I have used the CTEK charger for years; on my XK it is permanently mounted directly to the battery. The installation did not require ANY special procedure - not even the locking of the car (why? you are simply connecting one lead at a time, with the charger NOT plugged in). My leads are connected to the battery leads at the bolt - not to the battery terminal, so there is not disruption of voltage to the car itself. The CTEK lines are then run under the trunk liner and the snap connector sits outside the car when in use. The CTEK unit is always outside the car - thus allowing constant monitoring by the indicator lights of what is happening. This is not a difficult installation in any way, and it ensures 100% battery function at all times - and that means no mysterious electronic issues on the XK.

 

You won't be able to lock the car with the hatch open, unless you push the lock shut. Just push up into the lock slot on the hatch with a screwdriver until it rotates into the closed position. The car will then think the hatch is shut, and will let you lock it (one press only; you don't want to activate the volumetric sensors). Don't forget to unlock and press the 'open hatch' button to flick the lock back to the open position before you close the hatch.

 

You don't have to go that far using a screwdriver to trip any hatch lock.

Just use my instructions in post #1 or instructions in post #61...it is so easy...don't over complicate the issue or the job.

A fifth grader could install the CTEK 3300 in minutes.

 

Thanks to the expertise of Steve, from the Jag Wrangler, I was turned on to the CTEK 3300. I immediately put in an order as my XKR gets only a few miles per week and not enough to keep a decent charge on the battery. After two battery failures, Steve charged up my latest battery and I connected my 3300 a couple of days later. It took almost 2 days for the unit to completely charge the battery but it was successful and has been doing great since. This is real piece on mind.

 

Sorry, was just responding to Loth's request to comment on his step-by-step. His first step was to lock the car with the hatch open, which you can't do.



I surrender...

 

Ngarara:

No big deal. The CTEK is easy to install and it is easy to complicate the installation especially when connecting for the first time. If Lothar buys a CTEK, which I suggest he should, he will have NO problem installing it. In fact I bet he will like it so much, he may one for his other cars.

Don't ever surrender, fight to the bitter end.

 

This is the method I used to install a CTEK MXS 5.0 + Comfort Indicator to my 2013my XK

Takes about 15 minutes using the extra nuts and washers, my local Indie GAVE me the nuts etc, he said they are M6*1.5, my 10mm socket fits them perfectly.

The Comfort Indicator feeds through the Child restraining flap.

Since uploading this post I have moved the eyelet from the battery -Neg to a convenient chassis earth close by.

 

Perfect installation.

Your photos provide a better idea/view for 2010 XK/XKR owners and above where to install the eyelets.

 

I bought 2 CTEK 3300 and 2 comfort extension cords that are on their way... IM STILL NERVOUS!!!! YEEEEEEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!

 

As Corporal Jones in "Dad's Army" would say:
"Don't panic, Mr. Mainwaring, DON'T PANIC, DON'T PANIC!!!!"

 

Great British humor. Thanks

 

Lothar52:

These CTEK's will be one of the best investments/accessories that you will have purchased for your Jags.

I know you will have NO problem installing them.

Let us know how it all works out.

 

Has anyone done an install using the CTEK 56-380 Comfort Indicator Panel for a finished look in the trunk or perhaps on the underside exterior lip of the trunk lid (a much more complicated install if it's even possible, but would be cool).

 

Kinda like this found using the Google...

 

Installing the CTEK with the 56-380 will provide a very clean look. The only way I see where to place it is making the cutout in the spare tire cover and mounting from the bottom, or on the side panel within the trunk.

You would have to make sure the indicator panel is secure because you would be connecting and disconnecting the CTEK cord. I am not sure how the 56-380 secures to the panel.

You would not be able to see the indicator lights unless you open the trunk lid. The CTEK 3300 has the indicator lights on the charging unit. I have mine fixed to a cabinet that sits next to the Jaguar at eye level, so I can see the indicator lights at all times from any vantage point in the garage.

 

You don't necessarily have to wire it to come out of the trunk. I actually just installed my solar battery maintainer thru the space between the rear seats. The connector where the solar battery maintainer connects to the battery is wedged between the rear seat and the rear seat hump, hidden from view by the seatbelt itself. Then you could simply open the windows when you park the car in your garage.

This may not be any better the doing it out the back of the trunk, but in my case the solar panel is inside the car (front windshield).

 

I HOPE I DONT FRY MY JAG!!!!!

 

Just chillax Ryan, what is the worst that could happen....?

 

Lol real funny!!!! Hahahahaha

 

I got a great laugh out of that photo.

Be careful Lothar52.........I know you can do it.