430 Quick help with battery tender hookup

Having used a Battery Tender (the actual brand) on many of my previous vehicles, that's what is currently installed with that two-prong connector (I was always under the impression they are pretty good, never let me down). That four pin connector as you already stated is factory Ferrari stuff and, if you want to stick with it, I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as an adapter - I could be wrong.

With that said, I had the exact opposite issue - I have that 4-pin tender plug installed on my F430 but never received the charging unit, so I use a different battery tender (Noco Genius) that was also installed prior to my purchase. I could see how involved it is to uninstall the factory plug and send it to you if that's what you really want to use. I do believe that from what I've read, most on here tend to agree that the factory stuff was a little hit-or-miss so most install something aftermarket anyway. Those with more experience feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

- Shane

 

Just chiming in to say that changing that plug out is probably one of the easiest things you can do. It’s simply connected to the battery that’s in the footwell. No cutting necessary, just unbolt the 10mm nuts that are likely holding it on and bolt the new one on. Definitely wouldn’t cut and splice

 

As I recall the left hand is Ferrari specific whereas the new one is a generic eg Noco

 

You can always connect to the wires behind the passenger seat under the cover, a lot easier

 

The Ferrari-specific connector has an ignition/starter lockout. If your car doesn't have that connector attached to the side of the passenger footwell, it's not worth using it. Just use the standard Ctek 2 pin plug. If you happen to have a charger with the OEM Ferrari connector, just buy a new CTek. They aren't expensive and it's not worth hacking up a good Ferrari charger. You may be able to sell it for more than the price of a new CTek battery tender off Amazon.

 

Driver's seat in the USA

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CTek is good, but they use a different connector than that 2 prong you posted originally.


If you want to use the 2 prong that the shop installed, Schumacher makes really good, inexpensive maintainers. I've been using this one for 10 years. I have 6 of them and they've never failed.
https://www.schumacherelectric.com/products/2a-6v-12v-fully-automatic-battery-charger-maintainer/

I also have 3 CTeks (I have a lot of cars and bikes) and they do fail occasionally, but they have good replacement warranties.

This is the CTEK connector type for comparison. You'll have to swap out if you get it. (or get an adapter. There are adapters--ctek-to-generic-2-prong, I have a couple)

This is the ctek plug, male and female

 

Behind the left side seat is how my 2-pin charger is hooked up. With LHS drive car, I just get out and plug in on the the same side. I don't need to go to the passenger side to hook up. Guess it also depends on where your electrical outlet is. I have the cord going through my open window with a microfiber towel draped over, protecting my paint.

 

So your current 07 doesn't have the 4 pin squeeze connector under the glovebox?

if it does, get one of these, I got it and love it. like Corey says, you can't pull away connected!

Just let him know what you're connecting from and to and he will send you the right cable. It's not cheap but nice to have it integrated into the car's electronics, shutoff switch, etc.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195133571632?var=495002195818

as for the one that's on there, put a cap on it and tuck it under as a backup in case you ever need to direct connect.

 

I am not an expert, but have quite a few cars on tenders. I use a CTek that has the connection in the pic from 3 posts above, but it came with an adaptor so it plugs in to the OEM plug in my Scuderia, just like your prior car. I only use it because I've heard good things about Cteks for Ferraris. However, I have 5 other cars, including a Ford GT (which is known to be very sensitive to low battery voltage (gauges)), that I just use the regular Battery Tender Jr. These have the same 2 prong connector as your new car. I have not had any problem in the last 10 years, including the Ford.

My suggestion would be to see if CTek has an adaptor that converts into the 2 prong so you can just plug into your new car. That would give you the best of both worlds. If not, I would just get a Battery Tender Jr. Let us know what you end up doing.

 

Ya, right, like he's going to be able to find his 10mm wrench

 

Context is everything. This was worth twice the laughs, first at Peter's comment and yours. Now look at the images below so you can too.

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Had my Macan fuel pump serviced as part of warranty work. They found the 10mm socket that I had lost into the void of the rear seat years before. I was stoked.