
It takes a specific distance before your car’s battery gains sufficient charge. This means that the ideal time to use this feature would be after a long drive.
2. Use For A Short Period:
Remember that using this feature for extended periods would cause quick draining of your vehicle’s battery.
3. Turn Off The Accessories Not In Use:
It is important to turn off unused accessories when FAP is active. This allows you to limit the battery’s charge usage.
4. Check The Battery Level Regularly:
Keep in mind to monitor the vehicle’s battery level every now and then. If you notice the charge level dropping, turn off the Full Accessory Power Active feature and allow the battery to charge.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t love a comfort-enhancing feature in their cars? it is really important to understand the workings of these features to utilize them effectively and efficiently.
In this guide, I provided you with all the information about the working of the FAP feature along with the requirements for its proper working and preventions for battery drainage.
Keep this guide in mind when you use the FAP feature in your Ford next time and save yourself all the inconvenience!
