Battery Charger questions
12-03-2009, 10:33 PM
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Battery Charger questions
I usually drive my TT daily but have another car I sometimes drive. How much down time is worth having/plugging in the trickle charger?
I'm going away for two weeks in December - worth charging while gone?
Also, is the Porsche one needed/worth it or any microprocessor controlled charger OK (I have a Black and Decker one).
I'm going away for two weeks in December - worth charging while gone?
Also, is the Porsche one needed/worth it or any microprocessor controlled charger OK (I have a Black and Decker one).
12-03-2009, 11:00 PM
#2
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I finally caved and ordered the Porsche branded trickle charger. Probably most any 'brand-name' unit should work fine.
I don't drive my car for weeks at a time (been almost 4 weeks since the last time come to think of it). Very bad for the battery. Fortunately, I live in a warm climate or else the car would have been dead long ago.
Being from Texas, I wouldn't worry too much about letting a car sit idle for only 2 weeks.
I don't drive my car for weeks at a time (been almost 4 weeks since the last time come to think of it). Very bad for the battery. Fortunately, I live in a warm climate or else the car would have been dead long ago.
Being from Texas, I wouldn't worry too much about letting a car sit idle for only 2 weeks.
12-04-2009, 12:28 AM
#4
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Minor point worth mentioning...
A trickle charger is simply a constant current supply...it sources a continuous "trickle" current to a battery. Cheap and somewhat outdated technology that will eventually shorten your battery's life (which is short enough already).
A modern "battery maintainer" will actually measure time, temp, voltage, current and not apply any current when none is required. A bit more expensive, but much more friendly to a battery.
If in doubt regarding what type of charger you have, don't use it. Buy the appropriate one.
As for leaving the car, the initial internal design specifications was to allow the car to sit for up to 30 days and start upon return. However, there are many variables in this spec, like temperature and battery age/condition. It was eventually shortened to 2-3 weeks.
A trickle charger is simply a constant current supply...it sources a continuous "trickle" current to a battery. Cheap and somewhat outdated technology that will eventually shorten your battery's life (which is short enough already).
A modern "battery maintainer" will actually measure time, temp, voltage, current and not apply any current when none is required. A bit more expensive, but much more friendly to a battery.
If in doubt regarding what type of charger you have, don't use it. Buy the appropriate one.
As for leaving the car, the initial internal design specifications was to allow the car to sit for up to 30 days and start upon return. However, there are many variables in this spec, like temperature and battery age/condition. It was eventually shortened to 2-3 weeks.
12-04-2009, 11:40 AM
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Minor point worth mentioning...
A trickle charger is simply a constant current supply...it sources a continuous "trickle" current to a battery. Cheap and somewhat outdated technology that will eventually shorten your battery's life (which is short enough already).
A modern "battery maintainer" will actually measure time, temp, voltage, current and not apply any current when none is required. A bit more expensive, but much more friendly to a battery.
If in doubt regarding what type of charger you have, don't use it. Buy the appropriate one.
As for leaving the car, the initial internal design specifications was to allow the car to sit for up to 30 days and start upon return. However, there are many variables in this spec, like temperature and battery age/condition. It was eventually shortened to 2-3 weeks.
A trickle charger is simply a constant current supply...it sources a continuous "trickle" current to a battery. Cheap and somewhat outdated technology that will eventually shorten your battery's life (which is short enough already).
A modern "battery maintainer" will actually measure time, temp, voltage, current and not apply any current when none is required. A bit more expensive, but much more friendly to a battery.
If in doubt regarding what type of charger you have, don't use it. Buy the appropriate one.
As for leaving the car, the initial internal design specifications was to allow the car to sit for up to 30 days and start upon return. However, there are many variables in this spec, like temperature and battery age/condition. It was eventually shortened to 2-3 weeks.
I have CTEKs crawling out of the woodwork over here. The Multi US 7000 and 7002 (newest version) work very well and also have 'supply' and 'recondition' modes. Just make sure you get the cigarette adapter with comfort connect if you want to plug it into the interior.
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12-08-2009, 05:08 PM
#8
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12-08-2009, 05:13 PM
#10
Racer
It is all automatic.
Just plug this unit into the wall and the wire into the cigarette lighter and it goes on and off depending on the cars' need.
Sometimes i am in the garage and the small red light is on but an hour later it turns off.
Its fool proof IMO.
In 7 years I ve never had a battery failure with a P car using this $60 device.
After I turn the car off the plug goes in faithfully even if I am using the car the next day.
It works for me.
Cabman
Just plug this unit into the wall and the wire into the cigarette lighter and it goes on and off depending on the cars' need.
Sometimes i am in the garage and the small red light is on but an hour later it turns off.
Its fool proof IMO.
In 7 years I ve never had a battery failure with a P car using this $60 device.
After I turn the car off the plug goes in faithfully even if I am using the car the next day.
It works for me.
Cabman
12-08-2009, 05:20 PM
#12
Racer
I just went into the garage and open the Turbo door and closed it and poof the charger came on and will stay on for 10 mins. It has an immediate response.
here is what it looks like on.
here is what it looks like on.
12-08-2009, 09:10 PM
#13
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Excellent. I have one on the way already but wanted to be sure it regulated itself. Thanks.
12-10-2009, 04:45 PM
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The battery in my 997tt went completely dead (family left the door open). I plugged the Ctek 3300 into the vehicle cigarette lighter on Monday and now 3 days later it still isn't charged up to green. Is that normal? Or does that mean I need to replace my battery?
12-10-2009, 06:59 PM
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Will the car start? Temperture? For a "dead" battery, the 3 days does not surprise me. The worst thing for a bettery is a complete discharge like you had. But, it should be OK.