Menu toggle

Battery charger query

Hi - I had a bit of "fun" with mine on my 991.1 before I got it to work. I was unable to get it to work using cigarette lighter point - same thing, flashing light? Persevered for a while and got it to work via the arm rest port. Sequence I used and still use: ignition off, unplug from mains, plug into point in armrest, reconnect to mains and then select function via main button. The other problem I had was the main button. This is pretty flimsy to be frank and quite a few people have had problems with it sticking and therefore failing to move through the functions/lights. Watched a video on YouTube that showed how to open the unit and clean the switch. Took a couple of goes at cleaning to get it right. Seems a pity that Porsche/CTEK don't sort this out !
 
Yes - but no joy with that one. To be honest, the problems I initially had with the actual switch on the charger were close to seeing it going into trash. The YouTube video saved it!





 
Thanks Ken. That’s very helpful. I think I’ve tried that sequence but I’ll try it again. Frustrating that it worked no problem in the Boxster without any of this faff?????
 
The lead won’t reach as far as the footwell socket so I’ve tried again with the armrest socket and the sequence suggested by Ken but still no luck. This is getting frustrating ?? It worked no problem in the armrest in the Boxster , why not in a newer 911?...grrrrr.
 
Hi Stephen
Do you have the smokers package option ?
I have a 991.1 GTS and a MX-5 Ctek and trickle charge no problems through the cigarette lighter in the centre console but not under the armrest (under the flap in centre console below the PASM/Exhaust buttons etc)

I think the other sockets do not stay 'live' after the ignition is switched off for very long

Porsche OPC said people have it fitted for this reason even though non smokers might not want it

The Smokers package was a £38 option was probably the best value on the options list

If not you might have to go direct to the battery itself

Thanks

 
KC__69 said:
Hi Stephen
Do you have the smokers package option ?
I have a 991.1 GTS and a MX-5 Ctek and trickle charge no problems through the cigarette lighter in the centre console but not under the armrest (under the flap in centre console below the PASM/Exhaust buttons etc)

I think the other sockets do not stay 'live' after the ignition is switched off for very long

Porsche OPC said people have it fitted for this reason even though non smokers might not want it

The Smokers package was a £38 option was probably the best value on the options list

If not you might have to go direct to the battery itself

Thanks


Thanks KC That is a very helpful answer. No I don’t have the ‘Smokers package’ In the car. Your confirmation that the other 12v sockets don't stay live is also very helpful Although disappointing. The Boxster GTS I had previously did not have this problem??
 
Carlton said:
Do you have a 12volt power socket in the passenger footwell? This is where I plug mine in and no problems charging.
So I bought a CTEK extension lead to reach the footwell 12v socket, plugged it in but the charger ‘went tosleep’ after 30 mins I assume because the socket in the car was no longer live. Could you tell me Carlton what sequence do you use to get your charger not to go to sleep when plugged in to the footwell socket.?
 
Hi drangular, no issue of the charger going into sleep mode using the footwell socket. I had mine in weeks/months and is continuously illuminated in charging mode.
 
Thanks Carlton. In what order/sequence do you do things? ie ignition on/off , plug in, switch on power etc. There seems to be a ‘magic sequence’ that makes it work in the 991 but I haven’t found it yet??
 
Stephen,

There’s always a lot of chatter on this subject on the Cayman and Boxster forums for the 981 - common 9x1 electronics presumably.

Unfortunately owing to the next to useless forum SEARCH facility I can’t seem to find anything applicable, but have you tried leaving the ignition turned on when you attach and power-up your CTEK? By doing that the ‘system’ might recognise that something is attached to the socket and leave it powered-up. Total guesswork, but it might work.

The only other option available - which I’ve used myself successfully for more than 11 years - is to connect directly to the battery/grounding post using the method described in your Driver’s Manual.

Jeff
 
Thanks Jeff. It’s really frustrating?? It was so easy with my 2014 981 Boxster. I don't understand why Porsche have these annoying differences between models. Grrr.??
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I think I’ve tried the ‘ignition on power on‘ option but I’ll try again, and all other sequences. ?? I know connecting to the battery is an option but its not very convenient.
 
Thanks Ralph. My issue is that it should be far more convenient than connecting to the battery. It was in my 2014 981 Boxster. There are 3 12 v sockets in the car and I just can’t believe that Porsche don’t make at least one of them ‘live’ to allow convenient battery conditioner use. ??grrrrrr.!
 
Do not despair! [:)] There is a way.
When I had my 991.2 I was able to connect my Ctek up to the centre console or footwell socket.
I recall I had one or two false starts, but eventually found the secret. Unfortunately, for the life of me I can't remember what it was now, but try both ignition and charger switched on, then connect and see how that goes.
Regards,

Clive
 
Thanks Clive......I think??
I am consoled that it’s not just me......and that there may be a solution ?? There is nothing more frustrating than unnecessary complications.
I will try your suggestion. ??
 
Yeah, I'm prone to senior moments nowadays (but don't pity the afflicted [:)]).
I just recall fiddling around with it for a while and I'm pretty sure the ignition needs to be on so the system recognises the input. That's my story anyway! :rolleyes: :ROFLMAO:

Regards.

Clive
 
Hello All

First I have to apologise if this question has been answered, I have read through the thread and I am non the wiser and am not 100% sure if the answers cover the issue I am having.

I own a Porsche 987 and I have left the vehicle in my garage for around 5 months, without turning it over. The vehicle was fitted with a brand new battery just prior to me parking the car up.

When I went to the garage toi turn the car over, it appeared the battery was dead.

I have a CTEK MXS 5 charger, which is connected to the electricity in the garage.

The first question I have is, should the negative clamp be connected the the negative on the battery or should it be connected to an earth point on the engine? There seems to be conflicting advice on other groups.

Having attempted both, the CTEK is showing a flashing green power light, which I understand could be a bad connection to the battery. I have connected and disconnected several times, but the same thing happens.

I also read somewhere that if I am trying to charge my battery from flat, I need to get some power into the battery before the CTEK will work, could someone confirm if this is true and if this could be the reason the charger is not working correctly.

I should also point out that the CTEK is brand new and purchased at tht same time as the battery.

Any help would be appreciated as I am really struggling with this one.

 
I'm not familiar with 987 but you should have an earthing point somewhere in the vicinity of the battery. Check your handbook or Good To Know ap. Alternatively, using the negative battery terminal is fine.

If the battery is dead flat, you need to get some juice into it before the CTek can be connected. Use a standard charger for this.

When the Ctek is charging you should see a row of yellow LED's lit. The longer the lit row, the more advanced the charging stage. A flashing green light indicates an error.

If you are using a power socket within the cabin to connect via a cigar lighter type plug, you need to overcome the car's auto disconnect system. This is usually achieved by switching on the ignition prior to connecting the CTek. Using this method, you should be aware that any power outage will cause charging to cease and you will need to restart the procedure.

Once you've set it going, check back after an hour or so to ensure the row of yellow LED's is advancing.

It's unusual for a battery to become completely dead, so was something left on? Also, consider there may be a power drain somewhere.

Regards,

Clive



 
Thank you Clive, I will give this a go this afternoon, thankfully I purchased some very long jump leads last year :)

 

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Back
Top