Key in Ignition Battery Drain (2 Viewers)

[MayoQuaker]

Hey guys! First time poster. I just won a HDJ81 in an auction and will be having it shipped over in a few weeks. I am using a Roll On Roll Off shipper and they have a common practive of leaving the key in the ignition during shipment, I am assuming in neutral position. I have heard that there is the possibility of battery drain in this position. Is there any truth to that, if so I need to try to work out an alternative placement if they allow it. Thanks guys, looking forward to being a regular poster from here on out!

 

[MayoQuaker]

Quick Bump.

 

[Marvelicious]

Since no one has answered with anything definite, I'll provide some total speculation...

I remember reading somewhere that most modern fuel injected vehicles will wake their computer on key insert, but eventually go to sleep again... That said, I'm not sure an HDJ-81 would experience the same thing - diesel being diesel. Also, I don't think it would kill the battery, as the drain will shut down after a relatively brief period.

Also, if this is their standard practice, it seems like it shouldn't be a huge issue. If every vehicle they shipped showed up with a dead battery, wouldn't they get tired of the complaints?

Sorry I don't have anything more solid for you. If it was me, I might ask them about it. Worst case scenario, it costs you a battery.

 

[HDJ80L]

Imo the only thing that could theoretically be affected is the immobilizer system as the transponder ECU that syncs with the key has permanent power and could "wake up" with a key slotted in, however I'm pretty certain that this system needs ignition as well to operate and draw noticable currents. I wouldn't worry about it much as this vehicle has very minimal electronics and certainly no modern power management that keeps computers on in the background based on where the key is or whether the doors are unlocked.