[johnsullivan]

Are there any canbus issues when using a solar charger via the *** lighter?

 

[David C]

Shouldn't be.
So as long as the lighter is live with ignition off, it will work.

They have a very tiny output though.

 

[TheGrimJeeper]

Doubt it would give you much of a charge.

I'd suggest a Li-Ion jumpstart pack instead.

 

[jwq]

most lighter sockets are connected to an ignition switched +12 though, so doubt that would work if you want to use it to maintain charge .....

 

[_The_Editor_]

most lighter sockets are connected to an ignition switched +12 though, so doubt that would work if you want to use it to maintain charge .....

Certainly the case in my GT, and I assume the 147s are the same.. Aux power is switched when the ignition is in the MAR position.. Otherwise nada...

You could wire it directly in to the battery +12v on the fuse panel under the steering wheel though I suppose.. But I'd stick a fuse on it! Would want to accidentally cause a short somewhere (like pinching the wire in a door hinge!) and have it send your car up in flames when the battery fires all its amps through the tiny flex core!

 

[Gertie]

I'm also of the opinion you'll have to swap the power feed to the lighter socket to the radio's permanent 12V feed. Just make sure the solar sustainer is intelligent enough to stop charging when battery is full... overcharging is just as bad as complete discharging

 

[Upex]

Little panels often dont have a charge controller or diode to block reverse discharge either. Some say it's such a small drain that it doesn't matter, but me personally, I'd include a blocking diode to be sure. If you trickle a tiny bit in, and lose a tiny bit at night, what's the point?

Buy a big one, bolt it to the roof and never worry about a flat battery again, just looks a bit odd lol

 

[zulu ferret]

Or get a top o' range YUASA with a lifetime guarantee?

 

[johnsullivan]

thanks

Amazon reviews have a chap who reckoned his solar charger fritzed the electrics on his Alfa.The lighter socket is on all the time on my 147,but thirty seconds is needed before plugging in the panel.The experiment has proved the concept ,but the device will get greatest use on the motorcycles.Beware boost packs they have their drawbacks.As for the Yuasa.. be worth more than the car.