CTEK 3300 Battery Charger Installation
#141
#142
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Richzak: It was not my intention to confuse anyone. It is me that is confused. I know you can connect he CTEK directly to the battery, however, my question is simply "As an alternative to hooking up the CTEK extensions directly to the battery, is there a problem if I connect the positive lead from the CTEK extension to the remote positive charging terminal behind the grate on the left side of the trunk and the negative lead to the bolt under the trunk liner?" After rereading the thread more closely, I noticed the notes from ejjbee stating that there is a fuse between the remote terminal and the battery. I don't see that being an issue.
Yes, you can make the connection as you are suggesting with the remote positive and negative to the bolt.
The CTEK brand will provide a message light sequence if the battery is NOT charging thru the remote terminal to the battery. The CTEK module will have a flashing Amber light. This flashing warning says the battery is not charging and there is a disconnect somewhere from the CTEK module to the battery.
In addition, the CTEK does have an additonal safety feature and that is a built in 15 AMP in-line fuse.
I think you will find that the CTEK brand is pretty much foolproof.
#143
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Richzak:
It was not my intention to confuse anyone. It is me that is confused.
I know you can connect he CTEK directly to the battery, however, my question is simply "As an alternative to hooking up the CTEK extensions directly to the battery, is there a problem if I connect the positive lead from the CTEK extension to the remote positive charging terminal behind the grate on the left side of the trunk and the negative lead to the bolt under the trunk liner?"
After rereading the thread more closely, I noticed the notes from ejjbee stating that there is a fuse between the remote terminal and the battery. I don't see that being an issue.
It was not my intention to confuse anyone. It is me that is confused.
I know you can connect he CTEK directly to the battery, however, my question is simply "As an alternative to hooking up the CTEK extensions directly to the battery, is there a problem if I connect the positive lead from the CTEK extension to the remote positive charging terminal behind the grate on the left side of the trunk and the negative lead to the bolt under the trunk liner?"
After rereading the thread more closely, I noticed the notes from ejjbee stating that there is a fuse between the remote terminal and the battery. I don't see that being an issue.
#144
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I came home from work today and opened my trunk to find that the CTEK unit was extremely hot. I couldn't hold onto it for more than a few seconds--I am lucky it didn't cause a fire. I noticed that the lights were very dim on the unit and no status light appeared to be on (X, charge or maintain). I unplugged the unit from my extension cord and then plugged it back in and the lights lit up brightly, with the "maintain" light brightly lit. I suppose this means that the battery is fully charged now.
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
#145
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Seems like the heat of the CTEK 3300 is pretty normal.
Should CTEK 3300 be getting hot? - Rennlist Discussion Forums
I find it hard to believe that it was designed to get so hot!
Should CTEK 3300 be getting hot? - Rennlist Discussion Forums
I find it hard to believe that it was designed to get so hot!
#146
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Do you think it got stuck on the charge mode instead of automatically switching to maintain mode, and when you unplugged it and then reconnected it did some sort of reset to the correct mode (maintain)?
Since it was so hot and you saw all of the lights were dim and no status lights were on, I'm not sure I would trust it. You could probably send it to CTEK, and have them check it if you want to make certain that it is functioning correctly.
Since it was so hot and you saw all of the lights were dim and no status lights were on, I'm not sure I would trust it. You could probably send it to CTEK, and have them check it if you want to make certain that it is functioning correctly.
#147
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I came home from work today and opened my trunk to find that the CTEK unit was extremely hot. I couldn't hold onto it for more than a few seconds--I am lucky it didn't cause a fire. I noticed that the lights were very dim on the unit and no status light appeared to be on (X, charge or maintain). I unplugged the unit from my extension cord and then plugged it back in and the lights lit up brightly, with the "maintain" light brightly lit. I suppose this means that the battery is fully charged now.
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
The unit does get fairly warm when it is in the initial charging state. The only thing you mentioned that concerns me is the dim lights on the CTEK. That doesn't sound right. I would be somewhat concerned, and return it for another unit. Better off to be safe in this situation.
#148
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Do you think it got stuck on the charge mode instead of automatically switching to maintain mode, and when you unplugged it and then reconnected it did some sort of reset to the correct mode (maintain)?
Since it was so hot and you saw all of the lights were dim and no status lights were on, I'm not sure I would trust it. You could probably send it to CTEK, and have them check it if you want to make certain that it is functioning correctly.
Since it was so hot and you saw all of the lights were dim and no status lights were on, I'm not sure I would trust it. You could probably send it to CTEK, and have them check it if you want to make certain that it is functioning correctly.
I do think it did a reset. Maybe I'm delusional about the lights not turning on, because I was looking at it in full sunlight and it was hard to see. Car was stored outside and ambient temps were around 95 degrees.
#149
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It does not sound right to me either. I had it in the spare tire well. I have moved it to the main trunk area. I emailed CTEK about it.
I do think it did a reset. Maybe I'm delusional about the lights not turning on, because I was looking at it in full sunlight and it was hard to see. Car was stored outside and ambient temps were around 95 degrees.
I do think it did a reset. Maybe I'm delusional about the lights not turning on, because I was looking at it in full sunlight and it was hard to see. Car was stored outside and ambient temps were around 95 degrees.
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Kevin77 (09-28-2014)
#150
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You just added a few variables that may have answered your question. The car being out side , temps in the 95* range and the unit in the trunk all play into this. Just put a temp gauge in the trunk and see what the temps are in the sun. The Ctek is absorbing this as well as generating heat as it charges. I wouldn't leave it on the carpet . Go get a piece of ceramic tile and put the unit on it.
As I mentioned in a post earlier on this thread, I would not suggest leaving the main CTEK module in the trunk. You need to see the lights on the CTEK Module. The forum member is correct about the heat in the trunk. The CTEK 3300 does get hot as mentioned above on the initial charging. You need to make sure the CTEK light on the bottom row is on the car Icon. It will stay red when charging and go green when your battery is fully charged. But you need to see what the module is doing. I seriously doubt the CTEK is the problem. It may 24 to 36 hours to fully charge the battery. Then the green light will be on. Since your car is a 2008, why not just hook the eyelets directly to the battery and use the CTEK Comfort Extension to lengthen the cord and keep the unit out of the trunk. If the unit is exposed were others can steal it I would have a concern, otherwise you need to see whats happening.
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Kevin77 (09-28-2014)
#151
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Although I didn't use the exact ground from the diagram, I found a good ground right next to the battery on the right hand side. The male threaded post was there and I just found an exact bolt to tighten down the negative CTEK lead. Now I'm all compliant for the 2010 XK charger install.
Last edited by bocatrip; 07-09-2014 at 10:22 AM.
#152
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Alan:
As I mentioned in a post earlier on this thread, I would not suggest leaving the main CTEK module in the trunk. You need to see the lights on the CTEK Module. The forum member is correct about the heat in the trunk. The CTEK 3300 does get hot as mentioned above on the initial charging. You need to make sure the CTEK light on the bottom row is on the car Icon. It will stay red when charging and go green when your battery is fully charged. But you need to see what the module is doing. I seriously doubt the CTEK is the problem. It may 24 to 36 hours to fully charge the battery. Then the green light will be on. Since your car is a 2008, why not just hook the eyelets directly to the battery and use the CTEK Comfort Extension to lengthen the cord and keep the unit out of the trunk. If the unit is exposed were others can steal it I would have a concern, otherwise you need to see whats happening.
As I mentioned in a post earlier on this thread, I would not suggest leaving the main CTEK module in the trunk. You need to see the lights on the CTEK Module. The forum member is correct about the heat in the trunk. The CTEK 3300 does get hot as mentioned above on the initial charging. You need to make sure the CTEK light on the bottom row is on the car Icon. It will stay red when charging and go green when your battery is fully charged. But you need to see what the module is doing. I seriously doubt the CTEK is the problem. It may 24 to 36 hours to fully charge the battery. Then the green light will be on. Since your car is a 2008, why not just hook the eyelets directly to the battery and use the CTEK Comfort Extension to lengthen the cord and keep the unit out of the trunk. If the unit is exposed were others can steal it I would have a concern, otherwise you need to see whats happening.
#153
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Message from CTEK below
Originally Posted by CTEK
]Good Morning Alan:
Since the CTEK chargers rely on convection for cooling they will generate heat during the Bulk charging. You will notice the charger cooling down pretty fast after the main power has been restored to the battery. The larger the battery or state of discharge it has experienced will obviously increase the time it takes to complete the bulk charging.
The chargers are internally temperature regulated and will shut down if internal temps reach 165F. More than likely, this would only get to this point if the battery is very weak or is failing.
The temperatures you are seeing is normal and safe.
Please let me know any further information or details you need on this.
Roger Parker
Logistics & Inside Sales
CTEK Power, Inc.
Since the CTEK chargers rely on convection for cooling they will generate heat during the Bulk charging. You will notice the charger cooling down pretty fast after the main power has been restored to the battery. The larger the battery or state of discharge it has experienced will obviously increase the time it takes to complete the bulk charging.
The chargers are internally temperature regulated and will shut down if internal temps reach 165F. More than likely, this would only get to this point if the battery is very weak or is failing.
The temperatures you are seeing is normal and safe.
Please let me know any further information or details you need on this.
Roger Parker
Logistics & Inside Sales
CTEK Power, Inc.
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Kevin77 (09-28-2014)
#155
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I came home from work today and opened my trunk to find that the CTEK unit was extremely hot. I couldn't hold onto it for more than a few seconds--I am lucky it didn't cause a fire. I noticed that the lights were very dim on the unit and no status light appeared to be on (X, charge or maintain). I unplugged the unit from my extension cord and then plugged it back in and the lights lit up brightly, with the "maintain" light brightly lit. I suppose this means that the battery is fully charged now.
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
Why did the unit get so hot??? I know I left the unit in the trunk, but I wouldn't think that is that much of a confined space that it could get that hot! Is this thing UL listed?
The following users liked this post:
Kevin77 (09-28-2014)
#156
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hdavidson, thank you very much for posting the great pics and installation notes! I am having the same CTEK indicator plug installed in my car (in the trunk ), and could not decide where to put it exactly. Your photos really helped so much. Thank you.
Can you close the trunk fully when the extension is plugged in? Without damage to the cord? I apologize if you answered this before (new guy). Many thanks again.
Can you close the trunk fully when the extension is plugged in? Without damage to the cord? I apologize if you answered this before (new guy). Many thanks again.
#158
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hdavidson, thank you very much for posting the great pics and installation notes! I am having the same CTEK indicator plug installed in my car (in the trunk ), and could not decide where to put it exactly. Your photos really helped so much. Thank you.
Can you close the trunk fully when the extension is plugged in? Without damage to the cord? I apologize if you answered this before (new guy). Many thanks again.
Can you close the trunk fully when the extension is plugged in? Without damage to the cord? I apologize if you answered this before (new guy). Many thanks again.
Yes, the comfort chord is fairly thin and the trunk closes fine. Personally, I put a microfiber cloth on top of the trunk's rubber seal and then put the chord over it to give extra protection to the seal. I haven't seen any issues and I use the chord religiously.
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Kevin77 (09-28-2014)
#159
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Thank you Bocatrip! This was very helpful and a great idea about the cloth. I will add that to my own routine as well. Thanks again for the immediate response and checking out the older post for new comments and questions. Great Forum with Remarkable People!
#160
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I just hooked mine up the same way that Rich did, but then I noticed the manual for the ctek said not to do that.
I noticed the diagram from Jaguar a few posts above this and I'm going to try to find that alternate place. Do you have to remove the trim to the left of the battery to get to it? Does anyone have a pic of their installation not attaching the negative on the battery terminal?
I noticed the diagram from Jaguar a few posts above this and I'm going to try to find that alternate place. Do you have to remove the trim to the left of the battery to get to it? Does anyone have a pic of their installation not attaching the negative on the battery terminal?