Quick questions re battery charger
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Quick questions re battery charger
Hi there. I have the Corvette charger hooked up in the frunk.
- Can I turn on the ignition to configure things with the charger hooked up and is it safe?
- Can I start and idle the vehicle with the charger hooked up to configure settings and is it safe?
Popular Reply
01-20-2024, 09:26 PM
Le Mans Master
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I have had my CTEK connected and started up my C8 numerous times with no issues...I also leave the frunk down but not latched so when you turn on the ignition it produces a warning screen on the DIC to let you know the frunk is open which is a good reminder not to back up with the charger still connected!
#2
Turning on the ignition will be fine. I think I would disconnect it before starting just to play it safe, but I accidentally started a different car while connected to a CTEK (just forgot to disconnect it) and it didn't hurt anything.
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Ron_Attleboro_MA (01-20-2024)
#3
Safety Car
I doubt it "disconnects it" as it is hard wired to battery typically. It won't hurt anything though as electricity flows with a difference of potential. Once the car is started the flow of electricity should be greater from the cars charging system than from the float charger.
#4
Burning Brakes
Great question. All I can find from CTEK is to not turn the ignition on with the charger plugged in (and on presumably).
#5
Le Mans Master
Every battery tender I've ever used was okay to leave on when starting the car. My CTEK owners' manual specifically says it will do no damage.
From CTEK: “Yes, we recommend that the charger is connected and switched on when you attempt to start the vehicle. Please make sure all consumers (Fan, headlights, wipers etc.) is turned off during the start attempt.”
From CTEK: “Yes, we recommend that the charger is connected and switched on when you attempt to start the vehicle. Please make sure all consumers (Fan, headlights, wipers etc.) is turned off during the start attempt.”
#6
Drifting
…I’ve killed multiple tenders from accidentally starting a car forgetting they were plugged in…anything from cheap harbor freight ones to Deltran Battery Tenders. Good thing about Deltran is the warranty and when I kill them, they’ll replace it during the warranty period…
I have no experience with the CTEK or OEM Corvette tender…
I have no experience with the CTEK or OEM Corvette tender…
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NorthernProducer (01-21-2024)
#8
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I use accessory mode all the time while still connected to my CTEK and have started the vehicle with it still connected forgetting it was connected (mine is in the rear hatch). No issues going on 7 years.
#9
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Any number of people report having forgotten the charger was connected and trying to drive off. Though some report other damage, I don't recall anyone noting electrical damage to their car or charger.
#10
I have done that. Now I leave a yellow sticky note inside the car reminding me.
#11
Le Mans Master
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I have had my CTEK connected and started up my C8 numerous times with no issues...I also leave the frunk down but not latched so when you turn on the ignition it produces a warning screen on the DIC to let you know the frunk is open which is a good reminder not to back up with the charger still connected!
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#12
2. No need to, see #1. Also never a good idea to just idle without bringing car up to operating temp.
#13
Tadda is right, MXS 5.0 is the best on the market. Better than OEM unit.
#14
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I have occasionally started my car with my OEM battery maintainer attached to the car. Not had any problems with doing that.
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MKC8 (01-21-2024)
#15
Racer
I have had my CTEK connected and started up my C8 numerous times with no issues...I also leave the frunk down but not latched so when you turn on the ignition it produces a warning screen on the DIC to let you know the frunk is open which is a good reminder not to back up with the charger still connected!
good advice there! I’d be that guy driving off without disconnecting the tender!
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tadda (01-21-2024)
#16
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Yes to both. I do it frequently
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MKC8 (01-21-2024)
#17
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Used to be there was a magnetic connector available. I used that on my CTS and my first C6. If you forgot, it would just drop off.
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MKC8 (01-21-2024)
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
Ha. When I had my 34’ Searay, I occasionally left the dock with shore power plugged in. Very embarrasing and my slip mate would not be happy as it would trip the shore power circuit breaker and defrost his fridge while I was cruising.
Last edited by jrthe1; 01-21-2024 at 05:16 PM.