Trickle Charge Pretty Soon

With winter rapidly approaching in the northeast, many of us will be putting our babies to bed for a long winter nap. This is my first winter with a 430. Any trickle charge tips to not burn out any circuitry. Thanks in advance.

 

First off, you'll want a battery maintainer not a trickle charger. A trickle charger continuously charges at a low rate, so it could cook the battery if left on constantly. A maintainer will charge up to a certain level then decrease amps as the battery nears full charge. At that point, it goes into a maintenance mode and keeps the battery charged without overcharging it.

Some good tenders are those made by Deltran, C-Tek and Granite Digital (save-a-battery).

I use the Deltran Battery Tender Plus, it works very well. To guard the sensitive electronics, I don't connect the tender with the key in the ON position (I just take the key out of the ignition). Also, when the tender is connected I keep the key out of the ignition, this way I don't mistakenly turn it to ON. It may not hurt anything, but I don't take the chance. I hook up the tender first, then plug it into the wall outlet.

 

Putting it away for the winter soon. Man that stinks. Didn't you just buy it?

 

Does anyone have a picture of where to connect a battery tender behind the driver seat on a 360?
Thanks

 

Search function, pretty easy actually, get a CTEK, use the look connection, red goes to red, black goes to a ground bolt just above. Roll down window slightly, run power extention cord. Here is a link from Clubscuderia:

http://www.clubscuderia.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?34774-360-Alarm-Antenna-Improvment-and-Optimate-Installation

Tip also helps extend the range of your remote fob.

 

CTEK, there is no substitute.

 

I just ordered the CTEK 3300. Seems like a great unit to use during winter months....

 

I use a CTEK 3300 and just charge through the cigarette lighter - works great. GREATLY helps extend the key fob range as Mattyrae posted.

Generally notice greatly reduced range just after having the car sit for 5 or 6 days.

 

The only thing that helps with the key fob range is to move the attenae for the alarm. I have been advised by those on this board not to use the cigarette lighter. I did last year, and then in the Spring I needed to change out my alternator harness. Tonkin did not think the cig adapter was responsible since Ferrari has an upgraded harness, but I am not going to take another $3k risk.

 

Actually the Deltran Battery Tender Plus is a substitute

 

+1

It may not be pretty, but it's reasonably priced (about $65) and it works.

 

there is a big difference with these simple battery tenders/trickle chargers and a CTEK. the CTEK continuously desulfates the crystals that build up on the lead plates and also remixes the acid and water to regain even acid density thus ensuring maximum battery capacity whereas a trickle or float charger simply tops off the batteries with various charges from time to time. I have seen the CTEK literally bring back to life batteries which I thought were completely dead. also, over time if you use a trickle charger that simply tops off a charge, your battery will not go through full stages of charging and thus reduce the battery life.

so, in essence, these tenders are NOT substitutes... you will have to change your battery in a few years or sooner whilst i've seen ctek's charging batteries for over 7-10 years with no problems.

 

btw, I forgot to put IMHO in front of top.

 

also, perhaps there is a reason that CTEK is the OEM manufacturer of battery chargers for

alfa romeo, aston martin, audi, bentley, bmw, ferrari, harley davidson, lamorghini, lexus, maserati, maybach, mercedes, porsche, rolls royce, scania, toyota, and yamaha... just a thought.

 

+ 1000

 

I´ll be also plugging in my CTEK shortly on the 360.

 

Before you finalize your purchase, check out the Battery Minder 12448

http://www.batteryminders.com/batterycharger/catalog/BatteryMINDer-12-Volt-2-4-or-8-Amp-Charger-Maintainer-Desulf-p-16133.html

This is a great charger. They make 25 ft extension cables, ambient temperature sensors and a lot of other stuff. The unit mounts on the wall and I have to say, it's really great. I've been using mine for three years. They even gave me a free software update and a stick on battery meter.

I have a 360 with two connection points for the 12448. One is wired directly to the battery upstream of the cut off switch. The connector is routed through the lower right vent on the front bumper. A cap is provided to keep the connector clean. No open window, no opening the car door every time you hook it up.

The second connection is wired to the terminal block in the compartment behind the driver's seat. That way, if the battery ever has to be disconnected, you can plug in the maintainer to this connector and you won't lose the data stored in the car's ECUs.

Doug
2004 360 Modena F1

 

The Deltran unit is not a trickle charger, it is a battery tender. I will respectfully disagree with you that the deltran isn't a substitute. I don't expect to be changing my battery every few years or sooner, probably more in the 7-10 year range as I have been getting. I sold my last weekend/non-winter use car and the battery was perfect when I sold it after 7 years- I'm sure that battery will last the next owner several more years.

Gotta love internet forums- where else would we be having a discussion on battery chargers in such depth

 

a reminder to read the fine print on any charger / maintainer...verify that it is designed for your type of battery... one needs to know more than the voltage of the battery

the 3 more popular types of batteries

flooded cell -most common that we all know

gel -usually the sealed maintainence free battery one sees

AGM -newer sealed variety, very good usually cost about 3 times basic battery

the charging voltages required by these ( and others ) varies with the type, a standard off the shelf old style charger will not get the job done except on the flooded cell battery, a standard charger / maintainer will not charge the new battery types to 100% nor maintain them adaquately. Some internal charger circuits can sense the type of battery, while other chargers will have a select switch for the proper type. Read the fine print to verify what you are getting is compatible.

The same thinking applies when upgrading the car battery, just because it's 12V is not enough to know anymore. Replacing the battery with the "latest/greatest" battery could be a waste of money since the existing charging system in the car is not up to maintaining a new type of battery.

There are subtle differences, they go to getting maximum performance and value out of the batteries. Any charger will bring a flat battery around... getting the battery to 100% and maintaining it there is where the difficulty is.

 

thank you for sharing your experience. having not used a deltran unit before, i am now considering it!

 

I have been using Deltron units on my cars for several years.
normally goes from flashing green to all steady green within 20 minutes.. Lately it has taken several hours to go to steady green after a weekend ride, I wonder if this means my battery is on its way out??

 

There are indeed differences. Check out this source. It's about batteries for boats, but the same technology points apply to any vehicular battery, portions of which are reprinted below. http://www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/01.Type/index.html Most people here use gel or AGM batteries to avoid the risk of the electrolyte ruining their interiors if the battery leaks. If you bought your car used, you should check to see which type you have and correct as to your level of risk tolerance. Not to start a battery debate but Odessey batteries seem the best. They are AGM design and have a size that fits 360s/430s. 34R-PC1500, I think (there is an "R" and "non-R" model in this size; the difference is that the "R" reverses the + and - terminals left to right, so check to see where your + and - terminals are on your car), and they can be shipped since they are no-spill.

As for not using the cigarette plug, I've never heard cause/effect re burning out alternator harnesses, but I suppose anything is possible if you connect the maintainer anywhere but directly to the battery. Alternator harnesses on 360s is a known weak spot and can fail regardless. It's important that the connections be checked at each annual service to ensure connections aren't loose and arcing.

Back to topic, I use a Deltran and have used them on other cars for years without problem.