Intentionally leaving prius on (AC on), while away???

[busyrosy]

Okay, I didn't know where to put this... I just picked up my prius today (sorry! I'm a newb!).


I have a dog, and I was wondering what you guys think about me leaving the dog in the car with the AC running. The car would be locked obviously, but the car would be on. I have the VIP security system, but I think the alarm is disabled when the car is on.

Should I be worried about this? Technically, someone can break the window and drive off, right? Or would they not because without the key you can't really turn the car back on once you accidently turn it off.

My dog is small, so he's in no way capable of scaring off anyone.

[Vincent]

busyrosy

I do it all the time for my 80lb boxer.

Leave the Prius with A/C on, lock the doors with the mechanical key and I'm off. Sure it hurts my MPG, but my dog loves her weekend shopping trips with "Daddy" and even a few minutes in a locked car here in South Florida can be a killer. I leave an index card with "Air Conditioner Is On" in my window to keep any do-gooders from asking the Sheriff to "rescue" Mitzi while I'm away.

I've never left her alone for more than a half-hour, but I've left my Prius on for hours at a time to supply electricity at my office after hurricane Wilma.

[nmrickie]

That's good to know that the mechanical key works for that. I tried locking the door with the remote, but it won't when the car is still on.

[AlphaTeam]

You let a dog in your car?

[taaustin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nmrickie @ Apr 24 2006, 03:11 PM) [snapback]244362[/snapback]</div>

That's good to know that the mechanical key works for that. I tried locking the door with the remote, but it won't when the car is still on.
[/b]

EASY fix for the remote not working


1. Leave car running

2. DOUBLE & TRIPLE check to be sure the key fob is in your posession

3. Roll down driver's side window

4. Get out of car

5. Reach in window and hit the lock button

6. Hit the window-up button (auto will fully raise window)

7. Quickly remove your hand

8. When you return use the metal key to unlock driver's door



Ta Da!

(p.s. I love the "AC-On sign idea!)

[busyrosy]

thanks for the tip Vincent! I didn't realize that the car doesn't lock if it's on.

I'm still a little weary about theft, so I guess I'll only practice the option for short trips in safe neighborhoods.

[Jim1eye]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vincent @ Apr 24 2006, 05:57 AM) [snapback]244188[/snapback]</div>

but I've left my Prius on for hours at a time to supply electricity at my office after hurricane Wilma.
[/b]

You've used the CAR as a GENERATOR?

Ok, I'm game...you have to tell me know how you did this? What were you able to run?

[busyrosy]

I already have a power inverter (you plug it into the cigarette jack, which converts it from DC to AC) that I got for $20 ish. I didn't try it on my prius yet, but I imagine I can plug in my laptop or charge my cell phone. I wonder if I can hook up a power strip and hook up multiple stuff? Maybe that'll ruin my battery though..? I'm not sure.

[V8Cobrakid]

if the car is on, it shouldn't hurt anything since the 12v recharges off of the hybrid battery and that from the engine. it has it's limits though. 100 amps i believe? limited by the inverter... if i recall right.

[Vincent]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(V8Cobrakid @ Apr 24 2006, 08:05 PM) [snapback]244572[/snapback]</div>

if the car is on, it shouldn't hurt anything since the 12v recharges off of the hybrid battery and that from the engine. it has it's limits though. 100 amps i believe? limited by the inverter... if i recall right. [/b]

I've run a 1,250 watt inverter hooked directly to the 12v battery regularly and for several hours at a time.