Yes. That is the approved method for jump starting the car as well, from that location in the engine compartment.
I had read that was the optimal place to jump start/ charge the battery. I had never a problem with my shaver, but I did have to jump start my sonicare toothbrush once!
Yes it's okay to do it that way. It's a low amperage charge, so the wire gauge is not all that critical. Just make sure that the connections to the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
Pulled the battery and found my receipt---Will be going back to AutoZone in the morning. Hard to believe the battery would die after just 3 weeks of sitting. My police car sat for 7 months one time while I was on light duty and fired right up... Plan is to replace battery and install the CTEK quick connect to it and run it up to the front bonnet where the other tender connector is now. Then keep the CTEK plugged in... Sound good?
Autozone tested the battery when I got there and said it was down to 4 volts and there is no hope for it. I walked out with a brand new one.... Although the Manager said in 11 years he has never seen an Optima come back dead like this one. Maybe I got a bum battery, who knows. Little scared to hook it up without the CTEK being here yet. Hopefully it won't die in the next week waiting for the battery charger to get here...
Pic of Battery Tender plug and jump start connector, I have a set of long jumper cables with a matching plug on one end. Makes it real easy to jump if necessary. When I come back from a drive I just leave the deck open for a while so things cool off and I remember to plug in the Battery Tender. I used an existing hole in the lateral protection panel to mount the jump start plug. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very nice!! I think I am doing the same when the CTEK gets here... Did you hook up the tender the same way as the guy in post #42 did?? Matter which positive cable I connect to?
Robbie I hooked mine up through the front passenger side wheel well..... That way you dont have any cord laying on the paintwork.
Jump connectors are available at Grangers or here http://www.remybattery.com/Departments/Cable--Accessories/Connectors--Lugs-and-Terminals/Anderson-Industrial-SB-Connectors.aspx
That is how mine was hooked up, but it is a pain trying to fish the wire thru the car cover. Also I already put the battery in and closed it all back up. I figure if I go the rear hookup route, it may be easier to deal with the car cover... just waiting for the CTEK charger I ordered to arrive.
All installed, hopefully no more charging problems...Thanks for the great advice guys!! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I accidentally left the radio on with the volume down in my car for a couple days. The battery is not dead, just low. I've got a battery charger and am about to hook it up. I've read the manual but want to be absolutley sure I'm connecting this thing right. All of the connections under the cover in the engine bay are positive, right? The manual is unclear on this. It just shows the cover. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have the exact same setup as you. When you have the pigtail sticking out of the little square cover while the square cover is secured (as in your 3rd pic), is there any problem with closing the hood? Tender unattached of course.
Just splice a cigarette lighter adapter plug on to your leads. Get one at Radio Shack that comes with a long cord: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3802148 You can safely close the door on the cord, as the soft, thick door seals will collapse around the cord, no problem. You will never drive off, or worry about forgetting to remove the connection. And it is so simple, does not require opening the front or rear lid, and walking around to connect up. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks, now I know who makes the version Griot's Garage sells. I got mine last year at their "garage sale" for $60...still in the package and have not tried it, as I have so many already of various brands.
