Ignition switch positions question

[IDB1]

Right..
On my truck, the first position on the ignition just powers-up things like the lighter socket, stereo etc., position 2 powers-up the dash and heats the glow plugs, #3 kicks the starter into action..

I know that if I leave it in pos.2 I could damage the glow plugs (well, that's what I've been told) so.. bad idea..

But is there any damage I could cause by leaving it pos.1 while unattended?

Reason I ask is because the seriously cold weather randomly causes my (relatively new) battery to 'blip' and lose its' charge..
Usually if we've been doing a lot of short trips after dark..

I have a reasonably effective solar panel charger which may assist with this but it only works if the ignition is in pos.1 because it charges back through the cig lighter (which is only live in pos.1)

 

[Neil]

Wouldn't have thought there'd be any damage.

I would have thought it makes it a whole deal more nickable - and you'd need to be aware that your insurance co may deny any liability if it got nicked and it was apparent.

There may be some drain on the battery in pos 1 - whether that's more than countered by your solar doo-hickey, I coudln't say, though.

If it's a new-ish battery, and powerful enough for the vehicle / engine, should be up to a bit of short term "abuse" so long as it gets some decent charge - long-ish runs, or put on a proper battery charger. I'm guessing the weight of the battery, and lumping it in and out of the car / truck is probably what's putting you off from using a normal charger (don't you have an iffy back?)?

 

[IDB1]

I can remove the key (from any position) and set the alarm.. to all intents and purposes it'd look like a normally locked vehicle.

The biggest issue is that nearly every journey in it is short and after dusk.. hence the random nature of the problem..

And you are quite correct about the removal/refit.. I couldn't practically do it myself and it'd be unfair to ask Wifey to deal with it day in day out.
Getting to be a bloody nuisance this back thing.

It's only a temporary fix.. once we've moved I'll be able to rig a charger to the battery while it's still in-situ.

And we'll be using the truck even less too.. maybe a couple of times a week.. or less..

 

[Neil]

I can remove the key (from any position) and set the alarm.. to all intents and purposes it'd look like a normally locked vehicle.

The biggest issue is that nearly every journey in it is short and after dusk.. hence the random nature of the problem..

And you are quite correct about the removal/refit.. I couldn't practically do it myself and it'd be unfair to ask Wifey to deal with it day in day out.
Getting to be a bloody nuisance this back thing.

It's only a temporary fix.. once we've moved I'll be able to rig a charger to the battery while it's still in-situ.

And we'll be using the truck even less too.. maybe a couple of times a week.. or less..

Well if you can remove the key, then I'd say your only issue is drain vs whatever is added with the solar trickle thingmy.

I can't think of any reason why there'd be any damage.

 

[IDB1]

Me neither..

That's cool.. ta mate

 

[Easy_Rider]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

 

[IDB1]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

Yes.. but if the ignition is in that position they keep coming back on as they cool..

 

[Neil]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

I'm pretty sure there'd be more drain in position 2.

 

[IDB1]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

I'm pretty sure there'd be more drain in position 2.

I was under the impression that the repetitive cycle of heating the glow plugs would burn them out..
And all the dash lights would be on too.. which aren't LED (yet ) so may negate the charging action of the solar panel..

 

[Easy_Rider]

heater plugs only come on for a short time and then switch off automatically, usually just a few seconds.

I'm pretty sure there'd be more drain in position 2.

Yes, as the ECU ABS etc etc is powered up, just pointing out the heater plugs go off after a short time.