For several years I've been using a C-Tek 3300 plugged into the center console outlet of my '13 991. The green light would appear and would stay green for several weeks. Lately, I noticed that the light stays orange without a green. The charger itself is extremely hot and the adapter is also hot. I have two 3300s and tried the other with a different plug adapter and the same thing happens. The same with the footwell outlet. I'm willing to do a direct battery hardwire but why would this start happening after so many years? Plus I never noticed that the charging unit or plug got so hot. I do get a green light when I start the car with the C-Tek plugged in so it seems that the electrical system is talking to the C-Tek. Perhaps a bad battery (it's the original from 2013), two bad C-Teks? Anyone? Thanks!

 

You are getting to that outter edge of battery life. +6 years is very good battery life on an OE Porsche product. Can you get the battery load tested someplace convenient?

 

I hard wired my C-tek. I don't trust those cigar lighters.

 

As stated previously your battery is likely starting to fail. The 3300 is designed to start charging at a lower voltage and gradually ramp up the voltage and current. Your battery tender is getting hot because its trying to charge your battery at a higher current during the process. Most battery tenders are designed to ramp up at a maximum of 4.0 amp and gradually ramp down as the battery is charged (holding a charge). Your 12 VDC connectors and plug are also heating up because that is the weakest contact point in your charging system where the components experience the highest electrical resistance. Just a thought..... are you setting the charger in the [SNOWFLAKE MODE]? If no, select the snowflake mode on your battery tender when you replace your battery.

 

Only if you use an AGM battery.

 

Correct!

 

Definitely get a new battery. I just changed mine out after 6 years and my Ctek goes to green almost instantly now.