swanny
|
| posted on 26/2/13 at 10:06 PM |
|
|
Battery failure
Have just had a battery die on the gtm and am wondering about options for charging during winter months.
Because of access issues (under the spare wheel under the bonnet) sticking a conditioner on it like my accumate isn't very practical.
I think I'd seen that its possible to charge via the 12v socket but that only gives a trickle charge which isn't ideal from what
I've read.
Am I better off making up a remote connection (ie into the glove box) directly from the battery, that allow me to keep it charged and easily remove it
to use the car?
Cheers
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
Simon
|
| posted on 26/2/13 at 10:15 PM |
|
|
Doesn't the accumate have an extension lead that you can connect to battery (permanently) so you can have a plug in end in a more accessible
place. If not, prob wouldn't be too much trouble to make something that'd work.
Something like this (from Optimate)
http://www.optimate.co.uk/tm71.htm
Edited to say, this lead will work with your accumate according to the blurb on the page
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 26/2/13 by Simon]
|
|
|
britishtrident
|
| posted on 26/2/13 at 10:21 PM |
|
|
If the the cigar lighter socket is wired to a permanent live and the correctly rate wire has been used you should be able to charge at 8 Amps
through it. I would however make sure it is correctly fused.
Where did you get the idea that trickle charging wasn't a good idea if you want a battery to last then you should charge at slowly at a low
current rate.
If you want to do regular maintenance top-up charges then get a proper "Smart" charger.
[I] “ What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .”
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
|
|
|
britishtrident
|
| posted on 26/2/13 at 10:30 PM |
|
|
I should also add you should check the alternator isn't charging at too low or too high a voltage (ie 13.4 to 14.95 volts at 1500 to 3000
rpm headlights on or off) and check the alternator diodes aren't leaking current when the engine is off. The latter can give symptoms appear
to be dud battery and is very common on Lucas- Magnetti Mareli A127 as used on 1980s and early 1990's Rovers and Fords.
[I] “ What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .”
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
|
|
|
coyoteboy
|
| posted on 27/2/13 at 01:07 AM |
|
|
Trickle charging isn't the perfect solution but it's OK from what I read and from experience. With LA batteries if you keep pumping even a
low current into them they slowly vent off their electrolyte. But it is slowly, and it's better to keep it topped up than let it go flat by far,
so it's the lesser of two evils. The best solution is (Correctly) periodic charges maintaining a charge rate without continuously pushing power
in, which is what most decent battery conditioners do.
A good general source is:
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_the_lead_acid_battery
[Edited on 27/2/13 by coyoteboy]
|
|
|
swanny
|
| posted on 27/2/13 at 09:31 AM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Doesn't the accumate have an extension lead that you can connect to battery (permanently) so you can have a plug in end in a more accessible
place.
I dont think mine does, as it was acquired second hand. your link does look good though, it would be worth me investing in one of those or just making
one.
thanks (as ever) to this amazing forum
Paul
|
|
|
rdodger
|
| posted on 27/2/13 at 11:26 AM |
|
|
Check out CTEK
They do great chargers and also offer a comfort panel connector.
|
|
|
matt_gsxr
|
| posted on 27/2/13 at 12:22 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by rdodger
Check out CTEK
They do great chargers and also offer a comfort panel connector.
+1
Ctek chargers are really nice quality. Smart and well priced.
|
|
|
