Why is my Honda Civic saying accessory mode?
In a Honda Civic with push-button start, “Accessory Mode” means the car’s electrical systems are powered while the engine isn’t running. It’s the state you land in when you press the start button without pressing the brake, and it’s used to run electronics like the radio and climate control without starting the engine.
What Accessory Mode means in a Civic
Accessory Mode, sometimes labeled ACC or Accessory Power, activates just the vehicle’s electrical components. In this state, lights, radio, infotainment screen, and climate control can operate, but the engine remains off. The vehicle remains ready to start when you press the brake and use the start button again. This mode is designed to let you use features without draining the main battery by idling the engine.
Common triggers for Accessory Mode
Before listing typical scenarios, note that exact behavior can vary by model year and trim, but the following are widely observed in modern Civics with push-button start.
- You pressed the Start/Stop button once with your foot off the brake, cycling from OFF to ACC.
- The key fob is inside or near the car and a sensor detects proximity, placing the car in ACC as a standby state.
- The Start/Stop switch or brake input is momentarily pressed or interpreted incorrectly, temporarily triggering ACC.
- The 12-volt battery is weak or near depletion, causing the car to stay in a lower-power state to protect electrical systems.
- A software glitch or recent update briefly leaves the car in ACC until a full START sequence is performed.
In most cases, Accessory Mode is harmless and by design. If you’re unsure why the car is in this state, consider the circumstances (how you pressed the button, whether the fob was inside, door status) and proceed with the standard start sequence.
Exiting Accessory Mode and starting the engine
If you want to move from ACC to fully running power, follow the standard sequence used on your Civic. The exact steps can vary slightly by year, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. The general approach is to engage the brake and advance to the engine start position.
- With your foot on the brake, press the Start/Stop button again to move from ACC to the engine-start position (START) or ON, depending on your model year.
- If the engine doesn’t start, ensure the battery is charged and the fob is functioning. A weak 12-volt battery or a depleted fob battery can prevent the engine from starting.
- If it cycles back to ACC or remains stuck in ACC after several attempts, try turning the car completely off and repeating the sequence, or have the system inspected by a dealer.
Be mindful that exact button cycling and terminology may vary by model year and trim. The owner’s manual for your Civic will provide the precise sequence for your vehicle.
Troubleshooting: persistent ACC messages or unexpected behavior
If Accessory Mode shows up unexpectedly or won’t exit, these steps can help identify common causes and solutions.
- Verify you are using the brake properly when starting. In many Civics, pressing Start without braking will activate ACC rather than starting the engine.
- Check the 12-volt battery and the key fob battery. A weak or failing battery can cause the system to stay in ACC and may trigger repeated cycles.
- Ensure all doors are closed and the fob isn’t left inside the vehicle with a sensor exception triggered by open/close events.
- Try a full ignition cycle: OFF → ACC → ON → START, following your model year’s instructions in the owner’s manual.
- If ACC persists or you notice dim dashboard lights, warning indicators, or abnormal behavior, seek a diagnostic from a Honda dealer or qualified technician to check wiring, switches, and software.
Because button logic and terminology can differ between Civic generations (and between trims with/without proximity keys), always refer to your specific owner's manual for the exact sequence and terminology for your car.
When to seek service
If Accessory Mode appears frequently without your input, if the engine will not start after several attempts, or you notice electrical anomalies (rapid battery drain, warning lights), schedule a diagnostic appointment. Electrical faults, a failing ignition switch, or sensor issues can affect starting reliability and battery life, and a professional check can prevent further complications.
Summary
Accessory Mode on a Honda Civic indicates the vehicle’s electrical systems are powered while the engine is off. It’s typically triggered by a single press of the Start/Stop button without braking, proximity of the key fob, or a minor sensor/software issue. To move toward engine start, apply the brake and use the start sequence described in your manual. If the mode appears unexpectedly or won’t exit, check the battery, fob, door status, and consult a dealer if problems persist. Staying informed about your specific model year will help you interpret ACC correctly and avoid unnecessary battery drain.
How do I get my Honda out of accessory mode?
To turn off accessory mode in a Honda, park the car, put it in Park (P), and then press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without your foot on the brake pedal. This will cycle through the modes and turn the vehicle off completely.
This video demonstrates how to turn off accessory mode on a Honda CR-V: 56sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · May 31, 2025
Step-by-step instructions
- Park the vehicle: Make sure the car is completely stopped and the transmission is in Park (P).
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button: Press the button once without your foot on the brake pedal.
Troubleshooting
- If you accidentally turn the car off: To get back to accessory mode, press the ENGINE START/STOP button again without your foot on the brake pedal.
- If you can't turn it off: If the car remains stuck in accessory mode and won't shut down, there may be an issue with the brake pedal position sensor or a related component. You may need to consult a professional for a diagnosis.
What does accessory mode mean on a Honda Civic?
Accessory mode on a Honda Civic allows you to use electronic accessories, like the radio and power windows, without running the engine. You can activate it by pressing the engine start/stop button once without your foot on the brake pedal (on push-button start models) or by turning the key to the "ACC" position (on key ignition models). This mode is powered by the car's battery, so it's best to avoid using it for extended periods to prevent drain.
This video demonstrates how to access accessory mode on a Honda Civic with a push-button start: 39sHyundai of MuskokaYouTube · Oct 4, 2024
On models with a push-button start
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal.
- An orange light, often with a car key symbol, may appear on the dashboard to indicate you are in Accessory mode.
- You can use the radio, power windows, and other accessories.
On models with a key ignition
- Turn the key to the ACC (Accessory) position.
- This position powers accessories like the radio and cigarette lighter, but the engine remains off.
Important considerations
- Battery life: Accessory mode runs on battery power alone. Using it for too long can drain the battery, especially if it is older or the engine hasn't been run recently.
- Exiting accessory mode:
- For push-button start, simply press the ENGINE START/STOP button again.
- For key ignition, turn the key to the "LOCK" position.
- Shift lever: On automatic transmission models with a push-button start, you may need to have the shift lever in Park (P) before turning the car off completely to avoid accidentally engaging Accessory mode again, notes CivicX.com.
Why is my car in accessory mode?
Your car is likely in accessory mode because you may have accidentally pushed the start/stop button twice, the key fob battery is low, or a faulty component like the ignition switch, brake pedal switch, or a weak battery is preventing it from starting. This mode powers accessories like the radio and windows without running the engine, but a persistent accessory mode with a failed start can indicate a problem that needs attention.
Common causes and solutions
This video explains the function of accessory mode: 22sHyundai of MuskokaYouTube · Oct 4, 2024
- Accidental double-press: You may have pressed the start/stop button once too many times while turning the car off, or pushed it with a shaky hand.
- Solution: Try pressing the button again to turn it off completely, or hold it to start the engine.
- Low key fob battery: A weak battery in the key fob can prevent the car from recognizing it, leading to a no-start situation.
- Solution: Try replacing the key fob battery. You can also check your car's manual for instructions on how to start the car in a pinch, like holding the fob against the start button.
- Weak or dying battery: A battery with a bad cell or a charging system issue can prevent the car from starting and may cause it to get stuck in accessory mode.
- Solution: Have your battery and charging system tested. Many auto parts stores can do this for free. If the battery is bad, replacing it should fix the problem.
- Faulty sensors or switches: Problems with the clutch pedal switch (in a manual car) or the brake pedal switch (in an automatic) can prevent the car from knowing it is safe to start.
- Solution: Make sure you are pressing the brake pedal firmly and try the start procedure again. For manual transmissions, ensure the clutch is fully depressed.
- Ignition switch or starter issues: Wear and tear on the ignition switch or a faulty starter relay can cause the car to get stuck in accessory mode.
- Solution: If the simpler steps don't work, the ignition switch or starter relay may need to be replaced.
If the problem persists
If these steps don't solve the issue, it is best to have a mechanic or dealership diagnose the problem. They can check for electrical faults, immobilizer system issues, or other problems that may be causing the car to get stuck in accessory mode.
How do you turn off accessory mode on a Honda Civic?
To turn off a Honda Civic's accessory mode, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without your foot on the brake pedal. If this doesn't work, ensure the car is in Park, step out, and lock the car with the key fob before pressing the button again. If the vehicle is stuck, try checking the key fob battery, the ignition switch, or disconnecting the 12V battery for a few minutes.
Standard procedure to turn off accessory mode
This video demonstrates how to turn off accessory mode in a push-button start vehicle: 1mHyundai of MuskokaYouTube · Oct 4, 2024
- Ensure the car is in Park.
- Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once. The engine should turn off, and the accessory mode should turn off automatically.
- If the engine doesn't start, the car may be in accessory mode.
- Press the start button again without your foot on the brake pedal. This will turn the accessories off.
If the car is stuck in accessory mode
- Check the key fob battery, as a weak battery can cause the system to malfunction.
- Inspect the ignition switch for wear or damage.
- Disconnect the 12V battery for a few minutes to reset the car's computer.
- If the problem persists, contact a Honda dealer for a diagnosis of the push-button start system.
Other tips
- To avoid accidentally turning off the engine and accessories, wait a few seconds after putting the car in accessory mode before pressing the start button to turn it off.
- Some models may require you to press and hold the shift knob button while pressing the start button to keep the accessories on without the engine running.
