A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s
output and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It
can increase engine idle speed to generate more
power, whenever needed. It can temporarily
reduce the power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action, this action may
be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver
Information Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or Service
Battery Charging System. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 232.Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent the
battery from being drained, in case the underhood
lamp, vanity mirror lamps, cargo lamps, reading
lamps, console, or glove box lamps are
accidentally left on, or something is left plugged
into the accessory power outlet or cigarette lighter.
If any of the accessory lamps are left on, they
will automatically time-out after about 20 minutes.
To reset the battery protection, all of the above
lamps must be turned off or the ignition must be in
the Acc. position.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
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