Battery Tender Question
06-02-2012, 08:05 AM
#61
Le Mans Master
The GM Battery Protection Package might be the same shape as a Ctek and might even be a Ctek but the 3300 (and 7002) both have switches and more lights to indicate the manually selected mode. The GM branded unit does not.
06-02-2012, 01:06 PM
#62
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St. Jude Donor '13
I'm fairly certain that was a CTEK and it was more than one person who said they had that issue. But I have been unable to find the thread(s) quickly. From the CTEK 3300 manual: The other tenders don't have a switch so it isn't necessary nor even possible to manually change modes. They handle mode changes automatically based on the measured condition of the battery.
If it doesn't have a switch to change modes then it shouldn't be an issue but it also isn't a Ctek 3300.
The GM Battery Protection Package might be the same shape as a Ctek and might even be a Ctek but the 3300 (and 7002) both have switches and more lights to indicate the manually selected mode. The GM branded unit does not.
...
The GM Battery Protection Package might be the same shape as a Ctek and might even be a Ctek but the 3300 (and 7002) both have switches and more lights to indicate the manually selected mode. The GM branded unit does not.
...
BATTERY CHARGER
For lead-acid batteries up to 90 Ah
US 3300 CORVETTE
Model 1051
The manual cover has a picture of the exact unit that I received, with the Corvette logo and no switches/buttons.
It appears there is more than one version of the 3300.
06-02-2012, 01:27 PM
#63
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Jim, I agree with "AL." The 3300 that I got privately definitely has that big blue round button (soft) which is mode changer (not MOOD...
). If, when you disconnect the 3300, and then plug it back in and you DON'T reset it by pressing the round blue button, nothing happens. Meaning, nothing is charging. You/I will see a green light but that only means the power is on to the charger, not that the charger is working.
I found that out, fortunately, before I just let it sit there doing nothing but being plugged in. I do think this is a minor error in the instruction manual because I don't see it anywhere written.
As to yours, I do think it's a "modified" version of CTEK with what model designation I don't know. It works similar to what my former maintainer (different brand from CTEK) did: plug it in, and it starts working---no buttons to turn on, push or fuss with. This is simpler.
But what I don't know is how yours gets to the other "logos" I see which are different charging methods/vehicles, I think.
). If, when you disconnect the 3300, and then plug it back in and you DON'T reset it by pressing the round blue button, nothing happens. Meaning, nothing is charging. You/I will see a green light but that only means the power is on to the charger, not that the charger is working. I found that out, fortunately, before I just let it sit there doing nothing but being plugged in. I do think this is a minor error in the instruction manual because I don't see it anywhere written.
As to yours, I do think it's a "modified" version of CTEK with what model designation I don't know. It works similar to what my former maintainer (different brand from CTEK) did: plug it in, and it starts working---no buttons to turn on, push or fuss with. This is simpler.
But what I don't know is how yours gets to the other "logos" I see which are different charging methods/vehicles, I think.
06-02-2012, 01:36 PM
#64
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St. Jude Donor '13
Bill, I think the problem is that CTEK is making at least two "similar but not identical" chargers/maintainers, and calling them both a "3300". Mine is certainly identified as a 3300 both on the cover of the manual, and several times inside. Can't they at least use designations like 3300A, 3300B, etc?
They also make a 3300 with other car logos, the one I saw for Bentley had the other controls just like a "normal" 3300.
They also make a 3300 with other car logos, the one I saw for Bentley had the other controls just like a "normal" 3300.
06-02-2012, 04:02 PM
#65
Team Owner
If it doesn't have a switch to change modes then it shouldn't be an issue but it also isn't a Ctek 3300.
The GM Battery Protection Package might be the same shape as a Ctek and might even be a Ctek but the 3300 (and 7002) both have switches and more lights to indicate the manually selected mode. The GM branded unit does not.
The GM Battery Protection Package might be the same shape as a Ctek and might even be a Ctek but the 3300 (and 7002) both have switches and more lights to indicate the manually selected mode. The GM branded unit does not.
06-02-2012, 09:07 PM
#66
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St. Jude Donor '13
There is a difference.
The Corvette-marked 3300 is not as versatile; but it starts working automatically after a power interruption, and since you can't select a cold temp setting, you can't set it wrong.
Initially, I was annoyed that my Corvette version 3300 was missing some of the features on a "normal" 3300. After reading this thread, it seems like mine has some other advantages.
Nothing is perfect...
06-02-2012, 11:28 PM
#67
Team Owner
See post #62 and #63.
There is a difference.
The Corvette-marked 3300 is not as versatile; but it starts working automatically after a power interruption, and since you can't select a cold temp setting, you can't set it wrong.
Initially, I was annoyed that my Corvette version 3300 was missing some of the features on a "normal" 3300. After reading this thread, it seems like mine has some other advantages.
Nothing is perfect...
There is a difference.
The Corvette-marked 3300 is not as versatile; but it starts working automatically after a power interruption, and since you can't select a cold temp setting, you can't set it wrong.
Initially, I was annoyed that my Corvette version 3300 was missing some of the features on a "normal" 3300. After reading this thread, it seems like mine has some other advantages.
Nothing is perfect...
06-03-2012, 01:36 PM
#68
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St. Jude Donor '13
06-03-2012, 09:09 PM
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St. Jude Donor '13
OK, I'll bite on the hook.
Which one do you consider to be better?
The generic 3300 has more controls for charging different types of batteries at different temperatures.
The Corvette 3300 will automatically resume charging/maintaining after a power interruption, so you can leave it connected, go on vacation, and be confident your battery won't go dead while you're gone.
You'd think CTEK could make a unit that combines the two advantages.
Which one do you consider to be better?
The generic 3300 has more controls for charging different types of batteries at different temperatures.
The Corvette 3300 will automatically resume charging/maintaining after a power interruption, so you can leave it connected, go on vacation, and be confident your battery won't go dead while you're gone.
You'd think CTEK could make a unit that combines the two advantages.
06-03-2012, 09:54 PM
#71
Team Owner
Harbor Freight is having a sale on their float charger(#42292) for $5.99(reg $12.99) using the coupon in their flyer. I use them on my Z06, my 56 and my 64 and the mower. They work great as they do exactly the same thing as a hundred dollar unit does.....keeping the battery topped off without overcharging.
06-04-2012, 12:12 PM
#72
Team Owner
Harbor Freight is having a sale on their float charger(#42292) for $5.99(reg $12.99) using the coupon in their flyer. I use them on my Z06, my 56 and my 64 and the mower. They work great as they do exactly the same thing as a hundred dollar unit does.....keeping the battery topped off without overcharging.
06-04-2012, 12:12 PM
#73
Team Owner
OK, I'll bite on the hook.
Which one do you consider to be better?
The generic 3300 has more controls for charging different types of batteries at different temperatures.
The Corvette 3300 will automatically resume charging/maintaining after a power interruption, so you can leave it connected, go on vacation, and be confident your battery won't go dead while you're gone.
You'd think CTEK could make a unit that combines the two advantages.
Which one do you consider to be better?
The generic 3300 has more controls for charging different types of batteries at different temperatures.
The Corvette 3300 will automatically resume charging/maintaining after a power interruption, so you can leave it connected, go on vacation, and be confident your battery won't go dead while you're gone.
You'd think CTEK could make a unit that combines the two advantages.
06-04-2012, 03:44 PM
#74
Team Owner
