Member Since: 23 Oct 2016
Location: Northants
Posts: 93
CTEK MXS 5.0 Question
Apologies if this is in the wrong section
A simple question, I will be using the above charger in two ways ;
1 - through the towing socket (ordering cable from the site )
2 - I intend to add a socket that can be accessed through the grill as well (so SWMBO doesn't need to take the plastic cover off the towing socket - dont ask ).
For number two - when I connect the cable - does it need to be connected to the battery terminals or (as I've read elsewhere on the forum) does it need to be connected to the +ve terminal and then the chassis ?
I recall someone said this was needed to register the charge, but not sure that this will be needed as its just to keep the battery topped up as we don't use the car every day and weekend usage might stress the battery (especially in the cold weather) I thought.
I at present would follow the instructions on the CTEK which is to connect directly to the terminals on the battery.
Advice or recommendations please.
Thanks
3rd Dec 2016 12:15 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
I have both charging options on my D3, rear via the tow socket and front via a comfort lead that I extended and have poking out near the front grill.
I think I wired red to battery + and the black lead to a suitable earth terminal near the FBH.
Works faultlessly and has done for 3 or more years. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
3rd Dec 2016 1:51 pm
RutlandBoy
Member Since: 23 Oct 2016
Location: Northants
Posts: 93
Thanks Narpy - as long as it works (as yours has) then that's what I will do
The 'poking from the grill' is what I will be aiming for
Cheers
3rd Dec 2016 4:05 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
If you have the comfort lead that comes with the CTek, you'll need to adjust the lengths of the cables as they are both too short for a grill charging connection position. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
3rd Dec 2016 4:08 pm
RutlandBoy
Member Since: 23 Oct 2016
Location: Northants
Posts: 93
Noted, got the right cable already so a job for tomorrow to splice and install
3rd Dec 2016 4:17 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Quick question, once you have the lead popping out of the grille where do you place the charger?
Mine will need to be hooked up overnight and I live on a main road.05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
27th Jan 2017 9:18 pm
Dudleydisco
Member Since: 20 Jun 2014
Location: York
Posts: 853
This is what I've done with mine:
I've got my charger is a waterproof box, which I slide under the vehicle. Not quite sure how you can do it on a main road though.D4 MY14 XXV - RLD/IID BT
D4 MY13 HSE Lux - RLD/IID BT
P38 RR - Sad parting
110 - Even sadder parting
S3 88" - Still going strong after 23 years of ownership
27th Jan 2017 9:29 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Cheers for the picture. I need to extend my lead.
Had a look at trying to come through the the bottom?
Currently I just put it all inside and shut the bonnet but it's not doing my flex any favours05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
27th Jan 2017 9:34 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10363
You just sacrifice the end of your mains extension lead.
If it fails you just chop a few inches off and refit the socket.
Or
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Click image to enlarge
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On a RRS but a similar trapping problem
Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated
27th Jan 2017 9:44 pm
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
Due to having a V8 I have a massive void where the FBH would be.
I am thinking of mounting charger there then dropping plug down for charging05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
27th Jan 2017 9:48 pm
Dudleydisco
Member Since: 20 Jun 2014
Location: York
Posts: 853
Not quite sure how happy a CTEK would be permanently mounted in the engine bay
Extending the comfort lead has a few advantages! You can see the state of the battery without having to open the vehicle and wake it up. I've made an adaptor for my DVM so that I can check the voltage without waking the vehicle up and it's easy to just plug on the charger when needed.D4 MY14 XXV - RLD/IID BT
D4 MY13 HSE Lux - RLD/IID BT
P38 RR - Sad parting
110 - Even sadder parting
S3 88" - Still going strong after 23 years of ownership
27th Jan 2017 10:31 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10363
You have seen the ones with traffic light LEDs which represent a voltage value And status.
They flash briefly.
I just look Thru my window to see the state before unlocking.
[URL=]
Click image to enlarge
[/URL]
Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated
27th Jan 2017 11:30 pm
sycove
Member Since: 25 Mar 2015
Location: Burntisland
Posts: 396
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
I like all the solutions to not opening the bonnet, but they all leave me open to someone walking up my drive and robbing the Ctek.
I think I will have to keep my current setup, it at least keeps my charger safe. I have never looked if I have tow electrics, could I plug it in and put the Ctek in the boot?
Click image to enlarge
Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated 05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
28th Jan 2017 9:36 am
plocker
Member Since: 14 Mar 2016
Location: Preston
Posts: 828
You learn something every day. I have 13 pin electrics05 V8 HSE Bonatti Grey
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