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Sometimes when I go out and look at the charger, all the lights are on, and the green battery light, and it's happy happy.
Other times I'll see that the red error light is on.
No rhyme or reason.
I used to have positive connected to battery terminal, and negative to body ground, but I've since moved negative to battery terminal. And just went out and saw the red error light.
The car gets driven every few days, but I've gotten in the habit of checking the charger/lights a few hours after connecting the charger, just to see if it's working as I expect. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
I believe the battery is original to the car, but it checked out fine at the PPI, and it starts every time no sweat.
when you have the red error light with stage 1 light on , there is a problem with the connection.
when you have the red error light with stage 2 light on , the battery is not accepting the charge.
when you have the red error light with stage 5 light on , the battery is not holding the charge.
The charger should be displaying both Vehicle and AGM. In my experience the Ctek can display an error when it’s actually charging correctly. It has a five year warranty, take it back and exchange
yeah, connection is fine. I've checked. It's securely fastened to battery, and I'm using the quick connect clip. Like I said, sometimes it's fine, sometimes I get the red error light. (With Stage one light on.)
No extension cord being used... well, wait, it is connected to a commercial power strip on my garage workbench. Maybe there's something to that? (But i've always used it that way.) I will test.
I have it in regular mode, not AGM. I thought the stock battery was a regular battery? (That's what I've always assumed, ya?)
I did send CTEK support a message. We'll see what happens.
Like an impulsive nut, I did order the NOCO one last night and I already received it. Connected it and seems like it's happy happy. It was only $69, so i figured what the heck. Whatever one I don't use here, I'll use with the Miata.
I have been using Ctek's since 1996 when they sent me a 12v and 6v for a beta test. I currently have 4 in use. The two MSX-5.0's are on my 911 and my C8. I have never had an issue over the decades with them even the "simple" versions.. You might have issues using a long extension cord. Always disconnect the unit before detaching from the battery. Always attach to the battery before plugging the unit in. The 911 is set for AGM and the C8 and others are set for wet cell. Even through power outages that we can have here in S FLA I have never had any issues from power surges. I have also "tried" others over the years but use Ctek exclusively. Your results may vary....FWIW.
In my case, there is a permanent connection to the battery that terminates at the windshield wiper area. Periodically have to use an abrasive on the contact due to oxide/contamination.
In my case, there is a permanent connection to the battery that terminates at the windshield wiper area. Periodically have to use an abrasive on the contact due to oxide/contamination.
Use dielectric grease on that and other connections and you won't have this issue. Simple solution....
07-19-2024, 05:24 PM
CTEK error... is it the charger or battery?
