I have a Ctek 3300 mounted on my 07 XK. The battery charge light never shows it's fully charged. I load tested the battery and it was OK. Battery installed October 2012. I keep the car locked and on Ctek when parked.

Does the fact that Ctek never shows full charge indicate a battery problem despite satisfactory load test?

 

First question: where is the CTEK unit? if it is IN the car, the simple act of opening the tailgate sets the CTEK into action and that will tell you that the battery is not fully charged, ever. The CTEK unit should be OUTSIDE the car (see photo); that way you can monitor your battery condition.
I use this unit on all my cars. I have my 1966 Mark 2 on the CTEK unit; this car is pre-electronics so the only battery drain is the clock. The CTEK unit shows full charge almost all the time but today I opened the passenger door to put something in; closed it and looked at the CTEK unit. It was charging! these units are so sensitive that even a minuscule drop in voltage (as in putting on the interior lights by opening the door) will send it into action. On the XK, just touching the door handle or the tailgate release will make the CTEK start charging.
So, my question: where is the unit while charging?

 

It's in the trunk. Mounted there by Jag dealer for previous owner.

Your response answers my question. I'll relocate the Ctek. I was never happy about it being in the spare tire well.

 

I would suggest buying the CTEK Comfort Extension....$9.99 and provides an extra 8 feet of connectable cord to the unit.


SOV211 is correct, by having the CTEK unit inside the trunk, everytime you open the hatch, the CTEK automatically goes from green to amber as the Jag is using power just to open the hatch release.

 

My CTek is mounted on a work bench with the Comfort Extension added. When I open the trunk to disconnect it the light changes from green to amber as well.

 

Quick question - I have CTEK mounted on post in garage with extension cord to AC power. CTEK quick connect extension to cord in XKR. If I disconnect quick connect to go for a drive, is it ok to leave the CTEK unit powered up in standby position? Or do you have to pull the power completely?

Thanks

 

It's OK and it won't hurt it. The most you might get is a slight spark when you reconnect but it should not be a problem.

 

I power off the Ctek charger by using the on/off button to cycle to the off position

 

Mine does the same. It is amazing how sensitive the CTEK is.

 

I don't unplug the ctek or power it off, just leave it on and quick connect the extension when I return , is there a problem with this? Seems to work well and does not spark when reconnected.

 

No problem some like to unplug it before disconnecting and some don't . Shouldn't be an issue.

 

Yes, you can leave the CTEK plugged into the electrical outlet, disconnect the Comfort Extension to the car. If you have the CTEK3300, the amber light on the unit will flicker. The CTEK unit will not be damaged in any way.

CTEK smartchargers are "spark proof". There is no way they will create any spark.

For more information on CTEK smartchargers visit their website at:

www.ctek.com

 

Richard,
Autospell strikes again. Edit and change "discount" to "disconnect". It's happened to me so I always preview before submitting to be sure there are no misteaks-oops-mistakes.
Stuart

 

Hello everyone, I just installed my CTEK yesterday…. I have a question. Since the CTEK monitors the battery and offers a slow charge as opposed to a rapid charge, I assume that it is fine to leave the 'trunk mat panel' unit that covers the battery in place while the battery is being charged.

 

Correct, the rate of charge is very low, and won't gas the battery. Just leave the connector accessible for quick access and you are good to go!