I was just watching an episode of "Breaking Bad" where Jessie leaves the keys in the ignition of his MH and a couple of days later, they go to take off only to find the batteries have been drained. Of course Walt comes up with a plan to create his own battery out of spare parts and saves the day.My question is this fact or movie magic? Now, if you've read this post this far, please keep reading. I know that you can leave the keys in the ignition and not drain the batteries because I've done it for three years and haven't had a problem yet. What I'm interested in is will people read the whole post before answering the question.So if you've read this entire post, please simply start your response with "Yes, you can..." For example, Yes, you can leave the keys in or Yes, you can drain the battery if you do this. You can write anything you want after those three words and the comma, but please don't spoil the real reason for this post. Let's find out who actually reads the whole posts.

Yes you can leave the keys in you tricky dog you!!

Yes, you can leave the keys in.When I saw BB I distinctly remember that scene as being BS.

Yes you can and you may or may not drain the battery. Depends on the position of the ignition switch. Was it in the off position or ACC position?

Yes you can leave them in but you will spend hours looking for them when it's time to go.

Can you leave the keys in without draining the batteries?

21 Replies

Ray_IN
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2015
Yes you can! Mine will run down the coach batteries after removing the key from the switch. The key will remove when it's in the acc. position. Keeps me alert.
VinCee
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Oh oh Jumbo, now we know how to steal your rig LOL! Of course you can leave the keys in the ignition and based on the responses so far, it appears many do, surprisingly! My Allegro didn't need the keys or anything else to drain the batteries it did so all by itself in about 3 days sitting. Battery dis-connect took care of that.
JumboJet
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Yes you can, which makes it much easier for someone to steal without having to damage the ignition switch.

If you go inside my MH today, you will find the key in the ignition. But you will also find that the master switch has been turned off for the chassis and house batteries.
tderonne
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Yes, you can...

My neighbor had a '74 Buick (or maybe it was a '47 Saab?) that would set a check engine light every Tuesday. He changed the air in the tires and it stopped happening. You should change the air in your tires. On Tuesday.
btilfan
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Yes you can leave the keys in. Mine have never left the ingnition.
Effy
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2015
You didn't provide an option for " I have no idea".
Teacher_s_Pet
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Yep you can, do it all the time.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2015
There are several possible answers to this.

On most modern vehicles there is a sensor switch in the lock that detects the presence of a key and activates a circuit,,, Should run the battery down in about six months.

Of course if you leave the key in the ACCESSORY position it runs it down much, much, faster.
CarlGeo
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015
Yes you can leave the keys in the ignition switch and there is no battery drain as long as the switch is in the OFF position. IF the switch is in the ACC position, there will be a draw on the battery. IF the switch is in the RUN position there will be significant electrical draw on the system.
Executive45
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2015
Someone is bored....Dennis