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Battery charger

19K views 23 replies 16 participants last post by  The Evil Twin 
#1 ·
On my previous car, I was told to install a battery charger since I didn't drive enough....so now, with so much electronics, and after reading of one member who's car got stalled. I decided to install a battery charger.
The dealer told me it has to be a "special" one that they should install...:rolleyes:(of course) .
I was just told that they got one and it will be , are you ready ?? $349.00....:eek: !!!!! I said ,chargers cost $50-$65, they replied that it has to a special one ...anything else can cause damage that will not be covered by the warranty....!!! ????
What do you think??
 
#4 ·
Hey watchful,
Just make sure the battery charger you get is compatible for AGM batteries. They are a different type and if you hook up a normal battery charger it will kill the battery. I wouldn't pay the dealers price.
 
#7 ·
here is the Battery tender blurb about your AGM Battery:


RECHARGING AGM BATTERIES: The primary difference between these 2 chargers is that the Battery Tender Plus was specifically designed to accommodate the charging requirements of the new, Absorbed Glass Matte (AGM) style batteries. To achieve that goal, it was necessary to modify the absorption charge mode in the following way. The Battery Tender switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.5 amps. The Battery Tender Plus switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.1 amps. The result is that for an extended period of time, not to exceed 8 hours, the Battery Tender Plus output voltage will be held at a constant voltage that is significantly higher than the float voltage.

With the Battery Tender, the switchover at 0.5 amp results in an absorption charge mode length of approximately 1 hour. During this 1-hour period, the battery charge voltage is held constant at a value of approximately 14.3 volts. Because of the slightly higher voltage recharge requirements of AGM batteries, and because AGM batteries require a longer period of constant voltage absorption, the Battery Tender Plus controls the output voltage at 14.4 volts while it waits for either the charge current to decrease to 0.1 amp or for the absorption charge mode control timer to expire. The end result is that the Battery Tender Plus absorption period is longer and at a slightly higher voltage than that for the Battery Tender.
 
#10 ·
I did try the CTEK 3300 on my 2012 Overland and it worked fine. I don't really need to use it on there since I drive it everyday. I use it on my Corvette since it sits in the garage most of the winter. I also recommend one of the cigarette lighter adapters so you don't have to hook it up directly to the battery. http://smartercharger.com/accessories/#comfort-connect-cig-plug
 
#11 · (Edited)
Just some notes, I have been using little float chargers that have a maximum output of 13.2v on my cars in the back garage for years & have slowly been converting to AGM (Optima and Duracell).

Florida (heat) is hard on batteries but I have yet to replace an AGM. I also run cars cooler (180-190) than stock (195-210).

That said my RV has an expensive inverter/charger with built in float. The recommended voltage settings are below.

I keep mine on warm Gel cel.
 

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#19 ·
Hi after reading all the posts I have two questions:

1. I have an old model Ctek charger and wondering if that is compatible for my 2014 GC Ecodiesel and whether that may cause any damage to the AGM battery?

2. Would you recommend installing it at the cigarette lighter type power output that is located under the mid armrest between driver and passenger? Will it charge the battery thru that spot, or do I need to connect the battery charger directly to the battery itself underneath the passenger seat?
 
#23 · (Edited)
Probably your "old" Ctec charger would not hurt the AGM battery but I wouldn't chance it. That charger would be fine for a short period just to bring a dead battery back to life so that the alternator could take over. It depends on how long you will leave the vehicle dormant whether or not you need an external charger. This past winter, I left the '14 GC battery connected from the first of November until late April without any ill effects. Usually I disconnect it but this year I forgot. If you put the vehicle to bed with a fully charged battery and disconnect it, it will only discharge about 2% a month.
 
#24 ·
I use the Battery Tender Plus and have for years. The motorcycles have a multi bank charger attached to them and the Jeep gets it's own (because of where it is in the garage). Most motorcycle batteries are AGM, although the race bikes I have use the Lithium Iron to save weight.
For the Jeep, I charge it right through the center armrest port. That way I don't forget to unplug it as I drive away.
 
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