I see most people use a CTEK battery charger wired directly to the battery. I went online to buy one and noticed they have one that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter location, which saves me from pulling out the luggage bar and panel in the trunk of the convertible.

Any reason NOT to go with the cigarette lighter plug in version?

My vehicle is a 2008 Jaguar XK Convertible.

 

Isn't the cigarette lighter out of the circuit with the ignition sw off?

 

Yes the cigarette lighter socket is not hot when the engine is off so you will not charge.
I use the cigarette adapter but the socket is wired to the battery.

 

Here is my method and I just plug the unit in.

 

Used to work in some other vehicles. Should have guessed that would be too easy!
Thanks.

Larry

 

Isn't the aux. plug in the glove box hot? Why not use that?

 

I've used CTEKs on my cars for a few years and recently got a new MXS 5.0 Smart Charger for my '11 Jaguar XKR convertible. Ran a piece on it in my blog showing hookup to the Jag using remote terminal and taillight ground in trunk. On my Ford GT use the cig lighter socket which is live when ignition off. Check it out @ CTEK: SMART CHARGER FOR SUPERCARS! - Car Guy Chronicles

 

Use the remote positive terminal behind the LH rear wheel and an earth/ground point on the body nearby.

This method does not require any disassembly of the vehicle and allows for the quick connector to be easily within reach.

 

Bought the CTEK 3300 and the comfort extender. May as well get a new battery since I have no idea how long the last owner went without replacing it. Figure while the battery is being replaced I will have the lead plus comfort extender mounted. If I hadn't already set this up I would have gone with the wheel well approach, although without this forum I would never have located the rubber capped remote charging lead. Thanks for the help. Now onward to Intermittant Tire Pressure Monitor Fault warnings.

 

Random TPMS warnings can be caused by the wheel sensor units having failing batteries. The lithium-ion batteries usually have a service life of about 10 years.

 

Yes, I am debating whether the receiver is failing as it doesn't indicate low pressure at any single wheel (failing battery in that stem) but rather a system failure or fault. On the other hand, the vehicle is just about ten years old, so replacing the stem senders makes sense. I have a couple of thousand miles left on the tires, and am thinking about ignoring the warnings until a tire changeout in 3 months or so. Spread out my initial post purchase (one week ago) expenses.