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Battery charger

juliany27

juliany27

New member
Can someone tell me if the cigarette lighter is permanently on or works only when the ignition is switched on.

I have seen a charger/battery top-up unit that will keep the battery in good condition and cut out when necessary but really needs a 'live' cigarette socket. I cannot tell, easily, whether this will work with my Boxster.

Can anyone help please?
 
My 2003 Boxster S has a permanently live cigarette lighter socket, I wish it didn't! I would guess your 2004 will be the same. If you have a Road Angel or anything which plugs into the socket with a warning light on it the easy way to check is to leave the lead plugged in overnight without the accessory connected to it, thus minimising battery drain, then at some point after 3 hours or so look in the car window (in the Garage or at night so it is dark) and see if the light is still on.[:)]
 
ORIGINAL: juliany27

Can anyone help please?
Click to expand...

[;)] You're live 24/7 so you can proceed and use this kit ...It's very good does exactly what it says it does on the box :ROFLMAO:
 
Thanks.

More money to be spent tomorrow; but rather spend a small amount of money and get this device than come home to find a flat battery - I do have a Tracker and I think that it is draining the battery somewhat; I only use the car 2 on days per week.

Incidentally, the piece of equipment that I saw costs about £45 - and is exactly the same as the [re-badged] OPC Porsche item which costs around £100!!!
 
I've got a Draper Power Master (from Halfords) cost me abot 20 and it has done a serling job when i've used it.
 
I've had a Draper for years used it on all my infrequently used cars, never had a flat battery when using it. Its designed for that sort of job just putting in a very low amperage charge when it needs to to top up any losses caused by alarm systems and anyting else (clocks on older cars etc.)
Its not designes to charge a flat battery for that you need a proper charger which I would not recommend connecting to battery for any extended period of time!

Bryn Owen
Boxster Register
Tech Assistant
 
Hi, I purchased the official Porsche trickle charger, which slots into the cig lighter and has a long lead. It cost £32 +VAT, works perfectly and gives me peace of mind that it is specific for Porsches. I have a Draper for another car but you have to attach to + and - terminals and lead is shorter.
Richard
S550Aniversary
 
I believe ... the Porsche one is a rebadged CTEK one

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/Store/Category/ManufacturerProductList.aspx?ManufacturerId=4

I use the 3600 Model on our BoxsterS ... It comes with a Connection lead in the box, which I just attached to the battery ..I then pop the bonnet .. clip it in and the close & lock the bonnet (to keep the light off) .. I know this "traps" the lead in the Bonnet Seal .. however I have done this for 3 years and so far both Seal and Lead are ok

HTH

G


 
On my 986 I run the battery conditioner lead from the battery out of the top of the bonnet (wiper end).
No trapping in seals required [:)]
 
ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

On my 986 I run the battery conditioner lead from the battery out of the top of the bonnet (wiper end).
No trapping in seals required [:)]
Click to expand...

DUHHHHH I never thought of that .. LOL thanks Mark
 
In reply to John Bond no it doesn't plug into the cig lighter its atached to the battery with a couple of crock clips and the leads run out of the top of the bonnet as Mark describes. You need to get the bonnet shut though otherwise the light stays on or take the bulb out.

Bryn Owen
Boxster Register
Tech Assistant
 
I guess they're concerned about the buildup of chlorine gas (edit: chlorine - where did I get that from? - I did 'O'-level chemistry! Read this page for information on the chemistry behind lead-acid batteries.) from the battery acid. Or perhaps they just mean that the charger itself is going to get warm in use and shouldn't be shut away in your glove box!
 
When batteries are charging at a rate supplied by most chargers especially on "Boost" charge they produce Hydrogen (If you have the cell covers off that's the gas in the bubbles and you should always charge a battery with the cell covers off. I presume that BoxsterJohn's charger is of the "intelligent" type) with a vehicle moving any hydrogen generated is less of an issue as it's dispersed by airflow. There are fatalities evey year in the UK involving lead acid batteries in indutrial applications. Explosions involving lead acid batteries in vehicles are not uncommon usually due to sparks and hydrogen in air reaching a concentration enough for an explosive/inflammable mix. All lead acid batteries on "Charge" should be well ventilated.
Batteries being "maintained" with "intelligent" chargers will charge at a rate of milliamps and are unlikely to produce much hydrogen but that doesn't mean no hydrogen will be produced. Safety tip for anyone using any type of charger on a lead acid battery is to not attach/detatch croc clips with the charger switched on, also taking care when disconnecting batteries to remove the earth on the battery last and when connecting to attach the earth first. Sparks and hydrogen can cause a nasty bang and the potential to cover yourself in sulphuric acid so please take care with lead acid batteries they are potentially lethal. I would also recommend that only "intelligent" chargers supplying milliamps of charge are left connected to batteries for extended periods and that conventional chargers with a boost/float facility are only connected to batteries for short periods of time and preferably with the battery out of the car in a well ventilated space (draughty garage ideal!)[:)]
 
Personally I am unfamiliar with the charger, however if it is just a trickle charger, it should be ok
PROVIDING , you are TOTALLY SURE there are NO issues at all with getting anything connected ie Electricial & Connections WET -
I hate to be POLITICALLY CORRECT, BUT to PLAY SAFE I would get an electrician to just check out first,that way you can complete safely .... I use a Trickle charger in my garage and daily check its working ok, Remember anytime you get into the vehicle and then get out , you might need to disconnect terminals and re fit otherwise you might get a red light on your charger and it will not charge up - ( don't ask me why but its an important point to check you light or lights are green and or amber on the trickle charger ) when working correctly.
 
Re chlorine
You've got that from old submarine films- if you get sea water into a battery chlorine gas is formed.
 
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