Menu toggle

Battery charging.

adrian996

adrian996

New member
I've just had my Ctek 3600 battery charger and cigar adaptor delivered and have a few queries.

1. When I plugged the cigar lighter adaptor into the dash the stand by light illuminated on the charger - this was despite not having the charger connected to the mains at this point. Does this mean that the charger was taking a current from the battery on the car and if so, does this mean that the charger will be constantly 'pushing' against the current from the battery when it is connected to the mains?

2. As mentioned above, I've gone for the cigar lighter option (but could use the other options if necessary). Do any of you use this method of charging? I've heard that OPCs use this method of charging their batteries in the showrooms but wasn't too sure about it long term....? It's just that I'm not sure about pushing a charge through such small wires...?

3. Assuming that I continue to use this method; do you think that everything else (on-board computer, tracker - and my (new) alternator) are going to be happy about this method?

I know that this subject has been dealt with numerous times on this forum but I'd just like to get any up to date opinions.

Thanks for any feedbag. Sorry, feedback.

Adrian.
 
My 996 stays plugged into the charger (CTEK) whenever it's in the garage. I have the plug fitted to the battery, rather than using the lighter socket but like yours, the light on the charger illuminates (not as brightly as if the charger is operating) if the charger is plugged in to the car but not switched on at the wall. Therefore:

Q1) I took the pragmatic approach and ignored it.[;)]

Q2) No idea but I would suggest if you are boosting a reasonably charged battery rather than trying to charge a totally flat one, you should be ok (less current).

Q3) A year after acquiring the charger I have had no issues whatsoever (2500 miles this year, so hooked up most of the time).

Just as an aside, as a "safety device" I have a laminated A4 sheet with "BATTERY CHARGER" written on it tucked into the windscreen wiper to prevent the embarrassment of driving off with my car still attached to the garage wall.[&:]
 
Adrian, I have been using the CTEK charger for over 2 years now (via the cigarette lighter). I have not observed any issues to date.

.... and yes the standby light does come on when connected via the cig lighter and before the mains power is applied.

Jason
 
ORIGINAL: jramsde1

Adrian, I have been using the CTEK charger for over 2 years now (via the cigarette lighter). I have not observed any issues to date.

.... and yes the standby light does come on when connected via the cig lighter and before the mains power is applied.

Jason
Click to expand...

same for me too


 
Just out of interest how long do your batteries seem to last if they are not on a trickle charger. Mine seems to go flat after maybe just five days of non use/non charge. Is this the norm or should I be thinking of a new battery?

Nick
 
looks like your battery's on the way out.

mine's ok if left for a couple of weeks without the trickle charger, but tend to use it all the time anyway to keep the battery tip top.
 
The unit referenced on the demon tweeks link is the inferior 800mA unit, which will do little else other than maintain te battery. You ideally need the CTEK3600 unit, which DT sell for £48.92 with 15% vat.

I paid £52 delivered for mine, from www.motaman.co.uk which included the optional £7 ciggy lighter adaptor - as usual DT aren't the cheapest place, even if they are local to me.

Motaman sell the CTEK800 unit for £36.95 http://www.motaman.co.uk/Product.aspx?ncatId=69
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

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.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Back
Top