Area Representative Gavel Posted June 22, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted June 22, 2019 i was simply going to ask for recommendations for a replacement 12v battery for my 2007 CSR. Then I read the owner handbook. To paraphrase, it says the battery must be removed before charging as failure to do so “may seriously damage the electrical system”. Really? So what about plugging the trickle charger/battery conditioner into the cigarette lighter? So two questions to those who know: what battery, please, and is the cig lighter system safe to use (because I plug in every time I put the car away)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 Current battery recommendations.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 To paraphrase, it says the battery must be removed before charging as failure to do so “may seriously damage the electrical system”.I haven't seen that and I'll check. EDITED: See next post.I'm not aware of any problems that have arisen in Sevens from using smart conditioning chargers connected through "cigar lighter" sockets.Smart conditioning chargers are different from dumb traditional trickle chargers. What have you got?(They might be referring to big chargers as used on trolleys in garages.)Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 Is it this piece in the Handbook?JonathanBattery chargingBatteries generate explosive gases, contain corrosive acid and produce levels of electric current sufficient to cause serious injury. While charging always heed the following precautions:Before charging, disconnect and remove the battery from the vehicle – charging the battery with the cables connected may damage the vehicle’s electrical system.Make sure the battery charger leads are securely clamped to the battery terminals BEFORE switching on the battery charger. Do not move the leads once the charger is switched on.While charging, shield your eyes or avoid leaning over the battery and keep the area around the top of the battery well ventilated.Do not allow naked lights near the battery (batteries generate flammable hydrogen during and after charging).When charging is finished, switch off the battery charger BEFORE disconnecting the leads from the battery terminals.After charging, leave the battery for an hour BEFORE reconnection to the vehicle – this will allow time for explosives gases to disperse, thereby minimising the risk of fire or explosion.NOTE: Be aware that a battery will take longer to charge in a cold environment.WARNING!DO NOT charge the battery if it is connected to the car – this may seriously damage the electrical system.DO NOT charge the battery if it is suspected of being frozen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Gavel Posted June 22, 2019 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 22, 2019 Correct Jonathan. My handbook gives the warning in two separate places, but I agree you are probably right about dumb chargers. My conditioner came from Aldi (!) but have never experienced any problem with my previous Caterhams. I did search the library but gave up after looking through five or six pages of results (including the one about the DAB radio that works on the mains but not on battery). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 That section has been in the Owner's Handbook since at least the earliest known version for Sevens... I can't see any recent changes or anything specific to CSRs.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Gavel Posted June 22, 2019 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 22, 2019 Agreed. I mention the CSR only because that’s what I need the battery for. The one fitted (by a previous owner) doesn’t actually fit the battery tray properly and I’ll probably just get a Banner, but I’m always open to suggestions of something better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 I think that both of the other main options are better!Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Gavel Posted June 22, 2019 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 22, 2019 I’m grateful for the advice, but what are the other main options? Gel and lithium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 AGM and lithium... have you had a chance to look at the data and recommendations linked from post #2 above?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Gavel Posted June 22, 2019 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 22, 2019 Apologies, I missed that. I fitted gel to my last car. I’ll probably go that way again, thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 22, 2019 Member Share Posted June 22, 2019 :-)What was the gel battery? I couldn't find many experiences when I was trying to summarise what Members are using.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Gavel Posted June 23, 2019 Author Area Representative Share Posted June 23, 2019 I'm afraid I cannot recall. I purchased it at Stoneleigh when a Banner battery packed up. The car it was on is now sold. Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted June 23, 2019 Member Share Posted June 23, 2019 Thanks:-)Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shn7 Posted June 23, 2019 Share Posted June 23, 2019 Useful article distinguishing AGM and Gel technology. https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/gel-vs-agm.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted June 23, 2019 Share Posted June 23, 2019 For what it's worth I've been using a CTEK MXS 3.8 and charging through the 12v socket using the optional cig adapter with LEDs. I've done this from the outset and had no problems. I tend to hook the car up if the LEDs drop into the amber range.To be honest, I've never had any issues with a CTEK product, I've used them for years on my Exige and other cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 The only issue I have with C-tek chargers (I have three of them) is that the “mode” button does not work properly after a bit of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garybee Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 It's a very easy job to solder in a replacement microswitch when it starts to play up. The original one has a big disc on the top of the button but you can replace it with a normal one for a few pence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 Agreed, but why should I have to? If they used a better quality switch I would not have to open up my charger. They are not exactly cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garybee Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 You don't have to. Leave them broken and keep buying new ones if you like, makes no difference to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 My point is that my other charger still works fine, and it is much older. It is a common failure mode on the C-Tek chargers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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