Hi guys, I have an F355 berlinetta and I wonder how to keep battery alive after long stay in my garage ?cause I think after a month battery will be dead. Cause sometimes I don't use a car for 2 months ! I know I can turn kill switch but is there a Ctek model which will be perfect for F355 also does it comes with the lighter bulb or I need to attach wires to the battery ? Much better just to insert into the lighter instead of wires to the battery. Like on new models. Thanks
Turn off the switch, and install a battery tender, the tender connects before the switch so it will keep the batt topped off even with the switch off. I use this one, it came with the quick disconnect; 022-0192
Yes, CTEK is sold here was well in a 110v version and I am sure the EU version is just as good. Connecting it would be the same, install the short lead on the batter and plug the charger up and it will maintain the battery with the switch on or off.
If you turn off the switch you should not need a battery tender. I store my car over the winter 4 to 6 months and if the battery is good it holds the charges if disconnected. If you disconnect the battery and it goes dead in a month the battery is bad, or going bad. If you don't want to disconnect the battery so the ECU doesn't have to relearn the parameters on restart, then use a tender.
Where is the battery located in F355 ?? Will this be ok ? http://www.ctek.com/gb/en/chargers/MXS%205.0
It will be perfect for the job. You really should know that the battery is located low down on the right hand side wing, ahead of the wheel (you have to remove a cover). It is just possible to remove the battery without removing the wheel (with the steering on full lock as if you were turning to the right) but it's a lot easier with the wheel removed. It's all in the owner's handbook.
ever tried Google if you don't use your car for such a long time I would turn the battery disconnect switch anyway. Myself I don't bother about the battery as they are so cheap so I just change them out every two years
My 355 stays garaged over the winter months on a CTEK trickle charger with no problems. I left it without the charger attached one year and the battery completely discharged but within 48 hours the CTEK had it up and running. Mine is connected via the cigarette lighter at all times.
CTEK models are fine. I prefer the Battery Tender Plus for these. They are made by Deltran. I would avoid using the cheapest of any battery tender, as they just don't always do the job. (CTEK, Schumacher, even battery tender's smallest / cheapest unit is meant for ATVs and motorcycles)
I've been using a $25 Schumacher for my Porsche for years with no problems. I don't disconnect the battery on that one because it's a pain to relearn the traction control according to the manual. And I use it on the 355 in the summer when it sits for a few weeks between use and I don't switch off the battery. https://www.google.com/search?q=schumacher+battery+chargers&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=1I7PLXB_enUS612&gws_rd=ssl#tbm=shop&q=schumacher+battery+tender&spd=8252344569085436606
John, it depends on the model. If you've had it for years, you probably have one of the better ones. Quality isn't as good as they once were. I have dozens of different kinds of tenders. Just recommend what is easiest at the best price point.
Oops. Wrong link. Here is the one I have. https://jet.com/product/detail/d3aa9021aa27407d91b0fbee1e057e05?jcmp=pla:ggl:electronics_a3:electronics_accessories_power_battery_accessories_a3_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=0bd28b7b-ed43-4ffd-b10a-e3e7ed7dadfd&abkId=403-186108&gclid=CIu_noLQu8oCFdAXHwodIdoHzg
There is an advantage leaving the battery connected (and charged) - the alarm is still activated. In fact, it's the alarm that runs the battery flat. One can argue for a long time whether a thief would be deterred........... Personally, I like to keep the electrics "alive". As ever, to each his own!
I like the battery tender Plus also. It has a ten year warranty. I have had two go out after 6-7 years. No issues getting them replaced. The Plus model charges a 1.25a and the regular ones charge at .75a. It makes a difference, especially if you rotate these charges around, or are using it to charge a weak battery. Small ones are only designed to maintain. I have been using Deltran chargers for about 20 years. I have had some go bad, but the company always treats me fair. Good customer service. I see they are selling them at Walmart now. That may not be a good sign!
John, yes, a better tender indeed than the ones I'm referring to. Cannot find a picture of the ones I'm referring to. Ernest, additionally, with the battery tender plus units, they work best for AGM batteries. The non-plus versions shut off prematurely and fail to maintain the AGMs. If you've got multiple cars, just buy a four bank and some extensions. One glance (all green lights), and you know it is working.
Randy, I have had my eye on that four bank charger for a long time! Funny how I would never spend the money on the 4 bank charger, but then go buy a 355! Thanks for the heads up on the AGM. Their website mentions that, but I never noticed it. I have been slowly replacing all my Jr's with the PLUS models.
Some people told me that if I use lighter bulb with CTEK , it can cause shorts! Now I am aware is it ok or it's better to put M6 hoses on the battery ? For me it's better to keep battery thru lighter bulb , but if it's cause problems .... Is it ok to use lighter bulb or not ?
There should be no problem using a cigarette lighter adapter. Ctek even sells their own adapter for the cigarette lighter. The lighter on the 355 is not switched, so should work just fine. If it is a problem with Ctek, simply buy a different brand, there are many quality battery tenders available, and I have never found a measurable difference in performance amongst them all. If you do end up connecting directly to the battery, you can feed the cable from the battery, up to the little covered "hatch" in the right side of the trunk.
Yes it's a CTEK , some members here told me that 355 have this problems with shorts when using thru lighter bulb, that's why I ask. But if you said it's ok. Thanks for info.
FYI, per the shop manual, the battery will discharge due to the drain from the alarm system somewhere between one and two months. In reality, it helps the car to be run more frequently rather than less frequently just to keep all the parts moving smoothly.
