I have had mine for 4 and 1/2 years. Use it on a BMW 430D 2016 plate (so coming up to 8 years old). VERY low mileage (still under 38,000). Garaged. I own the car outright, but since retiring 5 years ago it sits in my garage for weeks at a time. Annual mileage a paltry 1000-1200. When I drive it, I'll do 100 mile+ journeys. I get a battery check at the annual service, and never had any problem with it. I charge-up the battery fully every fortnight. Sometimes leave it on for very cold snaps. The battery went pretty low before I bought the CTEK; but it is fine since (though I switch off the auto stop/start) when driving. So, I can recommend the CTEK.
So there is no power on/off button on the charger itself, like with the 3300? And is this "spark free" thing something new? Because you can spark the 3300 clamps when touching together. Is CTEK every going to fix how easily the clamp shells break off?
Great video thank you, I have a few cars and am wondering wether this unit is able to be hooked up to a dual battery system that is in my patrol. Thank you
HI, Thank you for your kind words! If your batteries are connected together, they can be charged together. The MXS 5.0 is recommended for a total size of 160Ah, if your two batteries together are bigger than 160Ah, I recommend a bigger charger as the MXS 10. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello there, this is an amazing product. One question is i have a boat that has 2 batteries connected in parallel with a VCR switch to select either use of a single battery or parallel use. If i charge one battery would it charge both or would i have to turn the switch to make them parallel and charge both from one battery being connected to the Ctek MXS 5.0?
I want to use my MXS5.0 to charge a boat battery(s)..(there are two, starter and house but im told the house will charge first then automatically top up the starter) .. CTEK recommend for cars the negative clamp be attached away from the positive onto a metal chassis frame or similar. The boat is GRP/all fibreglass, and apart from a stainless rail or metal nut here or there no chassis as such exists...so should I just connect to the negative terminal in this case..??? My marine dealer recommended the MXS5.0- each battery is 700CCA so I assume this will charge the batteries well but take longer than the next stronger charger ?.. Cheers :)
Hi. You can absolutely connect directly to the battery terminals. This will work fine. However - the MXS 5.0 is recommended for batteries up to 160Ah, and if the batteries are close to that limit it will take long time to fully charge. You will not be able to fully charge over night if both batteries are drained. To have one MXS 5.0 on each battery will be a lot better and also give each battery exactly what it needs. If you have the possibility, I recommend you to go for that solution. Best regards CTEK Support
l bought one of these they work great. Can l leave it charging ( trickle charging) on my car battery for longer then 4 months? l have the latest MXS 5.0 with the test & charge all in one. thanks
@@playstation2bigs In recondition mode, it is safer to disconnect and remove the batter from the car and recondition it with only the CTEK charger connected. CTEK says it's 100% to do recondition mode while the battery is connected to the car, but with recondition mode, it has a much higher charging current (way higher than winter-mode charging if you have CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar charger), so my preference is do a recondition mode with the battery disconnected from the car.
@@ybrik5937 thanks for the clear answer, disconnecting battery terminal while using recond mode because of 15.8 volts stage 6 recond mode can fry ECU board
Fantastic product. How often can I or should I use the “recondition” mode for car battery? I use the Cteks as a battery maintainer on all my Porsches, thank you.
Hi. Thank you for your kind words. Recond should be used on all wet lead acid batteries once or twice a year (not AGM or GEL). I have a feeling that the batteries in your Porsches are AGMs and if so, they do not need to be Reconded. Best regards CTEK Support
HI. The MXS 5.0 is recommended for all types of lead acid batteris (including AGM) from 1,2Ah up to 160Ah. If you wan to charge an AGM I recommend the CAR + AGM setting. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
Great tutorial. I have 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel AGM battery. The setting is Car+AGM, I assume? I also bought the CTEK part that plugs into the cigarette lighter port. Is there a video on proper use with that CTEK part available?
Thank you for your kind words. Yes - the setting should be CAR + AGM. You can use the CONNECT CIG PLUG to charge through the cigarette lighter port - But please check if the port works when the ignition is turned off. Many vehicles turns this port off after some few minutes in order not to drain the battery. You can test this by charging your phone from the port. If that works, you can use the port to charge through as well. We do not have a video for this for now. It is on the to-do list. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers QUESTION: Which buttons should I press for a longterm trickle charge? I've been using my CTEK charger for four years with excellent results. Then I touched the wrong buttons and messed it up. Is the car symbol the ONLY button for a longterm trickle charge? Good condition battery, not stop-start, 1969 Alfa.
@@Svenna Agreed and THANKS, and my car has been on "trickle" between journeys for years, all very happily. Then one day I discovered the battery had completely discharged itself and was flat. I assume I'd inadvertently touched a wrong button on the last time I'd plugged it in. Played around with it, got it working OK. I must've done something right, there's been no trouble since.
Hi. As long as the battery manufacturer doesn't state that you should use higher voltage - We recommend to use NORMAL setting. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello CTEK! Just bought a MXS 5.0 and its working great. I just wonder if its safe to have the MXS connected and charging while trying to start the vehicle, or must the charger be disconnected first?
Hi I have this model is it best to leave in recond setting plus is it powerful enough to power Mercedes 3ltr diesel, it was left a long while all lights were on but battery was flat when I turned car over cheers
what is the difference between connecting the black lead to the negative terminal of the battery and the ground/earth in the chassis? arent both negative and chassis already connected in a car?
Hi, Both ways will work perfectly for charging the battery - how ever there is a BMS (Battery Mangement System) connected on the minus pole on the battery on many newer vehicles, and if that BMS is not within the circuit whilst charging, the vehicle will not "see" the charge and the electronic systems within the vehicle will not work as good, as they "know" that the battery is flat. This could lead to malfunctioning and increase of CO" emissions. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
I just purchased one of these for my rarely used crz .can I connect the comfort clamps to the battery terminals & leave them there permanently? Then just plug in the charger with the leads/ plugs provided & keep it plugged in ??
Hi. Yes, that works fine. Connect the permanent eyelets to the recommended charge points and leave connected all the time. Please keep cable away from sharp edges and hos surfaces. I hope this will help. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, Yes that will be fine as long as the vehicle manufacturer doesn't specify anything else. For further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ and we'll help you from there. Have a nice day! 😊
Hi, even after fully charging with my current CTEK Multi 3600, my 2010 F10 BMW battery struggles to start. Will buying the CTEK MXS 5.0 and using the AGM and Recond options help to fully charge the battery and make sure it keeps the charge? Thanks
Hi, It is nice to hear that a charger that expired 2009 is still working fine. It is hard to know why the battery struggles to start. It could be a worn out battery or cold weather or combined. If the battery is a wet type of lead acid, (Not AGM, Not GEL) RECOND mode will help. MXS 5.0 is a more advanced charger and will provide with up to 5A instead of 3.6A so it will be kinder to the battery. I hope this will help you. Best regards CTEK Support
you wrote on the comment that do not use recond mode on AGMs. but on your video theres mixed program that offers vehicle+AGM+recond..... so are u saying dont do this? i am bit confused
Hi. AGM do not get stratified - so RECOND will not gain the battery as it will if the battery was wet. However there are some discussions from battery manifacturers that AGM benify from a higher voltage from time to time. My recommendation is to check what you battery manufacturer recommend. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, I have an error on mine, when i press the car charging, and the car simble lights up after a about 30 seconds it comes off the car charging and the power button just flashes. any suggestions as i cant find what to do anywhere on the net. ? cheers
Hi. We recommend to fors disconnect from mains, after that it doesn't matter. You disconnect the way that works well for you. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi! If your AGM batteries have a recommended charge voltage of 14.7V, we'd recommend getting the MXS 5.0 and use the AGM mode. If the recommended charge voltage is lower (14.4V), you can use either the MXS 5.0 or the CT5 START/STOP.
I charge my Landcruiser battery once a month and as ambients are often over 30 degrees celcius the charger gets fairly hot so I trickle charge on the motorbike setting. I assume the bigger battery is charged slowly or perhaps not enough. Your opinion would be welcome. Great to hear the English accent on RUclips. What town is the speaker from. Regards Peter
Can you use the CTEK MXS 5.0 charger on a trailer? Specifically, I have two AGM batteries connected in parallel and they need to be maintained, without overcharging, when my trailer is not in use for a month or more. Would I connect the charger to one battery and assume that the tandem connection will service both batteries?
Hi! Thank you for reaching out! 😊 This would work as long as the combined AH is less than the chargers max rating. I would advise you to connect the positive to one battery and the negative to the other.
Hi. The charger can be connected to the recommended charge points for months and months without risk harming the battery or the car. However, we recommend you to make sure the green light on the upper row is lit ( = fully charged battery) before leaving it unattended for longer periods of time. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
I’m storing my BMW G20 M340i for the winter and just bought this to trickle charge. Can you tell me if I should connect it directly to the battery in the trunk or to the contacts under the hood? I’m seeing some people say contacts under hood and others saying directly to battery in trunk so I’m a bit confused.
Thank you for choosing CTEK! In order to keep the BMS (Battery Management System) in the loop whilst charging, we recommend to connect to the recommended charge points according to vehicle manual and not directly to the battery. The charge will be as good but the systems in the car will have the information needed. Please go for the contacts under the hood. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello CTEK Support, can I use Mxs 5.0 Polar on a BMW X5 30d G05 model (prod. 2023) for charging and to keep it connected for longer time during the winter to maintain the battery ? Thank you
@@CTEKBatteryChargers I'll ask broader question, for other people that might have same issue and different setup, so I checked and there can be two different setups: 1. AGM starter battery in the luggage compartment with 90 Ah or 105 Ah 2 a) Auxiliary AGM battery in the engine compartment with 60 Ah OR 2 b) Lithium ion auxiliary battery in the engine compartment with 10 Ah so is Mxs 5.0 Polar going to work with both setups [1. and 2a)] and [1. and 2b)] as I asked above ? Thank you
1. Yes the MXS 5.0 POLAR would work 2a. Yes the MXS 5.0 POLAR would work 2b. No, you would have to get a dedicated Lithium charger, like the LITHIUM XS. Alternatively you could get a CS ONE, which could charge all of the above, without you having to choose different modes for the different types of batteries.
Hi, for the MXS 5.0, for my Mercedes 2008 W221 S300L, 1. Connect the CTEK clamps directly to the battery or 2. Need to disconnect the battery connections in advance and charge the battery individually Please advise
Hi, Thank you for your message! 😊 You can keep the battery in the car but you should not connect it directly to the battery terminals but rather on the designated charge points. If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further. Have a great day! ☺
I just bought battery charger from ctek can i leave it conected to the battery if it is full or do i need to take it off because i am not driving the car at the moment
Hi, As soon as the battery charger informs you that the battery is fully charged (Green light on the upper row) you can leave it unattended for longer periods of time - still connected to the battery. This will keep the battery in good condition until you can drive your car again. Best regards CTEK Support
Leave it in normal mode - its fully automatic so will look after the battery long term.....The AGM is for some of the AGM type batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat)
I have a EFB battery and my car has start/stop technology, do I select the AGM mode also or does the normal car mode cater for start/stop technology too?
Hi Michael! The AGM mode charges at a slightly higher voltage, but the Normal mode will still work well for you. If you are unsure about the optimal charging voltage for your particular battery, the Normal mode will be a good option.
Hello ctek questions for you 1. What if i dont know what my battery (agm or recon)is as it does not say on the battery face what setting should i put it? 2. How do i know if the ctek is trickeling? Or how do i put it to trickcle vs fully charging it? 3. Its winter where i am i plan to go in and out ..is it advised if i park and will not use the car for 1 day or 2 days should i connect it to the ctek? Or its only advisable to do it only when it will not be used in more then how many days? 4. What will happend if i set it to the motor cycle icon when its a vehicle im using it for will it charge less / trickle much slower ? Will it damage my car? 5. Is it better to disconnect the battery terminals and have the battery alone on the growund connected to the ctek will it do the same thing as if it was with the terminals meaning will it not over use or fry the computer components of the csr if i just remove the battery? Thank you forbthevanswers and howbu explain them to others ..your company should be happy u guys are fully detailed.
Hi, Thank you for your message! 😊 It's safer in that case to use the "Normal mode". It will always first fully charge the battery and then at step 7 and 8 maintenance charging it. It will not hurt to charge the battery even if its just for a day. It will only charge with 0,8A which could damage bigger batteries and not be able to fully charge them. We would advise you to leave the battery in the car and connect the charger on the vehicle's designated spots and not directly on the battery. If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further. Have a great day! ☺
Hi, Yes on all questions! When fully charged - a green light on the upper row will show. It will restart as soon as voltage drops below 95% of fully charged - and it can be connected for months and months without harming the battery or the electronic components connected to it. Just make sure the green light for fully charged is lit before leaving it for a longer period of time. Good luck Best regards CTEK Support
The charger will start up if the battery voltage is higher than 2V. A lead acid battery is empty of energy at 11.8V so 2V is extremlely discharged. The 2V limit makes the charger spark free and reverse polairty protected. Best regards CTEK Support
I have a Start/Stop EPB+ battery and am about to purchase the MXS 5.0. What setting should I charge the above battery at, Normal (car symbol) or AGM? Thanks in advance.
Question - what do you do when the standy mode light flashes? I connected both plugs to the battery ( ie positive to positive etc ) then connected it all up, switched on at mains, set it up for car recon then the light flashes and stays flashing for ages. What do I do?
HI, If the power on light starts to blink, this is a sign that the charger can not find the battery. This could be due to poor connection or to a battery that is discharged to less than 2V ( the limit to make the charger spark free and reverse polarity protected) A battery is stated empty when voltage is lower than 11.8V so 2V is extremly discharged. Please check the connections and try again. If the charger still doesn't start you need to find a way to raise the voltage over the 2V limit. The MXS 5.0 do not have the SUPPLY mode to do so. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, That depends on the battery mounted in the motorcycle. If the battery is below 14Ah big, you should use MC mode if it is 14Ah or bigger you can use MC or CAR mode, both works fine. Now to the type of battery - if you have an AGM battery, also use the AGM mode. ( MC+AGM, CAR + AGM) if you don't know if you have an AGM - just use MC or CAR, that will work fine! Good Luck! Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, I have a question about the confort accessory 56-263. I read on your page it work on the 12v sockets which feeds power with the dash turned off.. My car have both cigarettes lighter and boot auxiliary socket. I read they could stay active for a certain amount of time ( 15 or 30 minutes) then they would shut down. Is this a problem for the recharge of the battery via the Confort accessory? Will the recharge continue or not? Thanx in advance. Best regards
Hi. Thank you for contacting us. Many modern vehicles turnes off the 12V socket after some minutes in order not to drain the battery. This makes it impossible to charge the battery through that socket. Some vehicles have other 12V sockets in the back seat or so that are open. You can try to charge your phone through the outputs when ignition is turned off. If that works after a longer time, you can use the socket to charge. If not, I recommend you to use the clamps or connect eyelets mounted on the recommended charge points. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thanx so much, I'll try it. Last question, is it a problem buying today a product built in 2018(battery charger)? The store has 2018 batch items. I mean will it last years event if it's 5 years old, or is it near the end of its life even brand new?Thanx
@@muaythai4lifelife Hi. Thank you for getting back to us. I would not consider a product from 2018 a problem as long as the product has not expired for some reason. You will still get 5 years of warranty for most products and 2 year for more professional products. If it is a MXS 5,0 I can't see any disadvantages to have a charger from 2018. Keep track of your receipt if you need to use the warranty. Best regards CTEK Support
Can the comfort connectors be left attached to the leisure battery while it is in use? I'm considering this product as a quick and easy way of charging when staying in a campsite with EHU
Hi, Yes! All CTEK chargers are made to be electronic safe all the time and can be used in all modes whilst still connected to the vehicle. Please note that AGMs and GELs should not be RECONDed, all other types of lead acid batteries can be RECONDed once or twice a year. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, that works fine, as long as you have a power bank that offers 230V (or 110V if you are in the US) and up to 150W. which is needed to start up the MXS 5,0. I can also recommend the CS FREE. A charger and a power bank - all in one. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi. I am planning to buy this charger for my car and leave it alone for months, as the particular car is used only for recreation. We have power blackouts from time to time here in my shed where the car is parked Will the charger remember the last selected mode and start charging by itself when the power is up again? Thx
Hi, Thank you for your message! 😊 The MXS 5.0 does not have a built in battery and therefor needs to be connected to mains when charging the battery. If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further. Have a great day! ☺
Hi. I need a solution for two things. Keep my car battery charged at the garage all by itself, and supply power for sound tuning tests. Do you have such a thing?
Hi. If the battery is a lead acid battery, you need to prevent it from selfdischarge, so you need a charger connected. Depending on the size of the battery I can recommend the MXS 5,0 (1,2 Ah up to 160Ah) or the new CS ONE (3Ah up to 180Ah). When talking about power supply, you need to know how much amp needed. We have chargers providing supply current from 10 A up to 120A. Recommended chargers with supply function is the MXS 10, PRO 25. PRO 120. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, No, No issues at all. You can start the car whilst the charger is connected without risk harming the car or the charger. Just remember to disconnect the charger before driving away. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi. AGM is a type of lead acid battery that often require a bit higher voltage. If you don't know what type of battery you have - don't use AGM mode! Best regards CTEK Support
Hi. The duration depends on the state of health of the battery, RECOND will go gon for 2 or 6 hours, but before that, the charger will fully charge the battery, and that takes as long time as usual depending on the size of the battery and off course how discharged the battery is. Best regards CTEK Support
Does this charger works on lithium batteries ? I hace a 458 Italia and im looking if this would help me , if not do you guys have one charger model that works on lithium bat? Any help IS welcome
You have probably noticed by now, but CTEK does make a charger specifically for Lithium batteries. smartercharger.com/collections/vehicle/products/ctek-lithium-us
Hi, Yes, All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and will not harm the electronics in the car when the battery is still connected. So - safe and easy to use. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, I’m charging a sports bike at the moment no problem. The other bike won’t take a charge & after 2 mins the machines green light flashes to say in stand by mode. Does this mean the battery is dead for good? Should an error light come on to tell me the battery is beyond repair?
Hi. The blinking POWER ON led means that the charger can't find the battery. It could be due to a poor connection or due to low voltage (less than 2V) in the battery, This limit is what makes the charger spark proof and reverse polarity protected,A battery is empty of energy at 11,8 so 2V is extremely discharged. The battery can be good - but too empty so the error light does not go on. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi. There is a 220V version of the MXS 5,0. Also called MXS 5,0. Please go to www.ctek.com and choose the MXS 5,0 and you will have more information. Best regards CTEK Support
While I was charging my battery, with recond option on, I went to check on it after a few hours and just at that moment I noticed it jumped from 6 back to 3. Is this normal ?
HI, this can happen if there is a big consumer active whilst charging, or if the battery is in very poor condition. If you are unsure of the battery state of health, I recommend you to get the battery tested. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, Yes, if you only have the possibility to charge 30 minutes every day, that is a good solution. The charger will keep fill the battery until it is full. If you could charge 1 hour every two days, or 7 hours in a weekend that would probably be better but it is always better to charge than not to. Best regards CTEK Support
Can a battery be charged while still in the car? Earlier chargers require the positive battery terminal to be removed so as not to damage alternator diodes.
HI. All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and can be used with the battery still mounted in the vehicle. You don' t have to disconnect the positive terminal before charging. Connect the positive, red clamp, to the positive pole on the battery, and the black negative clamp to chassis, or according to vehicle manual. Best regards CTEK Support
@@prajp9795 Hi again, it really doesn't matter. But take black first. or just disconnect in the quick connector - and you don't need to disconnect the clamps at all! Good Luck Best regards, CTEK Support
I cycled through the modes but it’s now stuck on small battery with AGM and Recond but I need normal battery. Pressing the mode button doesn’t do anything. Any suggestions?
Hi, If you can't change mode by pressing the mode button - the charger is most likely broken. If it is within the 5 year warranty, I recommend you to take the charger back to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Hi and many thanks for the reply. It’s just 7 years old so out-with the warranty but I managed to fix it by opening it and using WD40 on the switch and repeatedly pressing / turning it. Hopefully live in it yet!
I got 3 M300 and the "starter"device, which I surprisingly found totally dead. The "Starter" should save my mot- bike batt over winter season. Now, batt and charger are scrap. Sorry, but I want let you know, that I never buy C-Tec again, after 2 of the 3 M300s had failures, too.
HI. Sorry to hear that your chargers doesn't work any more. Good thing is that they come with 5 years warranty, so if they are within the warranty time I recommend you to take them back to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Hi and thanks for the advice. I already had one of the M300 off for about 6 weeks, which came back as a refurbished one, I guess. Don't want to spent anytime anymore with CTec repair-service. I am going to sell them as defective items to a person, who perhaps is enthusiastic about CTec as I was in the beginning.
@@hennerschmidt5964 Sorry to hear that. I wish you good luck with your batteries in the future. Sorry for the poor CTEK experience. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, so what if you just left it on permanently, say for a month or more , can it not overcharge the battery and risk a fire? Always a worry of mine when charging car battery’s. I want to buy this straight away just need to know that small bit of info, thanks!
Hi, CTEK chargers got a patented maintenance mode that will ensure the battery will not be overcharged OR discharged too low. Just make sure the green light for fully charged on the upper row is lit before leaving it for a longer period of time. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers My car has a 12v socket in the trunk, can i use that to charge the battery with the ctek? Also where my car is parked theres no power outlet and i dont want to take the battery with me, is there any other solution to trickle charge cars where theres no power outlet near?
@@RapatipatooO Hi, Yes, if the 12V socket is live all the time, there will be contact to the battery and you can charge. You will need to have the Connect Cig Plug. Good Luck Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, If the green "power on" LED is blinking, this tells you that the charger can't find the battery. This can happen if the clamps is not fitted correct to the charging points - or if the battery is discharged to less than 2V. A battery is empty of energy at 11,8V so 2V is extremely low. This 2V threshold makes the charger spark free and reversed polarity protected. I hope this helps Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, The reason is that many vehicles today has got a BMS (Battery Management System) connected on the negative pole on the battery to make sure the engine rolls as little as possible to save CO2 emissions and to make the electronics in the car works as planned. If you connect the negative clamp to the negative pole the battery will get fully charged but the BMS will not "see" the charge, still working as the battery was discharged, which leads to more fuel consumption higher emissions and electronics not working as planned. If you connect to the bodywork the BMS will "see" the charge and systems works as they should. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi. If the charger is connected to the battery and to mains, and you can choose mode and it disappear , there is something wrong. If the charger is connected only to the battery and the choosen mode disappear, the reason could be that the voltage in the battery is lower than 2V (the limit making the charger spark free and reverse polarity protected - a battery is stated empty at 11,8V so 2V is extremely discharged) Try to reconnect the charger some times to activate the voltage - it might help. Best regards CTEK Support
When I press the mode button, the LED just loops singly through the 4 modes. I cannot select normal-recond simultaneously, just recond on its own, or normal on its own. Is my charger faulty? I bought it in 2012, but it has never been able to select dual modes like normal-recond.
Hi, From the description, I would say that your charger is broken. If it is bought 2012, the 5 year warranty is not valid. Sorry - but we can't help you with this. Best regards CTEK Support
I found the user manual for this and it is the way this one works apparently. It must have been changed sometime since 2012. You can switch between four modes only. The recond option is only for normal car batteries.
@@jerrymcg3199 Hi again, my mistake! I thought the lights where moving without pressing the mode button. If you have a MXS 5,0 with a black MODE button, it is the earlier version without the possibility to multi choose programs. If you can choose one program at the time, the charger works as it should. RECOND is, like you write, recommended for wet lead acid batteries, bigger than 14Ah. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers That sounds right thanks. But the charger is only working as it should after I sprayed the Mode switch with cleaner, since it had developed the dreaded fault where pressing the mode switch did not change the setting.
@@jerrymcg3199 if you can't change mode by pressing the mode button, the charger is developing a fault, it will not be better - sorry for that. Best regards CTEK Support
Thank you for the information,♥️♥️ brother. I have this charger, but I am upset with it. It did not charge me any direct battery. It moves to step 4 after an hour, step 7 and then the charging is complete. But without any result, does the dsulfator feature work or is it just a fake charger?➡️📌➡️📌➡️
Hi. Good thing you contact us if you are upset with the unit - so we can help! There are many reasons to why a battery doesn't get as charged as we expect. One is that the charger is broken - not very often - but it happens. Another is that the battery has been left uncharged for a long time or standing still without any charger connected to it. If you want us to dig deeper into this - please write an explanation of the problem to support@ctek.com Best regards CTEK Support
HI, No - All CTEK chargers are electronic safe, and you can have the battery connected to the vehicle whilst charging. Connect the charger according to the recommendations in the vehicle manual. Best regards CTEK Support
Maybe I'm just not understanding this right... So I'm NOT supposed to connect the black end to the negative terminal if the battery is still connected to the car? Where am I supposed to put it then?
Hi. This might be a long answer. To connect the black clamp to negative pole on the battery will get the battery charged. If you have a Start Stop vehicle there is a BMS (Battery Management System) mounted on the negative pole and the negative clamp need to be connected so the BMS is in the circuit - between the red and the black clamps. This is needed so the system is aware of the charge status of the battery. This will make your systems work as they should and minimize CO2 emissions. I hope this clarifies. Check vehicle manual for recommended charge points or jump start points or something similar. If you can't find information. Connect to a metal space without paint, that is ground. Often there is a - mark somewhere under the bonnet. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thank you! My vehicle does not have start/stop. So, if I understand correctly, just clamping onto the terminals should work? And it will maintain the battery while the car sits over winter months?
@@Mr-Bogs Correct! To be sure, you can look at the negative pole on the battery, if there is a small black box connected close to it, the car got a BMS. But it isn't likely if it is not a start stop. Best regards CTEK Support
Buongiorno ho una batteria 🔋 scarica e volevo provare a caricarla con mxs 5.0. La batteria è da 15 AH topologia: AGM e attualmente misura 11,4 V . Volevo provare con modalità Recond ma chiedo un tuo Consiglio su come è meglio procedere con Questa batteria 🔋
Hi - Not at all! All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and will not in any charge mode harm the battery or the electronic equipment connected to the battery. It is also safe for you as the user. Just keep the battery in the vehicle and charge, Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Dear CTEK.. could I use the CTEK Comfort Connect - Clamp to charge the battery in the vehicle ? or I must use the CTEK Comfort Connect - Eyelet M6 ?
Hi, Thank you for your message! 😊 Depending on the age and condition they can make some slight electrical sounds. If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further. Have a great day! ☺
Hi Mary Ellis. The battery will be perfect charged if you connect to the battery! The issues is - if your car is quite new and equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS)- that you need to connect to chassi to make the BMS notice that the battery has been charged. The BMS is dialoguing with the vehicle computers to make the vehicle work as good as possible. And if the vehicle believes that the battery is empty, the alternator will run more and create more CO2 than needed, other functions might not be working as good as planned. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers My Porsche Cayman 2014 is right hand steering, therefore the negative chassi is far from the battery. Is it ok to use negative battery direct ? Thanks.
@@carmaniacable Hi. I would not recommend to connect directly to negative pole on the battery. The reason is the BMS (battery management system) that constantly reads the State of Charge at the negative pole. If you connect directly to negative pole on the battery - the BMS will not "see" the charge and keep informing the vehicle computers that the battery is undercharged - even if it is fully charged, this can lead to electronic systems that doesn't work as well as they could. Check vehicle manual for recommended charge points or find chassi points closer to the battery. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
oh wow, how can you not show progress of the charging and indication when its fully charged, I mean you are show cassing battery charger, going through all that should be intuitive. But still good show, will probably buy it. EDIT. OK I am retarded, theres more videos. Yeah I am buying this, swedes should know how to deal with cold weather that I am facing
Hi, this is how to to it in a safe way according to old school! Howevre this is not as important with an intelligent charger as the CTEK models. Best regards CTEK Support
If you look at the overall offerings for charging batteries, the CTEK form factor is more suited to in-vehicle battery charging. So, please showcase your products in connecting and charging batteries in-vehicle. Some auto manufacturers (like Cadillac for example) bury the battery in the trunk without easy access, and if exposed by dismantling the trunk, you cannot connect directly to the POS post because it is covered by a sensor housing or power distribution block. For higher end vehicles, more often than not you can gain access to the vehicle side of the battery current sensor rather than the battery POS itself. If I am required to remove the battery from vehicle before charging, like in the video demonstration, the CTEK chargers really cannot compete with a heavy duty fast shop chargers from a company like Associated Equiment (US based), which is considered "dumb" but will fast charge and desulfate quickly due to its very high current capability (80 Amps). So once you require removal or direct access to the battery (in vehicle but disconnected), I can use vurtually any charger without regard to in-vehicle charging requirements, like noise and overvoltage. For vehicles with batteries in the trunk there are not any real "Charging Posts", there is only underhood jump start posts. Also, many vehicle users guides do not provide guidence on battery charging specifically, and focus only on how to use the jump start posts to jump start the vehicle if it will not start. Selecting and installing in-vehicle charging equipment is not directly addressed from the OEMs. The question CTEK should answer is how to connect and effectively use jump start posts to charge a battery in-vehicle. Then how to connect to a battery in-vehicle in the trunk that uses a current sensor to estimate battery SOC. Obviously, instructions should be given on how to connect and use eyelets and a connector pigtail to easily connect the charger in-vehicle (polarized connector), but this would required automotive grade wire like GXL ratings and a way to seal the connector with a boot when disconnected if placed underhood. So in vehicle installation is not for the untrained. Also, many battery charger SOC (internal impedance CCA) estimating algorithms get confused when analyzing a battery from jump start posts (for many reasons). So sophisticated diagnostic charger algorithms are not useful in-vehicle when using jump start posts. Also, with current control only, it is possible to overvolt modules when using jump start posts. Many owners of luxury vehicles that have high sleep current, or long delays before sleeping in running auxiliary equipment, will find that it is best to try and charge the battery everyday when the vehicle is not being driven for an extended period of time (relative to battery SOC and required charge time), especially in the winter time. A full charging cycle for car batteries is much longer than people realize. That is, on the order of 8 to 12 hours depending on the starting SOC. Also interesting, is when you compare a normal car battery charge profile relative to drive time (charge time) for a daily commute. You quickly realize that car starting batteries are potentially never fully charged ever without the use of a battery charger to top off the battery. I think at best Alternators (regulator) attempts to bulk charge at a max of 0.2 C rate. Rearly, do they actually reach an absorbtion charge phase unless the car is driven for several hours, especially in the winter time.
Hi, I just bought the new CTEK MXS 5,, to my surprice the connection do not fit my older CTEK wire connection-How stupid is that, now I have to buy new wires to both my cars and my ATV. Is that consumer friendly, and the environment has a new load to deal with, when I must discharge of the old connectid wires.Obviously CTEK do not care the least about our planet
Dear Sir, We changed the connections back in 2010, so it is really nice to hear that they still work. The new model is safer. In order to be consumer friendly and environmentally friendly we mad an adapter to fit between the older and the newer connection. As it has been 12 years, i am not sure that we have any adapters in stock. Please write a mail to info@ctek.com and ask for an adapter between the older comfort connect system and the new connect system on you MXS 5.0. Best regards CTEK Support
They work fine straight from the box but their working life is not too flash. My 25 amp Ctek charging my caravan batteries lasted 2 years. This unit came with a smaller quick start charger which died trying to charge a motorcycle battery. Today I noticed my MXS 5 unit shit itself and my vehicle dead flat so has been not working for a while as I've been driving another car lately. Ctek carry on about European technology but make them in China but the price does not reflect this. Seems to me when the warranty expires so does their chargers. Over priced and over rated. No more Ctek for me and I recommend people find another brand.
Hi, Sorry to hear that your charger didn't last long.MXS 5.0 comes with 5 years of warranty so I recommend you to return it to your dealer for help. Regarding the technology - the engineers and technicians are placed in Vikmanshyttan Sweden we also have engineers in China to make sure the quality is as high as we expect. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers 3 Ctek chargers and all of them dead. Sorry mate with me 3 strikes your out. I have an old charger in the shed from the 1980`s and still works fine. MXS 5 sells for $250 in Australia and the larger 25 amp charger for around 600. If I'm getting something made to Chinese standards I may as well jump on eBay and pay around $35 instead of $250 and when it dies just throw it in bin and say oh well it was cheap and you get what you for. Instead I'm feeling ripped off thinking I payed good money for a quality product and that isn't the case.
Stupid charger. You don't want it to be spark-free; you want to be able to see when you have got a good connection. This is especially true if you're not connecting to the battery but relying on an earth coming from under the bonnet. Additionally, people want to be able to trickle charge and charge at different amp levels. Just offering the one amp level is lousy.
HI. Instead of having a spark that might ignite gasses round the battery - the charger start to charge as soon as there is contact, and it will also tell you if there is no contact ( power on led will blink)A lot safer than a spark. Most people have a car, with a battery sized somewhere between 50-100Ah - it is good to choose a charger that will fully charge as soon as you want, but if you have over night - a 5A charger will fully charge most batteries discharged to about 50%, . Best regards CTEK Support
Quality of this product is very poor. Please see experiences on internet. Battery charger Mode button fault usually after 3years and it is worst and worst. I have the same experience with it. Repairing of this button by CTEK is more expensive than the new one charger (LOL :-D). Definitely the products of this company are not recommended.
Hi. Thank you for your feed back. In some cases components within the charger, for example the mode button fails after some years of usage - as soon as we get this information we update and correct. It is hard to correct before we know something is wrong. To have a charger that doesn't work is always a disappointment for the user and for that we are sorry. How ever we have 5 years of warranty on most of our consumer chargers so even if you got one out of less than 1% malfunctioning chargers - you have 5 years to get a new one. I recommend you to take the charger and the proof of purchase to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
A good thing that the warranty is 5 year on our consumer porudcts then! would be interesting to know what the problem is so I have something to answer to... Have a nice day. CTEK Support
Авто/Мото
I keep my 3 exxide maxima 900dc full working for 9 years with this charger.Thanks to ctek.
Got/Bought mine yesterday. 😊
That model & the XC 800 (6V version).
I have had mine for 4 and 1/2 years. Use it on a BMW 430D 2016 plate (so coming up to 8 years old). VERY low mileage (still under 38,000). Garaged. I own the car outright, but since retiring 5 years ago it sits in my garage for weeks at a time. Annual mileage a paltry 1000-1200. When I drive it, I'll do 100 mile+ journeys. I get a battery check at the annual service, and never had any problem with it. I charge-up the battery fully every fortnight. Sometimes leave it on for very cold snaps. The battery went pretty low before I bought the CTEK; but it is fine since (though I switch off the auto stop/start) when driving. So, I can recommend the CTEK.
Great! Keep on charging your cars battery 🔋😉
Thanks very clear video! It is a wonderfull product👏🏼👍🏼
We need one just like this on the Multi US 25000. That one makes a number of lights. ✌
Will it bring back a 12v motorcycle battery new in 2006, not used since then. 2.3 miles used it. Been out of the vehicle since then
How would I know if I had a AGM battery? just bought your cold weather version, haven't used it yet on my motorcycle.
azbikerider49 agm battery support the stop/start feature
So there is no power on/off button on the charger itself, like with the 3300? And is this "spark free" thing something new? Because you can spark the 3300 clamps when touching together. Is CTEK every going to fix how easily the clamp shells break off?
Great video thank you, I have a few cars and am wondering wether this unit is able to be hooked up to a dual battery system that is in my patrol.
Thank you
HI, Thank you for your kind words! If your batteries are connected together, they can be charged together. The MXS 5.0 is recommended for a total size of 160Ah, if your two batteries together are bigger than 160Ah, I recommend a bigger charger as the MXS 10. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers great thank you for your fast response! Take care
Hello there, this is an amazing product. One question is i have a boat that has 2 batteries connected in parallel with a VCR switch to select either use of a single battery or parallel use. If i charge one battery would it charge both or would i have to turn the switch to make them parallel and charge both from one battery being connected to the Ctek MXS 5.0?
Cute and accurate
Thanks for the video. I have just ordered one through Amazon. My car battery is EFB. Should I charge it in AGM or Normal mode?
Hi. Thank you for choosing a CTEK charger. We recommend you to use the NORMAL mode for your EFB battery. Best regards CTEK Support
For AGM 105Ah what mode should be
I want to use my MXS5.0 to charge a boat battery(s)..(there are two, starter and house but im told the house will charge first then automatically top up the starter) .. CTEK recommend for cars the negative clamp be attached away from the positive onto a metal chassis frame or similar. The boat is GRP/all fibreglass, and apart from a stainless rail or metal nut here or there no chassis as such exists...so should I just connect to the negative terminal in this case..??? My marine dealer recommended the MXS5.0- each battery is 700CCA so I assume this will charge the batteries well but take longer than the next stronger charger ?.. Cheers :)
Hi. You can absolutely connect directly to the battery terminals. This will work fine. However - the MXS 5.0 is recommended for batteries up to 160Ah, and if the batteries are close to that limit it will take long time to fully charge. You will not be able to fully charge over night if both batteries are drained. To have one MXS 5.0 on each battery will be a lot better and also give each battery exactly what it needs. If you have the possibility, I recommend you to go for that solution. Best regards CTEK Support
l bought one of these they work great. Can l leave it charging ( trickle charging) on my car battery for longer then 4 months? l have the latest MXS 5.0 with the test & charge all in one.
thanks
You can. Just make sure you supervise it until it reaches step 7 - float mode and from there you may leave it forever.
@@ybrik5937Is it okay not removing the negative battery terminal while in recondition mode by ctek ?
@@playstation2bigs In recondition mode, it is safer to disconnect and remove the batter from the car and recondition it with only the CTEK charger connected.
CTEK says it's 100% to do recondition mode while the battery is connected to the car, but with recondition mode, it has a much higher charging current (way higher than winter-mode charging if you have CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar charger), so my preference is do a recondition mode with the battery disconnected from the car.
@@ybrik5937 thanks for the clear answer, disconnecting battery terminal while using recond mode because of 15.8 volts stage 6 recond mode can fry ECU board
@@playstation2bigs I'd rather disconnect it even if CTEK said it's safe.
Fantastic product. How often can I or should I use the “recondition” mode for car battery? I use the Cteks as a battery maintainer on all my Porsches, thank you.
Hi. Thank you for your kind words. Recond should be used on all wet lead acid batteries once or twice a year (not AGM or GEL). I have a feeling that the batteries in your Porsches are AGMs and if so, they do not need to be Reconded. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thanks so much this really helps. Yes the Porsches use AGM, thanks for expertise and quality products
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Is it okay not removing the negative battery terminal while in recondition mode by ctek ? Im using Toyota Rush 2021 model
Health and safety; be careful not to clamp the charger to your thumb.
rofl
Hi will this charger work on my AGM leisure battery in my camper van ? If so what setting do you recommend just the AGM light light or AGM and recond
HI. The MXS 5.0 is recommended for all types of lead acid batteris (including AGM) from 1,2Ah up to 160Ah. If you wan to charge an AGM I recommend the CAR + AGM setting. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
Great tutorial. I have 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel AGM battery. The setting is Car+AGM, I assume? I also bought the CTEK part that plugs into the cigarette lighter port. Is there a video on proper use with that CTEK part available?
Thank you for your kind words. Yes - the setting should be CAR + AGM. You can use the CONNECT CIG PLUG to charge through the cigarette lighter port - But please check if the port works when the ignition is turned off. Many vehicles turns this port off after some few minutes in order not to drain the battery. You can test this by charging your phone from the port. If that works, you can use the port to charge through as well. We do not have a video for this for now. It is on the to-do list. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers QUESTION: Which buttons should I press for a longterm trickle charge? I've been using my CTEK charger for four years with excellent results. Then I touched the wrong buttons and messed it up. Is the car symbol the ONLY button for a longterm trickle charge? Good condition battery, not stop-start, 1969 Alfa.
@@raypurchase801 As far as I understand, normal car mode will end up in a trickle charge automatically when its gone through the various programs.
@@Svenna Agreed and THANKS, and my car has been on "trickle" between journeys for years, all very happily. Then one day I discovered the battery had completely discharged itself and was flat. I assume I'd inadvertently touched a wrong button on the last time I'd plugged it in. Played around with it, got it working OK. I must've done something right, there's been no trouble since.
Hi, for EFB Start&Stop batteries, should you set Normal and AGM mode or the simple Normal mode? Thanx in advance.
Hi. As long as the battery manufacturer doesn't state that you should use higher voltage - We recommend to use NORMAL setting. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello CTEK! Just bought a MXS 5.0 and its working great. I just wonder if its safe to have the MXS connected and charging while trying to start the vehicle, or must the charger be disconnected first?
Hi,
Thank you for reaching out! 😊
Yes that will work and you don't have to disconnect it.
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thanks for the help, you do good work answering everyones questions! 🤠👍
Hi I have this model is it best to leave in recond setting plus is it powerful enough to power Mercedes 3ltr diesel, it was left a long while all lights were on but battery was flat when I turned car over cheers
Hi. Only use RECOND mode once or twice a year on wet batteries (not GEL or AGM) Better to use CAR mode for long term charge. Best regards CTEK Support
what is the difference between connecting the black lead to the negative terminal of the battery and the ground/earth in the chassis? arent both negative and chassis already connected in a car?
Hi, Both ways will work perfectly for charging the battery - how ever there is a BMS (Battery Mangement System) connected on the minus pole on the battery on many newer vehicles, and if that BMS is not within the circuit whilst charging, the vehicle will not "see" the charge and the electronic systems within the vehicle will not work as good, as they "know" that the battery is flat. This could lead to malfunctioning and increase of CO" emissions. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
I just purchased one of these for my rarely used crz .can I connect the comfort clamps to the battery terminals & leave them there permanently? Then just plug in the charger with the leads/ plugs provided & keep it plugged in ??
Hi. Yes, that works fine. Connect the permanent eyelets to the recommended charge points and leave connected all the time. Please keep cable away from sharp edges and hos surfaces. I hope this will help. Best regards CTEK Support
Is it okay not removing the negative battery terminal while in recondition mode by ctek ?
Hi,
Yes that will be fine as long as the vehicle manufacturer doesn't specify anything else.
For further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ and we'll help you from there.
Have a nice day! 😊
Hi, even after fully charging with my current CTEK Multi 3600, my 2010 F10 BMW battery struggles to start. Will buying the CTEK MXS 5.0 and using the AGM and Recond options help to fully charge the battery and make sure it keeps the charge? Thanks
Hi, It is nice to hear that a charger that expired 2009 is still working fine. It is hard to know why the battery struggles to start. It could be a worn out battery or cold weather or combined. If the battery is a wet type of lead acid, (Not AGM, Not GEL) RECOND mode will help. MXS 5.0 is a more advanced charger and will provide with up to 5A instead of 3.6A so it will be kinder to the battery. I hope this will help you. Best regards CTEK Support
you wrote on the comment that do not use recond mode on AGMs. but on your video theres mixed program that offers vehicle+AGM+recond..... so are u saying dont do this? i am bit confused
Hi. AGM do not get stratified - so RECOND will not gain the battery as it will if the battery was wet. However there are some discussions from battery manifacturers that AGM benify from a higher voltage from time to time. My recommendation is to check what you battery manufacturer recommend. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, I have an error on mine, when i press the car charging, and the car simble lights up after a about 30 seconds it comes off the car charging and the power button just flashes. any suggestions as i cant find what to do anywhere on the net. ? cheers
Thank god someone got back to you
When removing the Ctek, should you remove first the clamps or the conector cabel?
Hi. We recommend to fors disconnect from mains, after that it doesn't matter. You disconnect the way that works well for you. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, Volvo V60 2020 model, two AGM batteries with start/stop function. Which model should I choose? MXS 5.0 or CT5 start/stop? Thank U for ur advice!
Hi! If your AGM batteries have a recommended charge voltage of 14.7V, we'd recommend getting the MXS 5.0 and use the AGM mode. If the recommended charge voltage is lower (14.4V), you can use either the MXS 5.0 or the CT5 START/STOP.
I charge my Landcruiser battery once a month and as ambients are often over 30 degrees celcius the charger gets fairly hot so I trickle charge on the motorbike setting. I assume the bigger battery is charged slowly or perhaps not enough. Your opinion would be welcome. Great to hear the English accent on RUclips. What town is the speaker from. Regards Peter
Hi, thank you for reaching out!
Yes, that's not a problem! 😊 It's going to take longer time though!
Have a great day! ☀
They didn't say in their reply but I can tell from his accent that he is Welsh
Can you use the CTEK MXS 5.0 charger on a trailer? Specifically, I have two AGM batteries connected in parallel and they need to be maintained, without overcharging, when my trailer is not in use for a month or more. Would I connect the charger to one battery and assume that the tandem connection will service both batteries?
Hi!
Thank you for reaching out! 😊
This would work as long as the combined AH is less than the chargers max rating.
I would advise you to connect the positive to one battery and the negative to the other.
Hey ctek I have a ve ss ute and don’t use it often do I just plug this in while fitted to the car and walk away? And ready to use
Hi. The charger can be connected to the recommended charge points for months and months without risk harming the battery or the car. However, we recommend you to make sure the green light on the upper row is lit ( = fully charged battery) before leaving it unattended for longer periods of time. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thank you so much for the reply! Will do
I’m storing my BMW G20 M340i for the winter and just bought this to trickle charge. Can you tell me if I should connect it directly to the battery in the trunk or to the contacts under the hood? I’m seeing some people say contacts under hood and others saying directly to battery in trunk so I’m a bit confused.
Thank you for choosing CTEK! In order to keep the BMS (Battery Management System) in the loop whilst charging, we recommend to connect to the recommended charge points according to vehicle manual and not directly to the battery. The charge will be as good but the systems in the car will have the information needed. Please go for the contacts under the hood. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thank you.
Hello CTEK Support, can I use Mxs 5.0 Polar on a BMW X5 30d G05 model (prod. 2023) for charging and to keep it connected for longer time during the winter to maintain the battery ? Thank you
Hi! Do you know what battery type and size you have?
@@CTEKBatteryChargers I'll ask broader question, for other people that might have same issue and different setup, so I checked and there can be two different setups:
1. AGM starter battery in the luggage compartment with 90 Ah or 105 Ah
2 a) Auxiliary AGM battery in the engine compartment with 60 Ah
OR
2 b) Lithium ion auxiliary battery in the engine compartment with 10 Ah
so is Mxs 5.0 Polar going to work with both setups [1. and 2a)] and [1. and 2b)] as I asked above ? Thank you
1. Yes the MXS 5.0 POLAR would work
2a. Yes the MXS 5.0 POLAR would work
2b. No, you would have to get a dedicated Lithium charger, like the LITHIUM XS.
Alternatively you could get a CS ONE, which could charge all of the above, without you having to choose different modes for the different types of batteries.
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thank you guys!
Hi, for the MXS 5.0, for my Mercedes 2008 W221 S300L,
1. Connect the CTEK clamps directly to the battery or
2. Need to disconnect the battery connections in advance and charge the battery individually
Please advise
Hi,
Thank you for your message! 😊
You can keep the battery in the car but you should not connect it directly to the battery terminals but rather on the designated charge points.
If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further.
Have a great day! ☺
I just bought battery charger from ctek can i leave it conected to the battery if it is full or do i need to take it off because i am not driving the car at the moment
Hi, As soon as the battery charger informs you that the battery is fully charged (Green light on the upper row) you can leave it unattended for longer periods of time - still connected to the battery. This will keep the battery in good condition until you can drive your car again. Best regards CTEK Support
My ctek mxs 5.0 does not have the AGM setting but a frost setting instead. Can I use it on a stop/start VW Golf?
Hi, Yes, you can use your MXS 5,0 for your Start Stop vehicle. Please use the frost setting. Best regards CTEK Support
Which mode should I turn it into if I need to leave my car for around 2months. May I know what is the AGM mode for?
Leave it in normal mode - its fully automatic so will look after the battery long term.....The AGM is for some of the AGM type batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat)
I have a EFB battery and my car has start/stop technology, do I select the AGM mode also or does the normal car mode cater for start/stop technology too?
Hi Michael!
The AGM mode charges at a slightly higher voltage, but the Normal mode will still work well for you. If you are unsure about the optimal charging voltage for your particular battery, the Normal mode will be a good option.
Hi, I have just bought CTEK MXS 5.0 BATTERY CHARGER from Amazon UK. Which mode should I use to charge EFB+ start/stop battery on 2.0 litre VW Tiguan?
HI, Thank you for choosing CTEK! I recommend you to use CAR mode, this will fully charge the battery fast and safe. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers I was told to use AGM mode for EFB batteries (cars having i-Stop)?
@@jgloc25 Hi. Both AGM mode and normal CAR mode works fine for EFB batteries. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello ctek questions for you
1. What if i dont know what my battery (agm or recon)is as it does not say on the battery face what setting should i put it?
2. How do i know if the ctek is trickeling? Or how do i put it to trickcle vs fully charging it?
3. Its winter where i am i plan to go in and out ..is it advised if i park and will not use the car for 1 day or 2 days should i connect it to the ctek? Or its only advisable to do it only when it will not be used in more then how many days?
4. What will happend if i set it to the motor cycle icon when its a vehicle im using it for will it charge less / trickle much slower ? Will it damage my car?
5. Is it better to disconnect the battery terminals and have the battery alone on the growund connected to the ctek will it do the same thing as if it was with the terminals meaning will it not over use or fry the computer components of the csr if i just remove the battery?
Thank you forbthevanswers and howbu explain them to others ..your company should be happy u guys are fully detailed.
Hi,
Thank you for your message! 😊
It's safer in that case to use the "Normal mode".
It will always first fully charge the battery and then at step 7 and 8 maintenance charging it.
It will not hurt to charge the battery even if its just for a day.
It will only charge with 0,8A which could damage bigger batteries and not be able to fully charge them.
We would advise you to leave the battery in the car and connect the charger on the vehicle's designated spots and not directly on the battery.
If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further.
Have a great day! ☺
Also does it indicate when fully charged? Does it cut off and restart when needed, if left on permanently? I’m confused 😐
Hi, Yes on all questions! When fully charged - a green light on the upper row will show. It will restart as soon as voltage drops below 95% of fully charged - and it can be connected for months and months without harming the battery or the electronic components connected to it. Just make sure the green light for fully charged is lit before leaving it for a longer period of time. Good luck Best regards CTEK Support
What is the minimum required volt reading on the battery for this charger to work?
The charger will start up if the battery voltage is higher than 2V. A lead acid battery is empty of energy at 11.8V so 2V is extremlely discharged. The 2V limit makes the charger spark free and reverse polairty protected. Best regards CTEK Support
I have a Start/Stop EPB+ battery and am about to purchase the MXS 5.0.
What setting should I charge the above battery at, Normal (car symbol) or AGM?
Thanks in advance.
Hi! We would recommend to use the AGM mode if the battery manufacturer advice that you charge with 14.7V. Otherwise, use the normal mode.
HI, sorry for a late reply. I recommend you to use the CAR symbol. Best regards CTEK Support
Can you use the Ctek car battery charger like a phone power point battery charger as I have no garage or driveway?
Hi,
Thank you for reaching out to us! 😊
The CS FREE can be used off grid and without a power source.
Question - what do you do when the standy mode light flashes? I connected both plugs to the battery ( ie positive to positive etc ) then connected it all up, switched on at mains, set it up for car recon then the light flashes and stays flashing for ages. What do I do?
HI, If the power on light starts to blink, this is a sign that the charger can not find the battery. This could be due to poor connection or to a battery that is discharged to less than 2V ( the limit to make the charger spark free and reverse polarity protected) A battery is stated empty when voltage is lower than 11.8V so 2V is extremly discharged. Please check the connections and try again. If the charger still doesn't start you need to find a way to raise the voltage over the 2V limit. The MXS 5.0 do not have the SUPPLY mode to do so. Best regards CTEK Support
What is SUPPLY mode?
Hi.. which mode should I use for charging Harley Davidson motorcycle?
Hi, That depends on the battery mounted in the motorcycle. If the battery is below 14Ah big, you should use MC mode if it is 14Ah or bigger you can use MC or CAR mode, both works fine. Now to the type of battery - if you have an AGM battery, also use the AGM mode. ( MC+AGM, CAR + AGM) if you don't know if you have an AGM - just use MC or CAR, that will work fine! Good Luck! Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, I have a question about the confort accessory 56-263. I read on your page it work on the 12v sockets which feeds power with the dash turned off.. My car have both cigarettes lighter and boot auxiliary socket. I read they could stay active for a certain amount of time ( 15 or 30 minutes) then they would shut down.
Is this a problem for the recharge of the battery via the Confort accessory?
Will the recharge continue or not? Thanx in advance.
Best regards
Hi. Thank you for contacting us. Many modern vehicles turnes off the 12V socket after some minutes in order not to drain the battery. This makes it impossible to charge the battery through that socket. Some vehicles have other 12V sockets in the back seat or so that are open. You can try to charge your phone through the outputs when ignition is turned off. If that works after a longer time, you can use the socket to charge. If not, I recommend you to use the clamps or connect eyelets mounted on the recommended charge points. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thanx so much, I'll try it.
Last question, is it a problem buying today a product built in 2018(battery charger)? The store has 2018 batch items. I mean will it last years event if it's 5 years old, or is it near the end of its life even brand new?Thanx
@@muaythai4lifelife Hi. Thank you for getting back to us. I would not consider a product from 2018 a problem as long as the product has not expired for some reason. You will still get 5 years of warranty for most products and 2 year for more professional products. If it is a MXS 5,0 I can't see any disadvantages to have a charger from 2018. Keep track of your receipt if you need to use the warranty. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers perfect thanks so much.
Can the comfort connectors be left attached to the leisure battery while it is in use?
I'm considering this product as a quick and easy way of charging when staying in a campsite with EHU
Hi, Yes as long as the connectors are correctly installed and kept away from heat and sharp edges it will work perfectly fine! CTEK Support
Hi. I own the CTEK MXS 5.0. Can i use the "recon." function wen the battery is connected on the car?
Hi, Yes! All CTEK chargers are made to be electronic safe all the time and can be used in all modes whilst still connected to the vehicle. Please note that AGMs and GELs should not be RECONDed, all other types of lead acid batteries can be RECONDed once or twice a year. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thanks for your answer and your time.
Can I connect the CTEK to a Powerbank, so that I recharge the battery every few weeks/months over the winter?
Hi, that works fine, as long as you have a power bank that offers 230V (or 110V if you are in the US) and up to 150W. which is needed to start up the MXS 5,0. I can also recommend the CS FREE. A charger and a power bank - all in one. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi.
I am planning to buy this charger for my car and leave it alone for months, as the particular car is used only for recreation.
We have power blackouts from time to time here in my shed where the car is parked
Will the charger remember the last selected mode and start charging by itself when the power is up again?
Thx
Hi!
Yes, the charger remembers the last mode that was selected and will start charging again :)
Do u charge the ctek device before u can use it?
Hi,
Thank you for your message! 😊
The MXS 5.0 does not have a built in battery and therefor needs to be connected to mains when charging the battery.
If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further.
Have a great day! ☺
Hi. I need a solution for two things. Keep my car battery charged at the garage all by itself, and supply power for sound tuning tests. Do you have such a thing?
Hi. If the battery is a lead acid battery, you need to prevent it from selfdischarge, so you need a charger connected. Depending on the size of the battery I can recommend the MXS 5,0 (1,2 Ah up to 160Ah) or the new CS ONE (3Ah up to 180Ah). When talking about power supply, you need to know how much amp needed. We have chargers providing supply current from 10 A up to 120A. Recommended chargers with supply function is the MXS 10, PRO 25. PRO 120. Best regards CTEK Support
Is there any issue if i switch the car and engine on while the ctek is connected and charging? Thank you
Hi, No, No issues at all. You can start the car whilst the charger is connected without risk harming the car or the charger. Just remember to disconnect the charger before driving away. Best regards CTEK Support
I've just bought an old 1972 bike... what does "AGM" mean? Do I have to use it?
Hi. AGM is a type of lead acid battery that often require a bit higher voltage. If you don't know what type of battery you have - don't use AGM mode! Best regards CTEK Support
AGM = Absorptive Glass Mat
It's very normally charger.. I have try his fuction but is not better of my charger optimate 4
Hi, may I know the duration of the recon programme for a sports bike?
Hi. The duration depends on the state of health of the battery, RECOND will go gon for 2 or 6 hours, but before that, the charger will fully charge the battery, and that takes as long time as usual depending on the size of the battery and off course how discharged the battery is. Best regards CTEK Support
Does this charger works on lithium batteries ? I hace a 458 Italia and im looking if this would help me , if not do you guys have one charger model that works on lithium bat? Any help IS welcome
Best thing to do would be upgrade to a 488.
You have probably noticed by now, but CTEK does make a charger specifically for Lithium batteries. smartercharger.com/collections/vehicle/products/ctek-lithium-us
Can you leave the car cables connected to the battery when using this charger?
Hi, Yes, All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and will not harm the electronics in the car when the battery is still connected. So - safe and easy to use. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thanks
Hi, I’m charging a sports bike at the moment no problem. The other bike won’t take a charge & after 2 mins the machines green light flashes to say in stand by mode. Does this mean the battery is dead for good? Should an error light come on to tell me the battery is beyond repair?
Hi. The blinking POWER ON led means that the charger can't find the battery. It could be due to a poor connection or due to low voltage (less than 2V) in the battery, This limit is what makes the charger spark proof and reverse polarity protected,A battery is empty of energy at 11,8 so 2V is extremely discharged. The battery can be good - but too empty so the error light does not go on. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers thank you for a speedy reply 🙏🏻
can i use "recond" with in-battery ? ( battery in the car )
HI, Yes, CTEK chargers are electronic safe and will not , ever , harm the electronic components in the car when charging. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, do you happen to have a 220V version?
Hi. There is a 220V version of the MXS 5,0. Also called MXS 5,0. Please go to www.ctek.com and choose the MXS 5,0 and you will have more information. Best regards CTEK Support
While I was charging my battery, with recond option on, I went to check on it after a few hours and just at that moment I noticed it jumped from 6 back to 3. Is this normal ?
HI, this can happen if there is a big consumer active whilst charging, or if the battery is in very poor condition. If you are unsure of the battery state of health, I recommend you to get the battery tested. Best regards CTEK Support
Enough power to charge DIN55 battery?
Hi, Yes the MXS 5.0 is made for all lead acid batteries up to 160Ah. Best regards CTEK Support
Is it possible to charge the battery once a day for 30 min so I can have my battery enough charged after 4 months??
Hi, Yes, if you only have the possibility to charge 30 minutes every day, that is a good solution. The charger will keep fill the battery until it is full. If you could charge 1 hour every two days, or 7 hours in a weekend that would probably be better but it is always better to charge than not to. Best regards CTEK Support
Tnx for the reply. I bought one because of Quick respons.
@@promisa100 Ohhh! Thank you! That was very nice information! Best regards CTEK Support
Does this charger remember the last mode? So if I switch it off.....Then later switch it back on.
Hi, Yes it does! No matter if you disconnect from battery or/and mains, it will start up in the last used mode. Best regards CTEK Support
Can a battery be charged while still in the car? Earlier chargers require the positive battery terminal to be removed so as not to damage alternator diodes.
HI. All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and can be used with the battery still mounted in the vehicle. You don' t have to disconnect the positive terminal before charging. Connect the positive, red clamp, to the positive pole on the battery, and the black negative clamp to chassis, or according to vehicle manual. Best regards CTEK Support
What happen if I need to terminate the process mid way? Will it damage my battedy?
Hi. No you can disconnect at any time! Just keep charging when you have the possibility again. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers how do I disconnect? Should i remove plug from the wall first and then the clamps? Which comes off first? Black?
@@prajp9795 Hi again, it really doesn't matter. But take black first. or just disconnect in the quick connector - and you don't need to disconnect the clamps at all! Good Luck Best regards, CTEK Support
Can this be used for EFB Varta car battery
Yes, It works perfect for all types of lead acid batteries, as the Varta EFB. Good Luck. Best regards CTEK Support
I cycled through the modes but it’s now stuck on small battery with AGM and Recond but I need normal battery. Pressing the mode button doesn’t do anything. Any suggestions?
Hi, If you can't change mode by pressing the mode button - the charger is most likely broken. If it is within the 5 year warranty, I recommend you to take the charger back to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Hi and many thanks for the reply. It’s just 7 years old so out-with the warranty but I managed to fix it by opening it and using WD40 on the switch and repeatedly pressing / turning it. Hopefully live in it yet!
Be helpful to connect the charger to the car battery when it's in the car!
The green indikator keeps blinking. No are lights show. The mode button too doesn't work
I got 3 M300 and the "starter"device, which I surprisingly found totally dead. The "Starter" should save my mot- bike batt over winter season. Now, batt and charger are scrap. Sorry, but I want let you know, that I never buy C-Tec again, after 2 of the 3 M300s had failures, too.
HI. Sorry to hear that your chargers doesn't work any more. Good thing is that they come with 5 years warranty, so if they are within the warranty time I recommend you to take them back to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Hi and thanks for the advice. I already had one of the M300 off for about 6 weeks, which came back as a refurbished one, I guess. Don't want to spent anytime anymore with CTec repair-service. I am going to sell them as defective items to a person, who perhaps is enthusiastic about CTec as I was in the beginning.
@@hennerschmidt5964 Sorry to hear that. I wish you good luck with your batteries in the future. Sorry for the poor CTEK experience. Best regards CTEK Support
Hi, so what if you just left it on permanently, say for a month or more , can it not overcharge the battery and risk a fire? Always a worry of mine when charging car battery’s. I want to buy this straight away just need to know that small bit of info, thanks!
Hi, CTEK chargers got a patented maintenance mode that will ensure the battery will not be overcharged OR discharged too low. Just make sure the green light for fully charged on the upper row is lit before leaving it for a longer period of time. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers how do i make sure the green light is lit?
@@RapatipatooO Just wait until the battery is fully charged! Then the green ligth will be lit.CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers My car has a 12v socket in the trunk, can i use that to charge the battery with the ctek? Also where my car is parked theres no power outlet and i dont want to take the battery with me, is there any other solution to trickle charge cars where theres no power outlet near?
@@RapatipatooO Hi, Yes, if the 12V socket is live all the time, there will be contact to the battery and you can charge. You will need to have the Connect Cig Plug. Good Luck Best regards CTEK Support
What does it mean when the green led light is blinking?
Hi, If the green "power on" LED is blinking, this tells you that the charger can't find the battery. This can happen if the clamps is not fitted correct to the charging points - or if the battery is discharged to less than 2V. A battery is empty of energy at 11,8V so 2V is extremely low. This 2V threshold makes the charger spark free and reversed polarity protected. I hope this helps Best regards CTEK Support
0:44 Why can't you connect the negative lead to the negative terminal of the battery? Why do you have to use the bodywork?
Hi, The reason is that many vehicles today has got a BMS (Battery Management System) connected on the negative pole on the battery to make sure the engine rolls as little as possible to save CO2 emissions and to make the electronics in the car works as planned. If you connect the negative clamp to the negative pole the battery will get fully charged but the BMS will not "see" the charge, still working as the battery was discharged, which leads to more fuel consumption higher emissions and electronics not working as planned. If you connect to the bodywork the BMS will "see" the charge and systems works as they should. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thanks
I've just bought one today, when I set on the mode, it disappears after a few seconds, is this normal
Hi. If the charger is connected to the battery and to mains, and you can choose mode and it disappear , there is something wrong. If the charger is connected only to the battery and the choosen mode disappear, the reason could be that the voltage in the battery is lower than 2V (the limit making the charger spark free and reverse polarity protected - a battery is stated empty at 11,8V so 2V is extremely discharged) Try to reconnect the charger some times to activate the voltage - it might help. Best regards CTEK Support
When I press the mode button, the LED just loops singly through the 4 modes. I cannot select normal-recond simultaneously, just recond on its own, or normal on its own.
Is my charger faulty? I bought it in 2012, but it has never been able to select dual modes like normal-recond.
Hi, From the description, I would say that your charger is broken. If it is bought 2012, the 5 year warranty is not valid. Sorry - but we can't help you with this. Best regards CTEK Support
I found the user manual for this and it is the way this one works apparently.
It must have been changed sometime since 2012.
You can switch between four modes only.
The recond option is only for normal car batteries.
@@jerrymcg3199 Hi again, my mistake! I thought the lights where moving without pressing the mode button. If you have a MXS 5,0 with a black MODE button, it is the earlier version without the possibility to multi choose programs. If you can choose one program at the time, the charger works as it should. RECOND is, like you write, recommended for wet lead acid batteries, bigger than 14Ah. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers That sounds right thanks.
But the charger is only working as it should after I sprayed the Mode switch with cleaner, since it had developed the dreaded fault where pressing the mode switch did not change the setting.
@@jerrymcg3199 if you can't change mode by pressing the mode button, the charger is developing a fault, it will not be better - sorry for that. Best regards CTEK Support
Hello, as i know is not good to recond AGM battery.
Hi,
Thank you for reaching out! 😊
It is correct that you shouldn't use recond mode with agm batteries.
Have a nice day! 😊
Thank you for the information,♥️♥️ brother. I have this charger, but I am upset with it. It did not charge me any direct battery. It moves to step 4 after an hour, step 7 and then the charging is complete. But without any result, does the dsulfator feature work or is it just a fake charger?➡️📌➡️📌➡️
Hi. Good thing you contact us if you are upset with the unit - so we can help! There are many reasons to why a battery doesn't get as charged as we expect. One is that the charger is broken - not very often - but it happens. Another is that the battery has been left uncharged for a long time or standing still without any charger connected to it. If you want us to dig deeper into this - please write an explanation of the problem to support@ctek.com Best regards CTEK Support
If I charge a battery that's in a car, do I have to disconnect the red connector of the car?
HI, No - All CTEK chargers are electronic safe, and you can have the battery connected to the vehicle whilst charging. Connect the charger according to the recommendations in the vehicle manual. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers This is awesome!
@@MasterGPA Thank you! Glad you like it! CTEK Support
Maybe I'm just not understanding this right... So I'm NOT supposed to connect the black end to the negative terminal if the battery is still connected to the car? Where am I supposed to put it then?
Hi. This might be a long answer. To connect the black clamp to negative pole on the battery will get the battery charged. If you have a Start Stop vehicle there is a BMS (Battery Management System) mounted on the negative pole and the negative clamp need to be connected so the BMS is in the circuit - between the red and the black clamps. This is needed so the system is aware of the charge status of the battery. This will make your systems work as they should and minimize CO2 emissions. I hope this clarifies. Check vehicle manual for recommended charge points or jump start points or something similar. If you can't find information. Connect to a metal space without paint, that is ground. Often there is a - mark somewhere under the bonnet. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Thank you! My vehicle does not have start/stop. So, if I understand correctly, just clamping onto the terminals should work? And it will maintain the battery while the car sits over winter months?
@@Mr-Bogs Correct! To be sure, you can look at the negative pole on the battery, if there is a small black box connected close to it, the car got a BMS. But it isn't likely if it is not a start stop. Best regards CTEK Support
Safe to recond battery while connected in car?
Buongiorno ho una batteria 🔋 scarica e volevo provare a caricarla con mxs 5.0. La batteria è da 15 AH topologia: AGM e attualmente misura 11,4 V . Volevo provare con modalità Recond ma chiedo un tuo
Consiglio su come è meglio procedere con Questa batteria 🔋
Hi! You should not use the Recond mode for an AGM battery. Please use the regular charging mode or the AGM mode to charge your battery.
do we need to remove the battery from the car in any charging mode
Hi - Not at all! All CTEK chargers are electronic safe and will not in any charge mode harm the battery or the electronic equipment connected to the battery. It is also safe for you as the user. Just keep the battery in the vehicle and charge, Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Dear CTEK.. could I use the CTEK Comfort Connect - Clamp to charge the battery in the vehicle ? or I must use the CTEK Comfort Connect - Eyelet M6 ?
Hi - It is perfectly safe to use either method to charge in the vehicle
When I connect mine up it’s making a fizzing sound.
Anyone know why?
Hi,
Thank you for your message! 😊
Depending on the age and condition they can make some slight electrical sounds.
If you have further questions, please contact us at support.ctek.com/ or email us at support@ctek.com and we will help you further.
Have a great day! ☺
why can the black not be connected to the - on the battery?
Hi Mary Ellis. The battery will be perfect charged if you connect to the battery! The issues is - if your car is quite new and equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS)- that you need to connect to chassi to make the BMS notice that the battery has been charged. The BMS is dialoguing with the vehicle computers to make the vehicle work as good as possible. And if the vehicle believes that the battery is empty, the alternator will run more and create more CO2 than needed, other functions might not be working as good as planned. I hope this explains. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers Ah ok my car is 1998 and is not driven very often I have a small battery float charger but I don't know if its good enough
@@CTEKBatteryChargers My Porsche Cayman 2014 is right hand steering, therefore the negative chassi is far from the battery. Is it ok to use negative battery direct ? Thanks.
@@carmaniacable Hi. I would not recommend to connect directly to negative pole on the battery. The reason is the BMS (battery management system) that constantly reads the State of Charge at the negative pole. If you connect directly to negative pole on the battery - the BMS will not "see" the charge and keep informing the vehicle computers that the battery is undercharged - even if it is fully charged, this can lead to electronic systems that doesn't work as well as they could. Check vehicle manual for recommended charge points or find chassi points closer to the battery. Good luck. Best regards CTEK Support
oh wow, how can you not show progress of the charging and indication when its fully charged, I mean you are show cassing battery charger, going through all that should be intuitive. But still good show, will probably buy it.
EDIT. OK I am retarded, theres more videos. Yeah I am buying this, swedes should know how to deal with cold weather that I am facing
everyone says connect to battery first, but no one says WHY!!!!!!!!
Hi, this is how to to it in a safe way according to old school! Howevre this is not as important with an intelligent charger as the CTEK models. Best regards CTEK Support
If you look at the overall offerings for charging batteries, the CTEK form factor is more suited to in-vehicle battery charging. So, please showcase your products in connecting and charging batteries in-vehicle. Some auto manufacturers (like Cadillac for example) bury the battery in the trunk without easy access, and if exposed by dismantling the trunk, you cannot connect directly to the POS post because it is covered by a sensor housing or power distribution block. For higher end vehicles, more often than not you can gain access to the vehicle side of the battery current sensor rather than the battery POS itself.
If I am required to remove the battery from vehicle before charging, like in the video demonstration, the CTEK chargers really cannot compete with a heavy duty fast shop chargers from a company like Associated Equiment (US based), which is considered "dumb" but will fast charge and desulfate quickly due to its very high current capability (80 Amps). So once you require removal or direct access to the battery (in vehicle but disconnected), I can use vurtually any charger without regard to in-vehicle charging requirements, like noise and overvoltage.
For vehicles with batteries in the trunk there are not any real "Charging Posts", there is only underhood jump start posts. Also, many vehicle users guides do not provide guidence on battery charging specifically, and focus only on how to use the jump start posts to jump start the vehicle if it will not start. Selecting and installing in-vehicle charging equipment is not directly addressed from the OEMs.
The question CTEK should answer is how to connect and effectively use jump start posts to charge a battery in-vehicle. Then how to connect to a battery in-vehicle in the trunk that uses a current sensor to estimate battery SOC. Obviously, instructions should be given on how to connect and use eyelets and a connector pigtail to easily connect the charger in-vehicle (polarized connector), but this would required automotive grade wire like GXL ratings and a way to seal the connector with a boot when disconnected if placed underhood. So in vehicle installation is not for the untrained.
Also, many battery charger SOC (internal impedance CCA) estimating algorithms get confused when analyzing a battery from jump start posts (for many reasons). So sophisticated diagnostic charger algorithms are not useful in-vehicle when using jump start posts. Also, with current control only, it is possible to overvolt modules when using jump start posts.
Many owners of luxury vehicles that have high sleep current, or long delays before sleeping in running auxiliary equipment, will find that it is best to try and charge the battery everyday when the vehicle is not being driven for an extended period of time (relative to battery SOC and required charge time), especially in the winter time.
A full charging cycle for car batteries is much longer than people realize. That is, on the order of 8 to 12 hours depending on the starting SOC. Also interesting, is when you compare a normal car battery charge profile relative to drive time (charge time) for a daily commute. You quickly realize that car starting batteries are potentially never fully charged ever without the use of a battery charger to top off the battery. I think at best Alternators (regulator) attempts to bulk charge at a max of 0.2 C rate. Rearly, do they actually reach an absorbtion charge phase unless the car is driven for several hours, especially in the winter time.
Hi - Thanks for your comments and insight - we are looking to produce some short videos on in vehicle charger connection.....watch this space!
Hi, I just bought the new CTEK MXS 5,, to my surprice the connection do not fit my older CTEK wire connection-How stupid is that, now I have to buy new wires to both my cars and my ATV. Is that consumer friendly, and the environment has a new load to deal with, when I must discharge of the old connectid wires.Obviously CTEK do not care the least about our planet
Dear Sir, We changed the connections back in 2010, so it is really nice to hear that they still work. The new model is safer. In order to be consumer friendly and environmentally friendly we mad an adapter to fit between the older and the newer connection. As it has been 12 years, i am not sure that we have any adapters in stock. Please write a mail to info@ctek.com and ask for an adapter between the older comfort connect system and the new connect system on you MXS 5.0. Best regards CTEK Support
They work fine straight from the box but their working life is not too flash. My 25 amp Ctek charging my caravan batteries lasted 2 years. This unit came with a smaller quick start charger which died trying to charge a motorcycle battery. Today I noticed my MXS 5 unit shit itself and my vehicle dead flat so has been not working for a while as I've been driving another car lately. Ctek carry on about European technology but make them in China but the price does not reflect this. Seems to me when the warranty expires so does their chargers. Over priced and over rated. No more Ctek for me and I recommend people find another brand.
Hi, Sorry to hear that your charger didn't last long.MXS 5.0 comes with 5 years of warranty so I recommend you to return it to your dealer for help. Regarding the technology - the engineers and technicians are placed in Vikmanshyttan Sweden we also have engineers in China to make sure the quality is as high as we expect. Best regards CTEK Support
@@CTEKBatteryChargers 3 Ctek chargers and all of them dead. Sorry mate with me 3 strikes your out. I have an old charger in the shed from the 1980`s and still works fine. MXS 5 sells for $250 in Australia and the larger 25 amp charger for around 600. If I'm getting something made to Chinese standards I may as well jump on eBay and pay around $35 instead of $250 and when it dies just throw it in bin and say oh well it was cheap and you get what you for. Instead I'm feeling ripped off thinking I payed good money for a quality product and that isn't the case.
@@unclefester I wish you all the best with your other chargers! CTEK Support
Stupid charger. You don't want it to be spark-free; you want to be able to see when you have got a good connection. This is especially true if you're not connecting to the battery but relying on an earth coming from under the bonnet.
Additionally, people want to be able to trickle charge and charge at different amp levels. Just offering the one amp level is lousy.
HI. Instead of having a spark that might ignite gasses round the battery - the charger start to charge as soon as there is contact, and it will also tell you if there is no contact ( power on led will blink)A lot safer than a spark. Most people have a car, with a battery sized somewhere between 50-100Ah - it is good to choose a charger that will fully charge as soon as you want, but if you have over night - a 5A charger will fully charge most batteries discharged to about 50%, . Best regards CTEK Support
Quality of this product is very poor. Please see experiences on internet. Battery charger Mode button fault usually after 3years and it is worst and worst. I have the same experience with it. Repairing of this button by CTEK is more expensive than the new one charger (LOL :-D). Definitely the products of this company are not recommended.
Hi. Thank you for your feed back. In some cases components within the charger, for example the mode button fails after some years of usage - as soon as we get this information we update and correct. It is hard to correct before we know something is wrong. To have a charger that doesn't work is always a disappointment for the user and for that we are sorry. How ever we have 5 years of warranty on most of our consumer chargers so even if you got one out of less than 1% malfunctioning chargers - you have 5 years to get a new one. I recommend you to take the charger and the proof of purchase to your dealer for help. Best regards CTEK Support
Ctek is crap! They are great in the 1-2 years but do not last, when warranty is over they dont work anymore 🤬👎
A good thing that the warranty is 5 year on our consumer porudcts then! would be interesting to know what the problem is so I have something to answer to... Have a nice day. CTEK Support