Battery Condition

[RJKflyer]

In the subject of chargers, I have a CTEK 5.0 with the so-called indicator charger attachments (so you can if you wish leave one connected to the battery as they seem to at the OPCs on cars in the showroom).

I am curious as to the performance of my battery: every time I connect this 'indicator' attachment, it is either RED or AMBER, despite having used the car regularly and on long enough journeys. Yes it goes green after the charger has been connected and does it's work, but since my car is but 4 months old, I'm a bit puzzled as to why it indicates what appears to be a duff battery. This is even after a period of 'rest' which the FAQs state may be necessary to get the right reading.

The actual charger starts on STEP 4 (ABSORPTION) each time, and does reach STEP 7/8.

Any thoughts?

 

[Robin M]

I don't have a CTEK but my charger does exactly the same on any battery I connect it to. this is because no Lead Acid battery is fully charged and the charge will put some charge into it beofre deciding it should go to maintenence mode. Its not a problem.

 

[Lancerlot]

The on-board systems take current from the battery even when there is nothing switched on. So unless the battery is disconnected from the car, it will never show as fully charged on your CTEK - so relax and enjoy your motor. []

Regards,

Clive.

 

[kasspa]

hi Richard,

I have the indicator attachment & although it does show 'green' once my C-tek is in maintenance mode it goes to 'yellow' once disconnected & I've only unlocked the car.......

It does go back to green after a run but this rapidly changes after a while.

As long as charger goes to maintenance mode I wouldn't worry too much....

hth

Paul

 

[adrian996]

Completey normal. Your car will draw at least 0.5 amp/hr even when it is sat on your drive locked up. The Cteks are also so sensitive that it would almost never show a full charge until it has gone through its full cycle on a battery in very good condition. Leave you Ctek connected until the light goes green and then either unlock or lock the car: the light will immediately go orange due to the current drawn to move the locks, etc.
You're fine.

 

[Buddy]

Got both a Porsche Charger and an Ultimate Speed Charger ( on sale now at Lidl £12.99 ) and I also find that they start off charging even after a run but within 2-3 hours back to maintenance mode which is normal.

Both are brilliant pieces of kit to use and great for when the car is not in regular use.