Doug_B_928

I've read some posts where people say they turn off the engine compartment light (when you want to have the lid open for an extended period of time without the light being on) by disconnecting it. How exactly is that done? On mine (06 C2S) the power to the light is separate from the power to the fan, so when I disconnect the fan the light stays on.

jhbrennan

It goes off by itself as part of the power saving function (see owner's manual) after about 2 hours. If you open the lid then set the alarm with the remote it will go off after about 20 minutes. From the manual:

If the ignition key is removed, loads which are switched on or are in standby mode (such as the luggage compartment light, interior light and radio) are automatically switched off after approx. 2 hours.

Two hours or 20 minutes - not enough to drain the battery.

Doug_B_928

Excellent, thank you!

floatingkiwi

Mine never comes on... voltage doesn't get to the light fitting.

Ptech1

Close the latch with a screwdriver or hook tool. Car will think the lid is closed, hence the light will be off. Just remember to release it before closing.

Edgy01

Ditto for Ptech1's solution. Works well and reduces the battery drain during extended engine work.

Doug_B_928

Very clever workaround.

Spiffyjiff

technically, shouldnt the battery be disconnected if one is doing the type of engine work that would require an open lid for an extended time? (hey, i aint one to follow the rules - i rarely disconnect my batt even tho i probably should at times - but just thought i'd ask anyway!)

Ptech1

Not necessary unless dealing with voltage sensitive modules in that are not located in the engine bay of these cars. The starter and cable are about the only thing requiring a battery disconnect. Besides, disconnecting or disrupting battery voltage can cause more issues and faults than working around it. In fact, when I replace batteries, I keep a jump box plugged into the lighter socket in order to not lose memory storage, etc...

Edgy01

Don't disconnect the battery if you don't really need to because these complex cars like to keep a little voltage going through them to keep them happy. If you resort to pulling the plug, they take some time to adjust back to having the power. (Certain reinitialization events have to happen). Keep your life simple--avoid pulling the plug.

AWay

I often pop the rear lid after a good drive just to let all the heat escape and be kinder to the rubber parts back there. As I never poke around in the engine area in the dark, I simply removed the bulb. No more light and I can leave the lid open as long as I'd like with no battery drain.

jhbrennan

Too much work...just wait 2 hours and it will go off by itself.