17 replies to this topic

[Mobile Chicane]

How difficult is it to install the Ctek comfort panel in the dashboard and connect it to the battery?  Has anyone done this?  Or is there an easy way to connect the Ctek charger without having to open the bonnet?  Cheers!

[smiley]

You can also charge it via the sigarette lighter socket, due to a direct lead to the battery

 

 

Edited by smiley, 02 January 2019 - 02:41 PM.

[Ormes]

You can use a cigarette lighter attachment but I had mixed results with this... poor connection etc.

 

I hardwire into the battery and use an extension which means if I want to go out, I have to lift the bonnet, but I can disconnect from outside of the car if I want to move it in and out of the garage, and leave the extension cable hanging out of the bonnet.

 

I am sure it is very easy to pass the cable into the cabin from the battery, and this may be a neat solution, but you still need to leave the window slightly open.

 

I ultimately want to wire a waterproof attachment to the exterior somewhere to solve this same 1st world problem

[Talk-torque]

Used a CTEK ciggy lighter plug for over 18 months with no problems.

[-Dab-of-Oppo-]

Nearly 7 years later mine is still working fine as detailed in my thread here.

[VXT Tim]

Anything that slots into my cigarette lighter pops itself out moments later.

[VXT Tim]

Who had the fire with the ctek under a car cover?

[ayresyy]

Anything that slots into my cigarette lighter pops itself out moments later.

If you remove the fuse first, you can just bend the locating tabs in the socket, in a bit with a flathead. That should stop things jumping out.

[ayresyy]

Double post!

Edited by ayresyy, 02 January 2019 - 04:01 PM.

['Buchos']

Who had the fire with the ctek under a car cover?

Might have been Gedi

I've been using an optimate for about a decade, as theyre waterproof for use on bikes, similar idea and comes with a permanent / quick connection to leave on the vehicle.

[Mobile Chicane]

Nearly 7 years later mine is still working fine as detailed in my thread here.

 

Fantastic thread, was looking for exactly that!  Yes, would prefer not having to open the bonnet every time to fit it, as I drive the car once a week.  It's garaged and will use the extension cable to prevent any fires.  I've got the standard VX220 V grille but I'll have a look, see if I can mount it there.  Someone mentioned the wheel arch liner - how practical is that?  Also, how does the panel hold up to the weather/mud/etc?

 

Cheers to everyone for replies!

[oblomov]

I was very disappointed with my Ctek.  After very little use it started going wrong, started getting hot and  wouldn't switch between modes properly and then wouldn't at all.  I used to leave it under the bonnet but with the heating problems and the fact that one had caught fire I didn't feel confident to trust it and so finally I bought one of these

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The connectors are not as good as the Ctek ones so I simply saved those and used them with this.

[Mobile Chicane]

Daft question, but what about the water deflector at the bottom of the windscreen?  Cheers.

[ayresyy]

I would think It will fill up the socket with water in that location? 

 

      I have a charging socket in the front arch liner. As long as you get one with a rubber cover to keep it dry/clean when not in use, it should be fine. Also very handy having an external socket for those that have central locking and may occasionally forget to put the car back on charge. Now If this happens, I can just plug it in and wait 30 mins before unlocking it.

[Mobile Chicane]

Fair enough.  Anywhere in the wheel arch lining or is there specific places I should avoid?  Thanks again!

[christhegasman]

I run a cetek extension to inside the cab from the battery through the big grommet under the wiper motor
So it’s easy to plug in
I have the plug in the front plastic pocket things which nothing ever stays in 😀

[christhegasman]

I would think It will fill up the socket with water in that location?

I have a charging socket in the front arch liner. As long as you get one with a rubber cover to keep it dry/clean when not in use, it should be fine. Also very handy having an external socket for those that have central locking and may occasionally forget to put the car back on charge. Now If this happens, I can just plug it in and wait 30 mins before unlocking it.

Good idea if you have central locking mate

[MikelM]

I use 3 CTEK chargers, MXS 3.8, all under covers two in garage and one outside. The units are IP65 rated, so dust tight and waterproof. I housed the external unit in a small shelter for additional protection and it is connected via a extension lead and push connection straight into the battery. Easy disconnect and so far has worked well. Not concerned about external temperature for the unit as CTEK is a Swedish company and it's damn cold there 😳 The two internal units sit on top of the car covers, one is wired as the external unit and the other is set up straight into the cig light/ power socket. All work fine but less comfortable with latter as always feels loose fit but the charger will just switch off if connection is lost so not sure how a fire can be initiated. Unless of course a faulty unit. Better check my house insurance policy.
Check out CTEK website or Amazon, as there are a number of connection solutions available.