[jimpom23]

Hi,

I've used the search to look at what people have said about replacing and OEM vs aftermarket etc etc but I just wanted some clarity on trying to charge an existing one that has thrown up the battery icon on the dash (before forking out for a new one)

I've never had a car with a battery in the boot before, let alone one with apparent charging points under the bonnet. Is it just as simple as connecting my charger to said points and letting it work it's magic?

I've seen a lot of people using CTEK chargers but will my Halfords one suffice? (some have suggested 'cheaper' chargers may do some harm)

Thanks as always

[MEGA]

Yes just connect to the bonnet terminals nothing special needed..

[makkan00]

You can also charged it from 'under the hood' terminals.

[jimpom23]

Cheers both, I'll hook up at the weekend and see how I get on

[ELD70]

Is it ok to leave the battery connected whilst the charger is on?

[spluff]

I have a CTEK 3600 which I use for my other car via cig lighter socket....

I was wondering if it was safe to use this charger in a new BMW 3 seriers E93 cig socket?

Many thanks

[doughboy]

OP - the battery wanring light just means the charge is low, doesn't necessarily mean the battery is knackered. Do yo do a lot of short runs?
If so take it for a good long run (at least 1 hour, main roads) and see if that helps.

If you do need to change the battery, there's no such thing as an 'OE' battery, just any quality one will do.

But yes, just connect your positive charger clip (any old crappy charger will do) onto the red terminal under the bonnet, it is just an extension of the main positive connection to the battery. Find a good bit of clean metal (engine mounts?) to put your negative charger clip.

Their is a small ground stud on the inner wing near the positive terminal, but it is quite small, better to grab a big chunk of engine.

I have a CTEK 3600 which I use for my other car via cig lighter socket....

Our Ciggy sockets are isolated until the ignition is ON, so you couldn't charge via them. (as are most cars these days to stop kids burning themselves!)

Bit of an odd way to do it, ok for conditioning though, but not charging from flat as the ciggy lighter fuse would blow!!

[jimpom23]

Cheers Doughboy, yes it does suffer from short trip syndrome, when it came on I took it out for a decent blast for about 45 mins and didn't see the next time I started it up but it still sounds a bit laboured on crank (not to be confused with long crank, more slow)

Think I will still top it up given it will be used even less in the Winter - though it might get lucky with a 6hr round trip to Birmingham next week

[spluff]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Our Ciggy sockets are isolated until the ignition is ON, so you couldn't charge via them. (as are most cars these days to stop kids burning themselves!)

Bit of an odd way to do it, ok for conditioning though, but not charging from flat as the ciggy lighter fuse would blow!!

Thats a shame I cant use ciggy socket....

I just want to condition battery some days....

Whats the easiest way to do this? Will my CTEK 3600 be okay?

Many thanks for your reply...

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by spluff

Thats a shame I cant use ciggy socket....

I just want to condition battery some days....

Whats the easiest way to do this? Will my CTEK 3600 be okay?

Many thanks for your reply...

Just install a ciggy socket in the boot and use a fused lead direct to the battery. Again, it's no good for boost charging but great for the CTEK 3600, there's even a CTEK Cigarette Plug Adapter available for quick hook ups

[makkan00]

OP

Have you checked the actual volts at the battery when car is off?
You can use multi-meter to do that.