Do you have to plug the ctek directly on to the battery terminals? That would be a deal breaker for me...


Why did you need faster charger power? That would only seem to be necessary if you're constantly putting on a depleted battery.

 

The Ctek gives you the option to use either the lighter socket, clamps or terminals to attach to the battery for longer peroids. The kit comes with three plugs to choose from.

 

The one I got didnt come with cigarette lighter plug-in, so I have to plug it directly to the battery terminal.

As to faster chargin - since I am not using my car much, the battery power gets so low, often, that when I want to take a fast drive, its not there! More/faster charging power, is certainly needed in the circumstance.

 

The cig adapter is the way to go then. It's so convenient!

 

There's something wrong with your car then. Your car should not be getting low to begin with if it's on a trickle charger. You must have something drawing current somewhere in the system. Faster charging speed is generally only beneficial when the battery is completely drained. However, it should never get to that point when left on a trickle.

 

I'm a 'BatteryTender' fan myself. I had a long lead with a weatherproof plug-in run from the battery and exiting the tow hook hole on my Ford and leave it on constantly. I recently purchased a Braille CF lightweight battery and the matching charger for my 997S. It seems very impressive. You may want to check it out. The charger works on any battery type. It even has a sensing mode for incorrect polarity. Really well constructed. I also hard-wired the plug in lead to the battery to make it more accessible.
Separately, converting one of these charger to work through the cigarette lighter (now the more politically correct '12V accessory) adaptor is a snap. PM me if you need a tip or two.

 

So do you have to pop your hood to plug battery in? I use battery tenders for the boat and bike, but went with the Porsche unit for the car because it's easier to just use the cigarette lighter.

 

I use a few battery tenders. Yes I need to pop hood, but I hard wired a connector to make it easier. Had to return the Porsche one, as the 12V disconnects when the key is removed on my 928. I have a double battery tender that works real well for my car parked on a lift, gives me a lead for the up and down car.

 

On the Ford, I have a long lead that exits (almost invisibly) the tow hook hole and protrudes about an inch, ending in a weatherproof connector. I just plug in, and have no issue with keeping the car cover on.
On the Porsche, where I just installed a new battery (the Braille), I left the connector extending into the trunk area, so I currently have to crack the trunk to 'plug in'. However I plan to extend it to exit some part of the front bumper much as I did with the Ford.
In the case of the 'Tender, I also have a cigarette lighter adapter (it's an option from the same company) to plug in to the lighter if I need to.

 

i use a deltran battery tender. never failed me

 

HELP!! A friend bought new Porsche battery for his 993TT in January 2009. Drove it for a while, then left sitting in garage for some 6-7 weeks. Now, again, car not starting, dead as in DEAD flat battery!

I recently ordered two Ctek battery chargers. X3600 and X7000. Gave him the X3600 for his car. For past couple of days he been trying to charge the damn battery, it aint charging! I know that Ctek is more of a battery maintainer than a real charger - but the Porsche battery on his car is new (01/2009). What can be done to recover the damn battery - should he use one of those huge industrial battery chargers, wud it help recovery. And why Ctek 3600 hasnt shown any potential, at all!! After one full day of charging still no glimmer of light/current anywhere in car!

Appreciate advice, recomm for recovering dead flat battery*

 

Go to a VW or Audi dealer and get and get one for free.