12-08-2022, 06:31 PM | #1 |
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We don’t put many mileages on my 2019 X3, it runs fine, starts instantly . But the batter only has 12.25v, it’s still usable, but it’s not healthy condition, it’s time to get a Ctek trickle charger to restore or maintain it’s performance.
I’m tired to open the hood each time. With the eyelets of CTEK MXS 5.0, I connected positive on the red terminal in engine bay, and negative on the grounded screw in front battery bay. Then secured the comfort plug nearby the wiper with nylon tie. The red wire of original comfort connect cable is kind of short, only 16”, I had to soldered a wire to extend it. It works great. you will need to extend the black wire to if you want to drag out the snap-on plug when you charge it. If you don’t want to solder, you can get a extension cable. CTEK (56-304) |
12-08-2022, 09:23 PM | #2 |
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Cool idea.
Is this for storage or do you drive around with this too?
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12-08-2022, 09:52 PM | #3 |
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Nice.
I have my CTEK quick connect hooked up too but i usually just pop the hood, which reminds me every time how stupid the hood release and latch is on these cars. No way so old lady could shut the hood properly as I have to slam mine shut. But… have been using ctek chargers in my BMWs for over 10 years and wouldn’t choose any other product. |
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12-09-2022, 06:57 AM | #4 |
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This is not right, I am convinced. Nice decent slam from ca 15 cm above the target point and it closes nicely. It is possible to lay the hood and decently push it. This method isn't probably for an old lady. I am 190 cm (in imp., its like 6ft 2")
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12-09-2022, 11:24 AM | #5 |
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12-09-2022, 11:56 AM | #6 | |
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12-09-2022, 04:42 PM | #7 |
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So how bad is it that I use my CTEK quick connects on the battery terminals instead of the under hood posts? Have not had any issue yet, and just toss the unit in the back with a window open for the cord.
Should I be concerned with gases being emitted? |
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12-09-2022, 05:11 PM | #8 |
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It’s safe to use either way. I’ve always used the quick connects with my cars. Never an issue.
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12-09-2022, 05:39 PM | #9 | |
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Only downside, have to open truck for charging. |
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12-10-2022, 01:47 AM | #10 | |
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Cars with smart alternators & AGM Batteries have a shunt (a small black box of electronics) on the negative terminal of the battery. That is essentially a coulumb counter that records current into / current out. If you attach a charger direct to the negative terminal you bypass the Shunt and that messes up the coulumb counting that is part an parcel of the logic that is behind the variable charging that the cars have that changes with battery age. That is why new batteries need to be coded to the car - to reset the charging algorithm. That said, it's not critical, but less than ideal. |
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12-10-2022, 08:25 AM | #11 | |
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Please do not do this. The computer needs to read the battery charge to understand the battery and maintain at optimum levels and longevity. By bypassing the computer, you are going to confuse the car. Sure it might be ok right now today but don’t be surprised when you have electrical or battery issues months or years from now, and your battery only last a year because the car is overcharging/discharging it incorrectly. Do NOT hook up directly to the battery. Always connect through the connections under the hood as stated in the instruction manual clearly. I know cars 25 years ago it didn’t matter but we all drive computer on wheels now. If you have a newer model with mild hybrid system, I would caution you even more. It’s your car so do what you want, but you have been warned. It’s not BMW snake oil. Choose wisely. Last edited by BlackedOutBimmer; 12-10-2022 at 12:15 PM.. |
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12-10-2022, 08:39 PM | #12 | |
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12-10-2022, 11:51 PM | #13 |
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12-11-2022, 09:32 AM | #14 |
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12-24-2022, 03:11 PM | #15 |
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Hi just got on the charging band wagon. Is there any easy way to attach those eyelets to the positive and negative terminals? Did they fit in the terminal/screw and how did you secure them? Thanks!
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01-03-2023, 07:26 PM | #16 |
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Yes, there are positive and negative terminals, you can attach the eyelets on positive terminal and chassis bolt for negative.
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03-31-2024, 02:21 PM | #17 | |
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May I ask how you did that, and the approx. dimensions of the cut? |
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03-31-2024, 05:07 PM | #18 |
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I still use the CTEK to charge the old fashioned way. Open the hood to cool down the engine at the same time.
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04-24-2024, 10:24 AM | #19 |
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Hi.
Brand new owner and member. First post. Our new X3 will also have periods of low usage, so I very much like OP's idea here as it would make battery charging far easier for my wife. But before I do this, though, I wanted to check to see how it is working out for anyone whose vehicle is in snow country, or for that matter a lot of rain. e.g., Does the cap on the cable connector stay sealed? Any other lessons learned or tips to make this even better? Thx. |
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05-26-2024, 12:29 PM | #20 | |
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CTEK SAE Pigtail with Comfort Indicator: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002X6DQUA SAE charger cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KS2GCXJ I also made the cable connection to the positive jumper terminal slightly differently. And while I routed the CTEK pigtail out of the cowl similarly to the OP, I cable-tied it there with enough length exposed to tuck the connector back under the second hood seal opening with the connector contacts facing under the hood to prevent exposure to any snow or moisture accumulation. It's easy to reach under and pull it out for charging and tuck it back afterwards. It seems I may be too new here to include photos in my posts, at least they aren't showing up. So here is photo album link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hKdg1DeZDd5u7veR6 |
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05-28-2024, 01:50 PM | #21 | |
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Thanks
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05-28-2024, 02:21 PM | #22 | |
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Fit well. i.e., not too loose and not too snug. |
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