I'm confused on how to put the car in accessory mode where the infotainment/radio can be used. I know the manual says to push the power button without pressing the brake pedal. Sometimes it works and sometimes it puts the car in ON mode without driveability. The ON mode is similar to not cranking the engine to start it. The battery and engine lights are ON and the fan blows. Someone once told me that I shouldn't leave it in that state without the motor running.
I believe the first press w/o brake puts you in Accessory Mode, which is verified by the Driver Information Interface in front of the driver. The second press puts you into the On mode. Was that someone advising you specifically about the Clarity PHEV? If you're willing to use up some 12-volt battery power, which the main battery will quickly recharge, I don't know any reason you shouldn't be able to run the fan without driving somewhere. And if that someone knows secrets about the Clarity PHEV, there are many people on this forum who want that person to answer some other questions about this car.
In one of the earlier thread, I believe someone somehow drained the 12V battery and he cannot start the car without jumping the 12V battery (or something like that). And I don't believe anyone has figure out how or when or in what condition/situation the main battery start charging the 12V battery This is one of the questions I posted to my dealer and to Honda Canada but sadly I do not get any answers after over 2 months
Yes, one forum participant was able to leave his Clarity PHEV turned on long enough to deplete the charge in the 12-volt battery. However, that was an extreme example. I'm sure the 12-volt battery could run the climate-control fan for a long time before its power was exhausted, but not overnight.
It wasn't specific to the Clarity PHEV. It was meant for regular ICE cars. I think it has to do with energizing the starter or coil. Here is a discussion on that: https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-okay-to-leave-the-key-in-run-position-without-starting-the-car/32241/6
If you're going to be in Accessory mode for awhile you can always manually turn the fan off. To stay in Accessory Mode when the car is already On, push the button for Neutral, then push the main Power button. Be sure to set the parking brake before releasing the brake pedal! Put the transmission to Park to shut everything off.
