Would like any ideas on what to do so you can play the stereo with doors open and no other items gauges, etc sapping juice. There seem to be two settings for the ignition key short of starting, with the dorrs open in the first setting you get chimes, and in second setting chimes stop after a few seconds but other things run that I would rather not be running. hope this isn't too dumb, couldnt find the answer in the manual.

ps i think emass is incredibly helpful

Someone had posted how to do this recently - I can't seem to find it though. :? You can probably find it by using the search function.

IIRC there's a red wire with a white line and silver dots (ah, I think) in the wire harness that's right behind the fuse panel cover below the steering wheel. If you cut that wire and place a switch in line you can toggle the chimes on/off.

Also, I seem to remember that there are a few wires that people said looked the same. You'll have to test for the right one - it should test negative when the key is in the ignition. I think the warning lights and start up chimes will still work but the chimes will be off in the first ignition position as you describe and none of the other accessories will run.

Sorry so vague - hope this helps. :D

What I did was make a small wood wedge to put between the drivers rear door striker and door to push the jam switch in.

Thanks emass and cbradsh for your messages....both solutions are appealing and valuable....I will try cbradsh's first and post :D

DUH. I forgot about this post. It has pictures and everything.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1880

Door Wedge Close Up :D
<IMG SRC="http://www.craig.bradshaw.org/photos/wedge.jpg">

Thanks for the suggestions and thanks for the link to the other thread emass. cbradsh's wedge looks good.

I can tell from experience that power drain issues with doors open are significant, 10 years ago i did a lot of small sailboat racing using an econoline van, we were always leaving doors open to work on the boat and on more than one occasion got nailed with battery drain. position I is the right one, don't leave it in II, I also believe leaving it in II is bad for the starter.....


Now if I could figure out where the bracket for the remote keyless goes.....

thanks again

The chimes only function with the drivers door open. turn the E around and open the passenger side doors. NO CHIMES at all

thank you hppypaul.....great great weekend in the E, man what a great car