How long can I safely listen to my radio without having the engine on?
On my lunch break I will go out to relax in my car and listen to AM/FM or Sirius (plug and play if that makes a difference). I don't want my battery to die so I will turn the car on for a little during my break. Is this necessary?
Is it okay to have the radio on for extended periods without the engine on? Should I turn the key once (0 voltz) or twice (12 volts)?

 

Not sure but I know that the headlights will drain the battery in about 45 min. Or atleast MY battery.

 

should be fine.... i have many many many hrs with the radio on and engine off. and i have almost 80k miles and still on orignal battery

 

with the stock radio you should be ok for a few hours, and turn the key one click, not two where the gauges come on...

 

Hrm- my 06 turns off the lights after 10-ish minutes or so.

 

Depends on the age of the battery. Im sure you will be fine. I used to have an 88' honda accord which the radio never turned off.. even with the keys out, I think my car was good for 3 days with the radio left on and not moving anywhere.

 

What exactly is the difference?

 

Depends on the age of the battery & the components of your stereo system in your Z. Mine seems to last about maybe 25 mins before, I need to get a jump.

 

Two clicks with the cluster on turns on the fuel pump as well and is where the key position is when the car is running. So essentially it gives power to everything and in turn draining your battery quicker. One click is for just the radio use it over your entire lunch break when you have jumper cables and a friend nearby.

Oh and it should be fine for at least an hour but this amount is subjective to a lot of factors. Including battery life, ambient temperature, if the battery has ever run low on water, ever overcharged...etc.

 

Also depends on your volume. If you have 1000 watts pushing a 15" sub along with the rest of the speakers, it won't last long. I've listened to the radio while detailing my car & didn't have any battery problems. Like they've previously said, just have the key turned to where only the radio turns on & not the gauges.

 

Forever, I have to two JL Audio 10W3v3 sub, and I play them with the car off from time to time.

 

Untill the battery dies and you will then have your answer.....young jedi knight.

 

the furthest dash pod is battery just keep your eyes on it an dont let it get bellow 12 or you wont start.

 

3 hours and 15 minutes.

 

? You got gypped by Nissan

My pre-ordered 2003 does the same exact thing but its after about 5 minutes.

 

The lights in my 05 automatically turn off also. To the OP, I have had my radio on for a good 45 minutes with absolutely no sign the car had trouble starting again. It was at a pretty low volume but i do have a sub, 2 amps, and a cap to run. I wouldn't worry playing it with the battery off.

 

i did 3hrs straight before but my battery didn't die and its 06 OEM.