xkr 2014 battery maintainer question-newbie
#1
xkr 2014 battery maintainer question-newbie
After an almost 10 year absence, i jumped back in and purchased a 2014 low mileage xkr vert which i've enjoyed the past couple weeks a great deal. However, unlike my last vert which was a 2003, the battery placement and work involved in getting to it was a bit of a head scratcher i must admit. I've read a number of existing threads, but i'm still not certain what i'm looking at matches my car as they look to be on earlier models. If there is anyone out there with a 2014 (or i guess 2015) and they are utilizing a tender can you not just attach the positive cable on the tender directly to the battery positive terminal accessible thru the driver side trunk plastic door opening up under the fender, and then attached the negative cable on the tender to the ground pole located on the left side of the spare on the trunk floor? ie basically the same points they recommend in the owner's manual for a jump start?
The car has had a battery replacement recently so it's not the original battery. I was also wondering if the trunk light goes out after a time period as on many other cars i've had. I'm sure that can be worked around based on my experience. Any input appreciated in advance.
The car has had a battery replacement recently so it's not the original battery. I was also wondering if the trunk light goes out after a time period as on many other cars i've had. I'm sure that can be worked around based on my experience. Any input appreciated in advance.
#2
After an almost 10 year absence, i jumped back in and purchased a 2014 low mileage xkr vert which i've enjoyed the past couple weeks a great deal. However, unlike my last vert which was a 2003, the battery placement and work involved in getting to it was a bit of a head scratcher i must admit. I've read a number of existing threads, but i'm still not certain what i'm looking at matches my car as they look to be on earlier models. If there is anyone out there with a 2014 (or i guess 2015) and they are utilizing a tender can you not just attach the positive cable on the tender directly to the battery positive terminal accessible thru the driver side trunk plastic door opening up under the fender, and then attached the negative cable on the tender to the ground pole located on the left side of the spare on the trunk floor? ie basically the same points they recommend in the owner's manual for a jump start?
There is a pdf in this thread you can reference: Post #5
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...g-ctek-218673/
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XJDanny (04-20-2020)
#3
Thanks much! I'm not an expert, but if you can jump a car with those points and push that charge thru, it's hard to see where a little trickle would cause an issue on the same points.. That said, one of more elaborate battery layout situations i've ever seen. I spoke to a dealer, and they said they estimate 2.5 hours to replace a battery which is pretty hard to believe. Next time i have it replaced i'm going to watch that operation. LOL
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Bob OB (04-15-2020)
#4
I have a coupe and it took me about 30 minutes. Can't imagine a vert taking 2.5 hrs but I've never done it.
The positive access point in the fender is cabled directly to the battery terminal. The issue with the negative terminal is due to the Battery Monitoring System. It's sesnor is attached to the negative terminal and any charging (maintainer, alternator) needs to be sensed entering the BMS so attaching a charger directly to the negative terminal would bypass the BMS. This causes problems so attach the maintainer to a chassis point and you're good. I chose a battery bracket point for the negative and directly to the battery positive terminal connector. Nice and clean and I didn't want a cable in the spare tire well.
The positive access point in the fender is cabled directly to the battery terminal. The issue with the negative terminal is due to the Battery Monitoring System. It's sesnor is attached to the negative terminal and any charging (maintainer, alternator) needs to be sensed entering the BMS so attaching a charger directly to the negative terminal would bypass the BMS. This causes problems so attach the maintainer to a chassis point and you're good. I chose a battery bracket point for the negative and directly to the battery positive terminal connector. Nice and clean and I didn't want a cable in the spare tire well.
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Bob OB (04-15-2020)
#5
Evidently your dealer included the time it takes to drive to an Auto Zone and buy a battery in their estimate. Even with a convertible it takes less than an hour to change a battery, and that includes the SDD Battery Reset procedure (which isn't 'really' necessary, though still advised).
#6
LOL, yep that was my initial reaction as well. However, having not seen the process(or having pulled any of the trim off etc). i wasn't real sure to be honest.
Also, is that a Jaguar thing to make the positive terminal cover black versus the typical red? I don't recall that on the older xk models i've had either, but that could be my age catching up with me.
Also, is that a Jaguar thing to make the positive terminal cover black versus the typical red? I don't recall that on the older xk models i've had either, but that could be my age catching up with me.
Last edited by dd356; 07-23-2019 at 01:45 PM.
#7
I have mine hooked up that way as well for many years, it is no problem.
Here is a tidbit for you should your battery be flat and unable to open the trunk. Look at the same spot that the terminal is located in the trunk but under the car, there is also an access bolt on that side for external use. You have to get low and look up under the rear fender behind the wheel.
Also, if battery is flat you cannot turn the car on to put in neutral for a tow, the manual release cable for the tranny is under the cupholders. It requires a screwdriver to open access panel, I (and others) have the screw removed as it is unnecessary.
Here is a tidbit for you should your battery be flat and unable to open the trunk. Look at the same spot that the terminal is located in the trunk but under the car, there is also an access bolt on that side for external use. You have to get low and look up under the rear fender behind the wheel.
Also, if battery is flat you cannot turn the car on to put in neutral for a tow, the manual release cable for the tranny is under the cupholders. It requires a screwdriver to open access panel, I (and others) have the screw removed as it is unnecessary.
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XJDanny (04-20-2020)
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#9
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#10
Don't forget to always lock your XKR, even when it's parked in your garage. That shuts off the computers and minimizes battery drain. Also, keep your Smartkey at least 20 feet away from the car.
You don't have to attach the positive CTEK terminal directly to the positive battery terminal. You can use the alligator clips on the remote battery terminals, which is what I've done for years without any problems.
See Post #21: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lay-ups-73471/
You don't have to attach the positive CTEK terminal directly to the positive battery terminal. You can use the alligator clips on the remote battery terminals, which is what I've done for years without any problems.
See Post #21: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lay-ups-73471/
Last edited by Stuart S; 07-25-2019 at 10:21 PM.
#11
#12
#13
The battery issue is a product of insufficient and/or infrequent use (very common with Jaguars) which does not maintain the battery at full charge. In this pattern of use even installing a new battery will not help because new batteries are very rarely fully charged at point of sale...and they never reach full charge if the car is used as just described.
#14
I owned a '76 XJ-S for 38 years. For the first 20 years it was my daily driver so had completely normal battery experience, i.e., dead only when the battery gave up it's last ampere-hour after 5 years or so. After retirement, I drove it far less and occasionally had to put it on a charger. I'f I know I wouldn't be driving it for a month or more, I'd leave it on the charger set to maintenance. So, I agree with sov211.
But what I don't understand is why one would choose a CTEK like device instead of a plain old battery charger that plugs into a 12VAC wall socket. I mean, all the while the CTEK is charging the car battery its own battery is giving up its ampere-hour so at some point it will be dead and have to be plugged into something to be recharged? What am I missing here?
But what I don't understand is why one would choose a CTEK like device instead of a plain old battery charger that plugs into a 12VAC wall socket. I mean, all the while the CTEK is charging the car battery its own battery is giving up its ampere-hour so at some point it will be dead and have to be plugged into something to be recharged? What am I missing here?
#16
But what I don't understand is why one would choose a CTEK like device instead of a plain old battery charger that plugs into a 12VAC wall socket. I mean, all the while the CTEK is charging the car battery its own battery is giving up its ampere-hour so at some point it will be dead and have to be plugged into something to be recharged? What am I missing here?
On my others, I can plug it in one evening a month and be done.
#17
Well, you are missing one simple fact. The CTEK units are battery maintainers - not "battery chargers" as we use that term. They are designed to KEEP batteries fully charged, desulphated, and analysed for defects - and they do this superbly. They can be left connected for months and months with no attention needed. They are not designed to provide a quick charge! Left long enough on a sound but depleted battery they will bring it to full charge, but that is not their prime purpose - they are intentionally designed to provide a low current pulse so as to prevent any damage to the battery system.
Saying that it is the "worst charger" is a bit like saying that a lawn mower is the worst all-terrain vehicle. I have several CTEK units connected to the cars not in daily use and I have used them for years. They keep the batteries fully charged and the result has been zero electrical issues with the cars.
#18
Its the worst charger I own. All my others chargers do everything the ctek does and so much more.
Such as tell me the voltage of the battery. All my others can charge at very slow rate but also charge at a faster rate.
Yes a ctek is just a maintainer and not a charger. But dont miss the point that a car is not a battery charger. So what is??
Thats why you need a better unit that is a charger and maintainer. For less money than Ctek.
Our cars have tremendous draw on cranking. I can deplete the battery just starting it about 6 times. Such as when detailing. With the Ctek it will be 1,5 days before that battery is ready again.
Ctek is cheapest possible Chinese manufacture- that's why it doesnt even have a voltage meter- the only one that doesnt. And very low amps.
Such as tell me the voltage of the battery. All my others can charge at very slow rate but also charge at a faster rate.
Yes a ctek is just a maintainer and not a charger. But dont miss the point that a car is not a battery charger. So what is??
Thats why you need a better unit that is a charger and maintainer. For less money than Ctek.
Our cars have tremendous draw on cranking. I can deplete the battery just starting it about 6 times. Such as when detailing. With the Ctek it will be 1,5 days before that battery is ready again.
Ctek is cheapest possible Chinese manufacture- that's why it doesnt even have a voltage meter- the only one that doesnt. And very low amps.
#19
#20
Its the worst charger I own. All my others chargers do everything the ctek does and so much more.
Such as tell me the voltage of the battery. All my others can charge at very slow rate but also charge at a faster rate.
Yes a ctek is just a maintainer and not a charger. But dont miss the point that a car is not a battery charger. So what is??
Thats why you need a better unit that is a charger and maintainer. For less money than Ctek.
Our cars have tremendous draw on cranking. I can deplete the battery just starting it about 6 times. Such as when detailing. With the Ctek it will be 1,5 days before that battery is ready again.
Ctek is cheapest possible Chinese manufacture- that's why it doesnt even have a voltage meter- the only one that doesnt. And very low amps.
Such as tell me the voltage of the battery. All my others can charge at very slow rate but also charge at a faster rate.
Yes a ctek is just a maintainer and not a charger. But dont miss the point that a car is not a battery charger. So what is??
Thats why you need a better unit that is a charger and maintainer. For less money than Ctek.
Our cars have tremendous draw on cranking. I can deplete the battery just starting it about 6 times. Such as when detailing. With the Ctek it will be 1,5 days before that battery is ready again.
Ctek is cheapest possible Chinese manufacture- that's why it doesnt even have a voltage meter- the only one that doesnt. And very low amps.