Slow charger

[DSLiverpool]

Happy xmas guys

Ive layed the SL55 up for winter now and popped it on my ex DB9 ctek slow charger but the charger fails to light up

Possibly its the plug not fitting the MB cig lighter socket but maybe not ? anyone have an opinion or can rec a slow charger for the sl55

Many thanks

 

[davidjpowell]

Is the lighter socket live without the ignitiion?

 

[Dieselman]

^ No it's not on a Mercedes.

 

[BTB 500]

As above.

I use an Accumate charger on my SL ... got a flylead attached directly to the battery, it's accessible inside the boot and the charger lead connects to that. Maybe you could rig up something similar.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Ah I thought the socket might be dead - on the Aston it had a special socket in the boot probably due to the infrequent use these cars get.

I will pop an ordinary slow charger on it - batteries in boot right ?

 

[Diesel Benz]

Is the lighter socket live without the ignitiion?

I did not check this for the R230 but most often MB has two fuse positions for the front cigarette lighter where one provides power while ignition is on (the default) and the other one provides C30 power (always on).

 

[DSLiverpool]

Guys just posted on the other thread, I have a 15a power socket in the boot can I charge from that ? (dont want to try without knowing)

 

[Dieselman]

Easy. The charger will be delivering less than 1 amp, a regular charger on quick charge is only 4-6 amps.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Thanks DM sadly that socket is also dead on power off - put a normal charger on it

 

[Dieselman]

Just cut the plug off the end of the charger wires and stick the bared wires into the battery terminal posts, or buy some crocodile clips when you can.

 

[Mick K]

I was surprised to find that both the cigar socket and rear auxiliary socket require the ignition key to be turned on as per 'the old days' making the idea of using them a bit limited except when you are in the car (My previous BMW had permanent 'live' sockets)
I am at present away and have left a Draper Trickle charger connected direct to battery terminals to keep things ticking over

 

[BTB 500]

If you're going to be using a maintenance charger fairly regularly a permanent direct connection to the battery is worthwhile. I mentioned that I have a flylead that's accessible in the boot of my SL - Accumate do a range of sockets/leads (many weatherproof):

AccuMate & OptiMate Accessories

But easy enough to come up with a DIY solution.

 

[Mercy1]

On the subject of maintenance charging, do you guys just connect the crocodile clips to the battery with the battery still in situ? I am thinking of buying a Halfords maintenance charger or the Aldi version (when they come on offer) and want to simply connect to the charging points under the bonnet. Bit confused because the handbook says its OK with some chargers, but Halfords say you shouldn't do it...Can anyone offer an opinion...?

 

[Dieselman]

On the subject of maintenance charging, do you guys just connect the crocodile clips to the battery with the battery still in situ?

One one of my spare cars I stick an intelligent charger on sometimes and I do just connect it to the battery while it is still connected.

 

[IanA2]

On the subject of maintenance charging, do you guys just connect the crocodile clips to the battery with the battery still in situ? I am thinking of buying a Halfords maintenance charger or the Aldi version (when they come on offer) and want to simply connect to the charging points under the bonnet. Bit confused because the handbook says its OK with some chargers, but Halfords say you shouldn't do it...Can anyone offer an opinion...?

I have fused leads bolted onto the battery which connect to the charger as required.

 

[Mick K]

One one of my spare cars I stick an intelligent charger on sometimes and I do just connect it to the battery while it is still connected.

Same here

 

[Mercy1]

My thanks to Dieselman

One one of my spare cars I stick an intelligent charger on sometimes and I do just connect it to the battery while it is still connected.

Thanks to DM and others for the reassurances over charging battery while the battery remains in situ. I had heard lots of scare stories over frying sensitive electronics etc...and there's a lot of conflicting advice even amongst the experts.
Anyway, have taken the plunge and invested in a CTEK smart charger which I have permanently fixed to the garage wall where it conveniently connects to the contacts under the bonnet.
The car can sit there for weeks now (if necessary) and the little green light lets me know the battery is always topped up. Great!

I know loads of you will know this already but for those who don't here is the relevant CTECK spec:

"The new generation CTEK Multi MXS 3.6 combines all the benefits of a battery conditioner with the power of a conventional charger, charging your battery quickly and easily without the need to disconnect it from your vehicle.
The MXS3.6 constantly monitors the battery after it has been initially charged and only 'trickle charges' the battery when the voltage drops due to alarms or natural drainage. This eliminates the danger of overcharging and allows the MXS 3.6 to be safely connected for months at a time."


Features & Benefits:

• No need to disconnect the battery terminals
• Suitable for all types of 12v lead-acid batteries (inc GEL & AGM)
• Charges batteries up to approx 75Ah & conditions larger batteries up to 120Ah
• Fully automatic - switches to conditioning mode after initial charge
• Can be left connected for months - ideal for occasional-use vehicles
• Dual charging options - small batteries (i.e. motorcycles) & larger batteries (cars)
• Special cold mode - charge during cold winter days without problems
• Supplied with insulated croc-clip connectors & additional eyelet connector lead
• 5 year warranty

Thanks again...

 

[BTB 500]

Yup the Accumate charger I have is very similar. They are specifically intended to be used as 'maintenance' chargers, and can be left connected permanently (as mine is).

 

[IBN]

My Ctek came with a cable/plug to connect directly to the battery terminals. I leave the car almost permanently connected to the unit - I used to suffer starting problems, if I left the car idle for more than a few days but nowadays I can leave her for months on end and she always starts first time.

 

[Mick K]

Don't know if it is a viable alternative, but the Draper model I have is designed to do same thing can't say which as I'm away from car !