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Quick questions re battery charger

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Old 01-20-2024, 10:12 AM
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jrthe1
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Default Quick questions re battery charger

Hi there. I have the Corvette charger hooked up in the frunk.
  1. Can I turn on the ignition to configure things with the charger hooked up and is it safe?
  2. Can I start and idle the vehicle with the charger hooked up to configure settings and is it safe?
Thanks.

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01-20-2024, 09:26 PM
tadda
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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!


Old 01-20-2024, 10:14 AM
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Red Mist Rulz
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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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Old 01-20-2024, 10:33 AM
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gliot1
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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.
Old 01-20-2024, 10:45 AM
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sprtplt
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Originally Posted by jrthe1
Hi there. I have the Corvette charger hooked up in the frunk.
  1. Can I turn on the ignition to configure things with the charger hooked up and is it safe?
  2. Can I start and idle the vehicle with the charger hooked up to configure settings and is it safe?
Thanks.
Great question. All I can find from CTEK is to not turn the ignition on with the charger plugged in (and on presumably).
Old 01-20-2024, 12:53 PM
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StanNH
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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.”
Old 01-20-2024, 01:28 PM
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BandDirector
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…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…
Old 01-20-2024, 04:07 PM
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HRDTOPC54FUN
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Have three vehicles with CETEK maintainer/chargers. Start them regularly connected.
Gave up on the Deltrans.
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Old 01-20-2024, 07:42 PM
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JABCAT
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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.
Old 01-20-2024, 08:40 PM
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Avanti
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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.
Old 01-20-2024, 09:20 PM
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Bluehinder
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I have done that. Now I leave a yellow sticky note inside the car reminding me.
Old 01-20-2024, 09:26 PM
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tadda
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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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Old 01-20-2024, 09:29 PM
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Bluehinder
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Originally Posted by jrthe1
Hi there. I have the Corvette charger hooked up in the frunk.
  1. Can I turn on the ignition to configure things with the charger hooked up and is it safe?
  2. Can I start and idle the vehicle with the charger hooked up to configure settings and is it safe?
Thanks.
1. Yes, for sure. One of the main reasons to use the battery charger.
2. No need to, see #1. Also never a good idea to just idle without bringing car up to operating temp.
Old 01-20-2024, 09:30 PM
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Bluehinder
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Tadda is right, MXS 5.0 is the best on the market. Better than OEM unit.
Old 01-21-2024, 12:36 AM
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Vetteman Jack
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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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Old 01-21-2024, 11:08 AM
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billclerm
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Originally Posted by tadda
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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Old 01-21-2024, 11:10 AM
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johnodrake
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Originally Posted by jrthe1
Hi there. I have the Corvette charger hooked up in the frunk.
  1. Can I turn on the ignition to configure things with the charger hooked up and is it safe?
  2. Can I start and idle the vehicle with the charger hooked up to configure settings and is it safe?
Thanks.
Yes to both. I do it frequently
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Old 01-21-2024, 11:12 AM
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johnodrake
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Originally Posted by Avanti
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.
Good point. I leave the frunk open (hood on the other two cars that I use a maintainer on) and the DIC will warn you.

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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Old 01-21-2024, 11:27 AM
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pltmgr
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Originally Posted by Avanti
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.

I resemble this remark
Old 01-21-2024, 12:33 PM
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jrthe1
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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.
Old 01-21-2024, 05:13 PM
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MKC8
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Originally Posted by jrthe1
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.
34" Searay?
^------- inches? Kind small for cruising, dontcha think?
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