I'm one of those "A" types who is always working and can't be far from the internet. In my last vehicle I had a junxion box wired to a toggle switch so I could turn it on while the vehicle wasn't running (The junxion box is a mobile router that uses a cellular pc card. I also had a cellular amp and wifi amp all running off the battery). I had a tendency to forget to turn the unit off, so my son installed a bright blue led that blinked when the switch to power the junxion box was left on.

So now I have my brand new 400H and I'm wondering if I still need the dummy switch and led. My dealer said the battery could run the internal AC for 24 hours!!! I find that hard to believe, but... Are the lights and all the other electrical systems on the same overall electrical system? I rarely go a day without using the car, and virtually never two days in a row. The new router (http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_pa...roducts_id=765) pulls about 1.25 amps.

I'll want to install a new accessory plug that is not controlled by the ignition. Do I still need the switch to turn it on and off, or can the battery handle that kind of draw for a couple days, worst case scenario?

 

From what I understand there are two electrical systems. One of them is the hybrid system which involves the regenerative braking and electric motor systems, and that is the one that has the large battery. The other system involves the ordinary automotive electronics and electrical system, and that is what the 12V and 112 outlets connect to. Drawing 1.25 amps straight from the battery without the engine to recharge it for any significant amount of time doesn't seem like a good idea. Mind you, I could be completely mistaken since I don't have the sources for this information handy at the moment.

 

Hi,

If you search in the Lexus forums here and elsewhere you will find that the 12volt battery is not capable of supporting sustained power draws when the engine is not running to charge it. Owners are even having trouble if the interior lights are left on overnight do to a door not being closed completely. I really think you are asking for trouble here with this extra electrical draw on your battery when the engine is not running to recharge it.

In fact with the special electronics to control the hybrid system I would not mess with your proposed electrical modification at all, even if I could turn it off when the engine is not runnung. The 12 volt system is merely used to boot the hybrid system computer, it does not actually supply starting voltage to start the gas engine, the hybrid battery pack does that. and you do not want to run down the hybrid battery pack either. while the hybrid battery does have a lot of power, it is a big problem and expense if you mess it up and the dealer figures out it was your fault and not a defect.

This is a complex system, I suggest you dont mess with it.