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Yes, that 12v port in the center console is only live for about 5 minutes after you open the car door. Then it shuts off. I use a 12v air pump to add air to my tires and plug it in to that center console port. It typically shuts off about halfway through the 3rd tire. That's how I found out about this.
If you have multiple idle vehicles this one is great. I keep at least one car, scooter and lawn tractor plugged in most of the time. I have mine placed on top of a cabinet in the center of the garage and 25' extension cables leading to the areas needed. Works great.
So my conclusion is that all this time, at least for my CTEK model, and my car, plugging the CTEK into the cigarette lighter port was virtually pointless; or at least the car never reached the point where the CTEK could do it's job of maintaining the battery.
You should have a 12v port on the tunnel in the passenger footwell. This one remains "hot" at all times. Plug your CTEK (or whatever) in, turn it on and you're good to go.
You should have a 12v port on the tunnel in the passenger footwell. This one remains "hot" at all times. Plug your CTEK (or whatever) in, turn it on and you're good to go.
Yep, tried that one as well. GTG.
For a bit of fun, I put a spare 12V outlet voltmeter accessory I had lying around into the center console, to keep an eye on the voltage. Started out at 12.3V:
Within about 20 minutes, the voltage was reading 12.5V, and the CTEK had kicked over to the "full" reading. So it looks like either direct alligator clip or side port charging works, at least for my car / charger combo. Thanks for the tip.
I use disposable nitrile gloves when refueling and have done so for years. As much as I love gasoline and the joy it brings into my life, I don't feel like getting it on my hands.
You should have a 12v port on the tunnel in the passenger footwell. This one remains "hot" at all times. Plug your CTEK (or whatever) in, turn it on and you're good to go.
Not quite. It only remains live if you lock the car with your key fob. If you don't, its activity will eventually time out also.
Well shoot now I am cursed. I have had the charger working pretty well but now it seems like it won't move off the "MODE" switch.
I unplug it all from the wall, reset everything and same issue, no worky.
Has anyone had anything similar with a CTEK Multi US 3300?
I emailed Customer Service for an RMA number and an evaluation. The manual says it has a five year warranty, so I guess I will put that to the test (bought it April last year.)
04-05-2020, 12:56 PM
