Charging Batteries in modern vehicles

**The_Hawk** · 10-05-2015, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by warrick

hi
i would like to get a CTek charger for use on my 2011 3.6 cc.with the battery in the boot is it safe to use with the battery connected? would the MXS 5 be a suitable choice? i use the car only a couple of times a week usually and only one of those is a reasonable run.
cheers
warrick

They are designed to be used with the battery in place so no issues there. I was watching a video about the MXS 5.0 being used in a BMW with a rear mounted battery, the guy connected the charger to the terminals under the bonnet to charge the battery in the rear. So yeah, I think you'd be right.

Interesting in my reading (and the guy from the shop said as much) the CTek units are rebranded and used by a bunch of supercar companies too. A few bits of talking here and there about supercar owners buying CTek branded unit for a fraction of the cost of the Bugatti branded one

**brad** · 10-05-2015, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by warrick

hi
i would like to get a CTek charger for use on my 2011 3.6 cc.with the battery in the boot is it safe to use with the battery connected? would the MXS 5 be a suitable choice? i use the car only a couple of times a week usually and only one of those is a reasonable run.
cheers
warrick

That's the whole idea of a C-Tek. You attach the Comfort Connect terminals to the battery as a once-off and you can leave the charger plugged in if the car is sitting in the garage for days / weeks.

I would have recommended the MXS3.8 but the MXS5 is better (possibly / probably).

I recently set up a neighbours ride-on mower at his farm with an MXS3.8. He's only at the property every 3-4 weeks & the battery was discharging. He was concerned that the technology wasn't smart enough to switch itself off entirely and that there would be a fire risk so he's plugged it in to a timer that comes on for 12 hours every week during the day (so that his neighbours can see the garage in flames I guess). I think the timer is a bad idea as the C-Tek is self regulating but it made him happier.

Try Batteries Direct - there's only $3 difference between the 5 & the 3.8
400 Bad Request

**warrick** · 10-05-2015, 09:18 AM

thanks for the replies. sounds like the way to go.batteries direct in sydney unfortunately.i know they will post but trying to save a bit. looking for something in brissy if possible. one question, does anyone know if my car would have an AGM or just the normal type lead/acid type?
thanks again for the help.
cheers
warrick

**FJ Steve** · 10-05-2015, 09:47 AM

I get all my autoelectrical stuff from these guys: https://www.autoelec.com.au/contact.asp?_pic=0

Service is awesome, pricing is even better and they offer an excellent warranty (which I am yet to use

)

https://www.autoelec.com.au/ssl/public_autoelec/store_v3/product_detail.asp?id=2097&cat=45

**warrick** · 14-05-2015, 08:44 AM

hey guys
does anyone know if the standard battery in the V6 3cc is AGM or plain lead/acid type? .
cheers
warrick

**warrick** · 28-05-2015, 12:14 AM

this is what it looks like.i think normal lead acid. Varta 5ko 915 105 k.

Charging Batteries in modern vehicles-varta-jpg

**warrick** · 28-05-2015, 11:51 PM

no one knows the type of battery?
warrick

**FJ Steve** · 29-05-2015, 12:02 AM

Have you checked with a Battery Retailer/Stockist?

**warrick** · 29-05-2015, 12:31 AM

to be honest when i went to battery world i wasnt thinking about charging it up so didnt ask that question hence why i asked it here. he was less then helpful so i just wanted to leave. i am pretty sure its not AGM cause it has one of those glass eye things that change colour to indicate condition,green etc,and i didnt think the AGM batteries had them.
cheers
warrick