[spitfire]

Hi guys
I picked up a new Giulia Veloce on March 14th having traded in my June 2017 Veloce. I fully intended getting another Veloce and when I saw the deals and the 5 year warranty I went for it.

A month before I changed car my previous Veloce had a new battery fitted under warranty. Usual problem of heated rear window/door mirrors not working as well as of course the stop/start. The new battery solved all the issues.

My point is however that as I am familiar with the battery issues that can affect the Giulia this enforced layup we all have to endure has made me think a battery charger might be a very sound investment. I have looked at a Ctek 5.0 and 3.8. I also thought a comfort connector would also makes sense?

So, any experiences and recommendations on the suitability of either these chargers (or maybe others) would be greatly appreciated

Stay safe

 

[ricardo75]

I was about to ask a very similar question! Picked my new Veloce up on March 1st and have only managed c400 miles pre lockdown.

I am having to use it every couple of days to drop essentials round to my dad but as these are only very short round trips I’m worried they are doing more harm than good to the battery. I seem to remember reading once that a car needed to be running for more than half an hour for the battery to start charging...

What would people recommend, taking the ‘long route’ to/from my dads once a week or getting a battery charger? If a charger is the best option, how often should I use it?

Sorry for the thread hijack but thought it would make sense to include all charging discussions in one place.

 

[BillC]

Hi Spitfire, my Guilia wasn't getting the long runs it needed to keep a decent charge in the battery. I bought a ctek 5 to put some power back in. After being used to big,bulky chargers, I was surprised at how small it is. There are indicator lights to tell you about the status of charging is. What I like is, that it comes with a optional permanent connector to save fiddling about with the small crocodile clips. I have replaced the old battery as it was too drained to keep a charge. As I'm typing this, I've got it on now as I'm not going to be going to be travelling too far in the near future. So yes, I'd recommend a ctek 5.
Best wishes to all

 

[spitfire]

I was about to ask a very similar question! Picked my new Veloce up on March 1st and have only managed c400 miles pre lockdown.

I am having to use it every couple of days to drop essentials round to my dad but as these are only very short round trips I’m worried they are doing more harm than good to the battery. I seem to remember reading once that a car needed to be running for more than half an hour for the battery to start charging...

What would people recommend, taking the ‘long route’ to/from my dads once a week or getting a battery charger? If a charger is the best option, how often should I use it?

Sorry for the thread hijack but thought it would make sense to include all charging discussions in one place.

No problem Joining in ricardo75. I have managed to get 280 miles on the clock. But like my post said its my second giulia and I am aware of battery issues. It depends what you mean by 'long route'. I would say if you can normally do a 20 mile run each way that's fine. But it doesn't sound that's possible for you. Then of course we have the 'lock down'
So for me a charger that can monitor and trickle charge the battery has ti be a seriously considered in the situation we are in.

All the best

 

[spitfire]

Hi Spitfire, my Guilia wasn't getting the long runs it needed to keep a decent charge in the battery. I bought a ctek 5 to put some power back in. After being used to big,bulky chargers, I was surprised at how small it is. There are indicator lights to tell you about the status of charging is. What I like is, that it comes with a optional permanent connector to save fiddling about with the small crocodile clips. I have replaced the old battery as it was too drained to keep a charge. As I'm typing this, I've got it on now as I'm not going to be going to be travelling too far in the near future. So yes, I'd recommend a ctek 5.
Best wishes to all

Hi BillC
Thanks for getting back so promptly. I'll start looking tomorrow to find the best prices for a Ctek

All the best

 

[rjc147]

I have just got a CTEK MXS 5.0 from Halfords

 

[ricardo75]

Potentially a stupid question, but what are the benefits of the ctek 5 over the 3.8?

Also, what point do you use on the chassis for the black clamp, is there an obvious location?

 

[spitfire]

I have just got a CTEK MXS 5.0 from Halfords

Hi rjc47
Don't mind me asking, but how much did Halfords charge you? Did it include the 'comfort connection' which leaves a permanent connection on the battery?

Thanks

 

[MR D4VE]

Hi rjc47
Don't mind me asking, but how much did Halfords charge you? Did it include the 'comfort connection' which leaves a permanent connection on the battery?

Thanks

I think my Ctek MXS 5.0 came with a comfort connection. I used it on my car battery anyways...

 

[spitfire]

I think my Ctek MXS 5.0 came with a comfort connection. I used it on my car battery anyways...

Cheers Mr Dave

 

[paultrim]

Also, what point do you use on the chassis for the black clamp, is there an obvious location?

The black crocodile clamp attaches the negative terminal on the battery.

 

[rjc147]

Hi rjc47
Don't mind me asking, but how much did Halfords charge you? Did it include the 'comfort connection' which leaves a permanent connection on the battery?

Thanks

I paid £79.99 just after lockdown with free delivery, it came the next day.
Yes it includes the comfort connection.

 

[688098]

Potentially a stupid question, but what are the benefits of the ctek 5 over the 3.8?

Also, what point do you use on the chassis for the black clamp, is there an obvious location?

CTEK 5.0 here too. You need to connect directly to battery for trickle charging. Here's how I connect mine.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[GVblue]

That is exactly what the handbook says Matt but there is a post elsewhere on this forum (can't find it for the moment) which says it is okay to connect the negative to any good ground.
This is useful as it saves removing the battery. which I would have to do.

 

[688098]

That is exactly what the handbook says Matt but there is a post elsewhere on this forum (can't find it for the moment) which says it is okay to connect the negative to any good ground.
This is useful as it saves removing the battery. which I would have to do.

How's that - removing the battery?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[GVblue]

If the nut you need to remove loosens easily, your okay. If, like mine, it is incredibly tight and you are not willing to risk damaging the battery casing, it is best to remove the battery so you can safely brace against the force required.
Mine feels as though I would need a breaker bar to free it.

 

[GVblue]

I ended up following JWQ's advice in post 4 (I think) in this thread.

Battery Conditioner

Hi, Just a simple question. I want to fit one of these (probably Ctek) to my QV and will have to disconnect the battery to do this. Is that going to cause any problems with the car electronics? Ta Alan

www.alfaowner.com

 

[jwq]

That is exactly what the handbook says Matt but there is a post elsewhere on this forum (can't find it for the moment) which says it is okay to connect the negative to any good ground.
This is useful as it saves removing the battery. which I would have to do.

yes, Here are my connections

 

[688098]

If the nut you need to remove loosens easily, your okay. If, like mine, it is incredibly tight and you are not willing to risk damaging the battery casing, it is best to remove the battery so you can safely brace against the force required.
Mine feels as though I would need a breaker bar to free it.

Ah, so you're permanently connecting then, makes sense now

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[GVblue]

Ah, so you're permanently connecting then, makes sense now

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Yes, as I don't use my Giulia daily I have always 'Cteked' it periodically, connecting with the crocodile clips but after my recent experience with overnight voltage loss, I went for the permanently connected fly lead.

I've also got a set of jump leads on the way.