Hi folks. Based on everyone's near universal opinion, and after reading most, if not all, of the relevant posts here, I am about to pull the trigger on a CTEK. I realize most use the 3300, but I am probably going to purchase a 4.3. My question: Does anyone here know if, besides the testing function, there is any difference between the regular MUS 4.3 (56-864) and the MUS 4.3 Test&Charge (56-959)? And if not, has anyone found the Test function to be useful? It's about $30 more on Amazon, which isn't enough to bother me if its useful.

Finally, besides the minimal price difference between the 3300 and 4.3, does anyone know any reason I shouldn't go with the 4.3.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

 

As an owner of 4 CTEK smartchargers (3-CTEK3300's) and (1-CTEKMUS4.3) I recommend the CTEK MUS 4.3...8 step smartcharger. It does AGM, and has some more features over the CTEK3300.

Amazon sells the MUS for under $65.00 which is a great deal. I also use the CTEK comfort extension cord to extend the length of the charging cord.

As for the battery tester for $30.00 difference, the CTEK MUS 4.3 will handle the job. However if the $30.00 is no big deal, then go with the additional battery and alternator test mode CTEK. It sells for about $90.00 at Amazon.com





You will not be disppointed with the CTEK MUS4.3 or the CTEK Test & Charge MUS 4.3.

 

I have to step in here because I hate to see people waste money...you do not need anything more than the most basic CTEK - they all desulphate, they have very slow charge, they all keep the battery at 100% efficiency. I have several of them in use for years. My XK is on the most basic CTEK and it has never given a problem. One thing: the CTEK unit must be kept outside the car so that you can monitor properly; if it is inside then simply touching the latch mechanism will send the CTEK into action and you will always think the battery is discharged or that the CTEK is faulty.

 

I have the 4.3 works fine but definitely get the comfort extension cable. I did get the higher model with the test function but haven't seen a need for that yet. If your battery is bad any of the units will let you know so probably don't need that function unless the alternator is the cause.

 

I agree. I use it on my XJ to keep the batteries fully charged at all times. Because it has the stop-start system, it has 2 batteries - the primary one is AGM. For details, see: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lation-130801/

Stuart

 

Here in the USA the CTEK MUS 4.3...8 step smartcharger is currently priced the same as the CTEK 3300.

So it would be wise to step up to the newest version vs the CTEK 3300.

Both units are currently priced right at about $61.00 @ Amazon.com






Hope this info helps someone out there.

 

Gregory,
I leave my Battery Tender plus on the parcel shelf and so can read it thru the hatch window; just another reason to have a coupe!!

Cheers, Adrian

 

Adrian,

The main reason to keep your Deltran Battery Tender outside of your car is to give you more time to put out the fire and save your car when that cheap POS charger overheats and melts the plastic case. Happened to me, and fortunately it didn't burn down my house. Their customer service is the worst and their warranty is not worth the paper on which it is printed. I'll never use another Deltran product again. Read the reviews on Amazon. Be safe and toss the Battery Tender and buy a CTEK. You'll be glad you did.

Stuart

 

Stuart,
Thanks sir, put it on the concrete floor; took all of 20 secs..................

"I may not be accurate but at least I'm slow!", Cheers, Adrian

 

Thanks everyone for your inputs. I appreciate them. Probably going with the testing model, if only because its just a little more and might offer up some notice of an alternator problem early on. Or, in a perfect world, it will never tell me that anything is wrong, and that Prince Lucas is well and truly dead and buried. Sure.

Cheers, Mark

 

I wouldn't mention that name too often, bad things can happen. And never say it three times while looking in your rear view mirror.

 

I have a CTEK MXS 5.0 and connect it whenever the car is in the Garage. Brilliant, it has solved all the intermittent electrical problems caused by a slight voltage drop in the battery.
Steve
Black XK8 Convertible 2001

 

Steve:

Great to hear the news. You're another CTEK believer, and you keep the Jaguar on the CTEK whenever the car is garaged. Smart guy, smart move, smartcharger.