Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Lizzie Zoom on 22 December 2020, 16:52:23
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Yesterday went to my garage and noticed the central locking reacted very slowly when pushing the fob button - yes, you've guessed, went to turn the engine over and no chance! Battery could put the dashboard warning lights on but nothing else.
Called the AA, told they would be with me in 40 minutes; the mechanic turned up after just 10 minutes. Within 5 minutes he had jump started the engine, tested the battery and said it was charging ok. Told me to run the engine for 40 minutes, so I drove to my daughters the long way round.
Left my daughters 3 hours later, turned the key in the ignition...................yes, nothing but the lights!!
Called AA again, told it would be 50 minutes, he turned up in 15, great. He tested the battery and it had failed. Bugger I thought as I did not want to spend money on a new battery this side of Christmas. He said "don't worry about that. I can fit one now and you will not be invoiced for two weeks!"
Great, he fitted a Bosch and away I went. Great stuff again!! In recent years I have only used the AA when my battery fails, but again for me it proves the worth of that safety net which is the AA.
The 'old' battery that had failed was a GM one. only bought from Vx on 17/07/2017, but as bloody usual it is out of any warranty cover. Still the AA price for the new battery is £9 cheaper than that one, and the AA chap said if I can find it cheaper elsewhere I can get a price match. Fair enough eh?! :y :y
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That's a coincidence Lizzie! My Mondeo was as dead as a Dodo today! >:(
Luckily I have a new battery which I bought last month, so fitted that. The old battery had 8 volts... :(
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Batteries fail so quickly sometimes. I once started my 98 Omega and noticed it cranked a touch slow, drove 70 miles home and it wouldn't restart.
Usually get batteries online now - good price and generally next day delivery. Tayna is ok.
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I always keep a spare ,charged up battery behind the drinker's seat in the footwell
though i do have RAC as part of my insurance and auto-aid also AA through a bank account
to be sure to be sure to be sure ;D
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That's a coincidence Lizzie! My Mondeo was as dead as a Dodo today! >:(
Luckily I have a new battery which I bought last month, so fitted that. The old battery had 8 volts... :(
The AA chap said sorting out batteries was all they were doing now. With me, you, B52 and all other motorists at the moment, I am sure the batteries are going due to the very low mileage we are doing at the moment. After turning a 3.2 engine, or any engine, if it cannot do a good long run every week it must put a lot of strain on the battery and quickly make it go dud! :'( :'( :'(
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That's a coincidence Lizzie! My Mondeo was as dead as a Dodo today! >:(
Luckily I have a new battery which I bought last month, so fitted that. The old battery had 8 volts... :(
The AA chap said sorting out batteries was all they were doing now. With me, you, B52 and all other motorists at the moment, I am sure the batteries are going due to the very low mileage we are doing at the moment. After turning a 3.2 engine, or any engine, if it cannot do a good long run every week it must put a lot of strain on the battery and quickly make it go dud! :'( :'( :'(
The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, and a battery discharged for even a short period is rapidly damaged beyond repair (look up sulphate to sulphide conversion) as the build up of irreversable hard crystals occurs when a battery is left discharged. PROPERLY charging can prevent this, and if the crystals are still "soft", even reverse it.
The problem is .. even a 20 mile run will NOT "Properly" recharge a battery .. but 48 hours on a charger will.
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/sulfation_and_how_to_prevent_it? (https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/sulfation_and_how_to_prevent_it?)
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My astra is a 2014 and still has the original GM battery. Gets at least 40 miles put on it every day.
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I've had My MV6 4 years now. No idea what brand of battery. But I've been doing lots of miles until March. Then it sat at the end of the road. I didn't touch it due to wfh and furlough until August.
Jumping it off my wifes Astra didn't get it started, but via this very site, and especially thanks to Omegod, the crank sensor was replaced. I jumped it off the Astra and moved it onto the drive. I charged up the battery for a day, and it started. But the next day it wouldn't start. I charged it up again, for about 8 hours and then again the next couple of days. I was expecting to have to get a new one, but it's been fine ever since. Mostly very short journeys too. A few long will get ones but the last 6 weeks I've driven about 6 miles a week.
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My astra is a 2014 and still has the original GM battery. Gets at least 40 miles put on it every day.
My Mondeo is 2008 and it was the original Ford battery that failed, so can't complain really.
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I once had a company Carlton that did over 110K miles over two years from 1986, then we bought it to run as a third car. When my ex traded that in at about 200k miles for a Senator in 1997 it still had the original GM battery with a brand name I cannot remember now, but were fitted to all Vx cars.
I was amazed how that one lasted. 8) 8) ;)
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
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I once had a company Carlton that did over 110K miles over two years from 1986, then we bought it to run as a third car. When my ex traded that in at about 200k miles for a Senator in 1997 it still had the original GM battery with a brand name I cannot remember now, but were fitted to all Vx cars.
I was amazed how that one lasted. 8) 8) ;)
Some do.
Most don't
It's pure chance which you get.
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
Delco was just GM's parts brand, like Unipart/BL, Motorcraft/Ford, Mopar/Chrysler(US) etc etc. It doesn't necessarily mean the part was made by that company. That was often obvious when you opened your dealer supplied parts in their packaging to find a Timken roller bearing, Vandervell crank bearing, AE piston etc.
One of my friends insisted that he was going to only use genuine Mitsubishi service parts on his newly acquired Starion, that always entailed two trips to the local dealer in Bexleyheath. Which was a bit of a pain when you live in Chatham and work in Maidstone. We didn't take the piss much when he opened the genuine Mitsubishi boxes to find four NGK 'R' plugs that he could have got over the counter anywhere for a quarter of the price ;D
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
Delco was just GM's parts brand, like Unipart/BL, Motorcraft/Ford, Mopar/Chrysler(US) etc etc. It doesn't necessarily mean the part was made by that company. That was often obvious when you opened your dealer supplied parts in their packaging to find a Timken roller bearing, Vandervell crank bearing, AE piston etc.
One of my friends insisted that he was going to only use genuine Mitsubishi service parts on his newly acquired Starion, that always entailed two trips to the local dealer in Bexleyheath. Which was a bit of a pain when you live in Chatham and work in Maidstone. We didn't take the piss much when he opened the genuine Mitsubishi boxes to find four NGK 'R' plugs that he could have got over the counter anywhere for a quarter of the price ;D
I know I said that. It came fitted with the brand new Carlton and at the time was considered an excellent Vx product that in our case certainly proved itself :y
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
Careful Lizzie, age seems to be a touchy subject round here today! ;D ;D ;D :-X
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
Careful Lizzie, age seems to be a touchy subject round here today! ;D ;D ;D :-X
Lizzie is the same age as me (although I think her birthday is earlier in the year). :P
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
Well it isn't going to be Delphi, is it? That's the capital of India.
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
Well it isn't going to be Delphi, is it? That's the capital of India.
where they make the genuine coil packs and crank sensors that you can only get by walking into a dealer :D
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
Well it isn't going to be Delphi, is it? That's the capital of India.
where they make the genuine coil packs and crank sensors that you can only get by walking into a dealer :D
No, they're made in China.
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
Well it isn't going to be Delphi, is it? That's the capital of India.
where they make the genuine coil packs and crank sensors that you can only get by walking into a dealer :D
No, they're made in China.
I thought Delphi is china? ??? :D
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
That’s the one, thanks! :y :y
Well it isn't going to be Delphi, is it? That's the capital of India.
where they make the genuine coil packs and crank sensors that you can only get by walking into a dealer :D
No, they're made in China.
I thought Delphi is china? ??? :D
It's definitely in Gillingham.
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I thought a lot of (not sure on Battery) parts were branded Quinton Hazell from that era? :-\
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I thought a lot of (not sure on Battery) parts were branded Quinton Hazell from that era? :-\
He used to have a car show on telly. Probably dead now.
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AC Delco was taken over by Delphi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACDelco
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
Careful Lizzie, age seems to be a touchy subject round here today! ;D ;D ;D :-X
Lizzie is the same age as me (although I think her birthday is earlier in the year). :P
Mine is June Steve, but don't rub it in that I am older than you!! :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
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AC Delco was taken over by Delphi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACDelco
Thanks B52, that is interesting reading. :y
As it is a GM brand, no wonder you do not see them in Vauxhalls anymore.
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
Careful Lizzie, age seems to be a touchy subject round here today! ;D ;D ;D :-X
Lizzie is the same age as me (although I think her birthday is earlier in the year). :P
Mine is June Steve, but don't rub it in that I am older than you!! :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
Wrong, mine is May, young lass :(
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The name on my GM battery is GM ;D
As you are my age you should remember the Delco products as well. They were constantly being advertised on the tv at the time in the 1980’s ;D ;D ;)
Careful Lizzie, age seems to be a touchy subject round here today! ;D ;D ;D :-X
Lizzie is the same age as me (although I think her birthday is earlier in the year). :P
Mine is June Steve, but don't rub it in that I am older than you!! :o :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
Wrong, mine is May, young lass :(
Ah, you don't know how much better I suddenly now feel! :-* :-* :-* :-* :y :y :y
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Thanks guys, I now feel young again ;D
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
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Thanks guys, I now feel young again ;D
As has been stated, it's all relative. You are old, we are very old and Barry is ancient. :)
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
I use a ctek MXS 5.0, and have used ctek stuff for years, in fact I still have the older one which is used on the shopping trolly .... only purchased this one as it does AGM batteries which the Audi has.
Not everyone agrees, but I find ctek stuff very good.
https://www.ctek.com/uk/products/car/mxs-5-0-uk (https://www.ctek.com/uk/products/car/mxs-5-0-uk)
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Get an electric car and charge it every day... Win win ;D
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
I use a ctek MXS 5.0, and have used ctek stuff for years, in fact I still have the older one which is used on the shopping trolly .... only purchased this one as it does AGM batteries which the Audi has.
Not everyone agrees, but I find ctek stuff very good.
https://www.ctek.com/uk/products/car/mxs-5-0-uk (https://www.ctek.com/uk/products/car/mxs-5-0-uk)
Thanks for that Nige. :y
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
I asked the AA chap about battery chargers and what are good ones in his experience. He said that all the regular ones are ok for just a few charges then they start to go. So he said that if you want a reliable, long term charger, get one like He had just used; cost £2,000!!! :o :o :o
For professionals I suppose only the best do, and normally I have followed that rule when buying equipment for DIY and car mechanics, but £2,000!! I will just continue to use the AA when I have to! :y :y :y
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Battery charger I use is above twenty years old can't recall make of it but will have been about £5-£6 still does the job when needed though.
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I asked the AA chap about battery chargers and what are good ones in his experience. He said that all the regular ones are ok for just a few charges then they start to go. So he said that if you want a reliable, long term charger, get one like He had just used; cost £2,000!!! :o :o :o
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Blimey, I can get three and a half new batteries for that (AGM Stop/Start Battery). ::) ;D We're going in to Tier 4 on Boxing Day so I'll need a charger more than ever now. :y
Battery charger I use is above twenty years old can't recall make of it but will have been about £5-£6 still does the job when needed though.
I've got a couple of old chargers for standard batteries but need one for AGM batteries. :y
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
The Halfords branded Smart 100/200 etc are *desperately* unreliable. I had about 5 in 3 years. They are made by Ring. I replaced it with the Ring RSC612 that I got from Halfords (as I guess you have trade) which has been flawless. It defaults to non AGM (or Stop/Start in their parlance) every time you plug it in though.
As with all smart chargers, I don't bother with the various repair modes, as if you need to use those, your battery is shagged anyway.
Its pure croc clips only, no "comfort" leads like the Cteks....
...which brings me on to Cteks, I have had half a dozen of them, 3 for bikes and 3 for cars, all have been utterly useless. But the comfort leads are a real idea.
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Delco/Delphi rings a bell somewhere
AV Delco was sold off as a separate company years ago and eventually became Delphi
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
The Halfords branded Smart 100/200 etc are *desperately* unreliable. I had about 5 in 3 years. They are made by Ring. I replaced it with the Ring RSC612 that I got from Halfords (as I guess you have trade) which has been flawless. It defaults to non AGM (or Stop/Start in their parlance) every time you plug it in though.
As with all smart chargers, I don't bother with the various repair modes, as if you need to use those, your battery is shagged anyway.
Its pure croc clips only, no "comfort" leads like the Cteks....
...which brings me on to Cteks, I have had half a dozen of them, 3 for bikes and 3 for cars, all have been utterly useless. But the comfort leads are a real idea.
Hmm, got me all confuddled now. ::) I'd more or less made up my mind with Entwood's link but I'm a bit thrown now. Due to my parents both being disabled I have to go over there to supply food, fetch and do their laundry, mop floors etc., even in lockdown, as otherwise they'd err .....die. ;D As it's only 3 miles away we use the petrol car. I'll have to do a few random late night, fast ninja runs in my Audi to charge it up until I decide which one to buy. ;D
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Take no notice of Jaime, he only has to look at something and it stops working/falls apart/explodes.
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Take no notice of Jaime, he only has to look at something and it stops working/falls apart/explodes.
exactly :y
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I wonder how much the AA are going to charge for a new battery. ::)
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I'll have to do a few random late night, fast ninja runs in my Audi to charge it up until I decide which one to buy. ;D
Thats what the A418 was invented for...,.,.,
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The audi has not turned a wheel for 4 weeks, but the battery is in tip-top condition, as it has a "smart charger" connected to it for 48 hours every 14 days. Modern cars with all the anti-theft devices and other stuff quickly run down a battery, .......
Whilst we are on the subject of batteries, any recommendations for a smart charger for AGM Start/Stop batteries. Mine doesn't go far now so I'm thinking it should get a little charge now and again. I was looking at the Halfords Smart Plus but no idea if it's any good or not. I have two of the standard battery chargers but they're no good for AGM type I believe.
Reference the AA and batteries, I drove over 300 miles in one go in the Omega, parked up, went to move it twenty minutes later and it was completely dead. Well, 8V actually, but may as well have been dead. The AA turned up, did the checks for parasitic drain and fitted a new battery. He was a pleasant guy who was only too happy to check for battery drain, so a thumbs up from me. :y
+1 for Ctek - compact and charges in the best specific way for what battery its connected to. Can recognise and sometimes recover fully-discharged battery.
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Take no notice of Jaime, he only has to look at something and it stops working/falls apart/explodes.
exactly :y
.. that applies only to the few things that actually make it as far as delivery to Brackley, of course. ;)
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Take no notice of Jaime, he only has to look at something and it stops working/falls apart/explodes.
exactly :y
.. that applies only to the few things that actually make it as far as delivery to Brackley, of course. ;)
True. I cant pass comment on the shit that never arrives.
I think I have mentioned before that GPS doesn't even make it to my driveway, or any analogue station other than BBC radio.
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I've had a Ctek 7.0 charger for years which I have used on my Audi this year as it was SORN'd during the last lockdown. I also have a Ring Smart charger, which from memory sounds like the one TB referred to, which tend to use on vehicles with standard batteries. Both have been great without any problems. I had an Aldi smart charger a few years ago - maybe I was unlucky but it gave up the ghost and knackered the battery it was attached to at the time. I'd recommend Ctek or Ring just on my experiences of them.
My local Audi dealer uses Ctek on the vehicles in their showroom which must be a reasonable recommendation too...
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I've had a Ctek 7.0 charger for years which I have used on my Audi this year as it was SORN'd during the last lockdown. I also have a Ring Smart charger, which from memory sounds like the one TB referred to, which tend to use on vehicles with standard batteries. Both have been great without any problems. I had an Aldi smart charger a few years ago - maybe I was unlucky but it gave up the ghost and knackered the battery it was attached to at the time. I'd recommend Ctek or Ring just on my experiences of them.
My local Audi dealer uses Ctek on the vehicles in their showroom which must be a reasonable recommendation too...
If you buy any of the expensive marques that are actually used as garage ornaments, their providers will happily sell you the basic Ctek charger with their badge stuck on for at least twice the original price.
I recovered 3 Ferraris, a Lamborghini and lots Porsches back to their dealers several times with flat batteries, all of which were cured with a smart charger and and supplied quick connect wiring.
My own Ctek is still good after about 15 years.
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I'd recommend Ctek or Ring just on my experiences of them.
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Hmm, another recommendation for Ctek. :y
If you buy any of the expensive marques that are actually used as garage ornaments, their providers will happily sell you the basic Ctek charger with their badge stuck on for at least twice the original price.
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Cynical, sarcastic mode head on:
But .... but .... that can't be right ..... because the bloke on YouTube assured the viewers that the Ctek is no good, but the charger identical to the Ctek but with a Bmw/Audi/Ferrari logo on it was great. He said they are not to be confused as being one and the same. That's why they are more expensive. It must be true because the bloke on YouTube said it was. ::)
Well I'm glad that's sorted then. ;D
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Who'd have thought, among such a group of accomplished car enthusiasts, there'd be so much discussion over something as basic as a battery charger.
I've got an orange one, no idea of the make, the poxy croc clip keeps falling off the end of the inadequately thin wire. And yet, after approximately ten years, it works when my neighbour borrows it.
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Who'd have thought, among such a group of accomplished car enthusiasts, there'd be so much discussion over something as basic as a battery charger.
I've got an orange one, no idea of the make, the poxy croc clip keeps falling off the end of the inadequately thin wire. And yet, after approximately ten years, it works when my neighbour borrows it.
Got one of those too, that Dad bought at Savacentre many years ago. It's still, just about, in its original cardboard box to protect it :P
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Who'd have thought, among such a group of accomplished car enthusiasts, there'd be so much discussion over something as basic as a battery charger.
I've got an orange one, no idea of the make, the poxy croc clip keeps falling off the end of the inadequately thin wire. And yet, after approximately ten years, it works when my neighbour borrows it.
Got one of those too, that Dad bought at Savacentre many years ago. It's still, just about, in its original cardboard box to protect it :P
Box? Boxes are for wimps ;D
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He'll be reading the instructions next ::) ::)
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I'd recommend Ctek or Ring just on my experiences of them.
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Hmm, another recommendation for Ctek. :y
If you buy any of the expensive marques that are actually used as garage ornaments, their providers will happily sell you the basic Ctek charger with their badge stuck on for at least twice the original price.
.....
Cynical, sarcastic mode head on:
But .... but .... that can't be right ..... because the bloke on YouTube assured the viewers that the Ctek is no good, but the charger identical to the Ctek but with a Bmw/Audi/Ferrari logo on it was great. He said they are not to be confused as being one and the same. That's why they are more expensive. It must be true because the bloke on YouTube said it was. ::)
Well I'm glad that's sorted then. ;D
The Ctek chargers in the Audi showroom strangly say 'Ctek' on them... That was the reason I decided to buy my own having seen them on Audis vehicles in the showroom.
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Who'd have thought, among such a group of accomplished car enthusiasts, there'd be so much discussion over something as basic as a battery charger.
I've got an orange one, no idea of the make, the poxy croc clip keeps falling off the end of the inadequately thin wire. And yet, after approximately ten years, it works when my neighbour borrows it.
Got one of those too, that Dad bought at Savacentre many years ago. It's still, just about, in its original cardboard box to protect it :P
Box? Boxes are for wimps ;D
I know, but it isn't mine. And it has lived in the box for over forty years.
I can't see the point of keeping things that have a hard case and no extra parts in a cardboard box, but I'm also the only Wheeler who doesn't hoard stacks of empty containers
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Mine lives in my cold, damp shed. You really shouldn't keep electrical goods in those conditions ;D
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Mine lives in my cold, damp shed. You really shouldn't keep electrical goods in those conditions ;D
I lost a Mig welder that way. Made a lovely bang when I plugged it in.
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Mine lives in my cold, damp shed. You really shouldn't keep electrical goods in those conditions ;D
I lost a Mig welder that way. Made a lovely bang when I plugged it in.
It's OK, it only gets used when his neighbour borrows it! ;D
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Mine lives in my cold, damp shed. You really shouldn't keep electrical goods in those conditions ;D
You shouldn't lick 9v batteries either... Doesn't stop people though ::)
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You shouldn't lick 9v batteries either...
One of life's little pleasures...
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There are better things to lick.
Just make sure her ankles are round her ears for best access.
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Tastes better too :o
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Hello Entwood do you need to disconnect the battery whist on a controlled charger? As far as recovery stories I once had a battery problem which I thought was due to a failed alternator.The recovery man said no the alternator was ok. Next day battery dead again after battery charged Different recovery man, same company, said alternator failed.Towed me to a garage who stripped the alternator out only to say that they could not get a replacement.Then towed home.Home around midnight, what an end to our holiday
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Hello Entwood do you need to disconnect the battery whist on a controlled charger? As far as recovery stories I once had a battery problem which I thought was due to a failed alternator.The recovery man said no the alternator was ok. Next day battery dead again after battery charged Different recovery man, same company, said alternator failed.Towed me to a garage who stripped the alternator out only to say that they could not get a replacement.Then towed home.Home around midnight, what an end to our holiday
I'm not Entwood, but the answer is no. A good charger will come with(it's also available separately) a hard wire kit that you fit to the battery, and route the plug to somewhere convenient. Then you park the car, and leave the charger connected until the next time you use the car.
When I did recoveries, I regularly saw a customer nearby who had a V8 ML as a toy. As he kept the car in a garage at the end of his drive, and parked it nose in, starting it was a nuisance. After the third or fourth jump start, I recommended a smart charger. About a year later, I moved his wife's car, and got a £20 tip, because the Merc was now usable whenever he wanted.
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There are better things to lick.
Just make sure her ankles are round her ears for best access.
Tastes better too :o
Hmmm not necessarily... :-X
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Intoxication can help :D
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Intoxication can help :D
Oh dear God.... ::)
I knew a lad many years ago who got some sort of horrible bacterial infection on his tongue after doing that to a girl he'd just pulled when he was pissed! :P
Like a crop of microscopic mushrooms it was! :o ;D
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Tastes better too :o
Some taste really nice. Others set off the gag reflex. Impossible to know which is which until it's too late.
Most girls pay attention to 'down below' but some don't. :-X
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Tastes better too :o
Some taste really nice. Others set off the gag reflex. Impossible to know which is which until it's too late.
Most girls pay attention to 'down below' but some don't. :-X
Once you get past the smell you've got it licked.
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A fishy fanny is not a good experience.
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Intoxication can help :D
Oh dear God.... ::)
I knew a lad many years ago who got some sort of horrible bacterial infection on his tongue after doing that to a girl he'd just pulled when he was pissed! :P
Like a crop of microscopic mushrooms it was! :o ;D
;D
You have to be a little selective...
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.......
I'm not Entwood, but the answer is no. A good charger will come with(it's also available separately) a hard wire kit that you fit to the battery, and route the plug to somewhere convenient. Then you park the car, and leave the charger connected until the next time you use the car.
.........
The trouble is that a lot of later vehicles have to be charged from the designated posts, not the battery itself. :y
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A fishy fanny is not a good experience.
It always pays to do the dip test first. Then, if you can't stand the whiff on your fingers you certainly don't want your ears clamped between her thighs. ;)
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Intoxication can help :D
Oh dear God.... ::)
I knew a lad many years ago who got some sort of horrible bacterial infection on his tongue after doing that to a girl he'd just pulled when he was pissed! :P
Like a crop of microscopic mushrooms it was! :o ;D
;D
You have to be a little selective...
Are you trying to tell us that you are a little selective when you're pissed? ??? ;D ;D ;D
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I'm not Entwood, but the answer is no. A good charger will come with(it's also available separately) a hard wire kit that you fit to the battery, and route the plug to somewhere convenient. Then you park the car, and leave the charger connected until the next time you use the car.
.........
The trouble is that a lot of later vehicles have to be charged from the designated posts, not the battery itself. :y
That's only a little fiddlier than fitting a ring terminal to the M6 bolt on each battery connector
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I'm not Entwood, but the answer is no. A good charger will come with(it's also available separately) a hard wire kit that you fit to the battery, and route the plug to somewhere convenient. Then you park the car, and leave the charger connected until the next time you use the car.
.........
The trouble is that a lot of later vehicles have to be charged from the designated posts, not the battery itself. :y
That's only a little fiddlier than fitting a ring terminal to the M6 bolt on each battery connector
The audi is left with the battery connected and the charger connected to the supplied "posts" with no problems at all . There is plenty of room for the crocodile clips on the posts, and the charger sits nicely near the airbox. The mains lead goes out through a small space at the "point" of the wing so the bonnet closes fully, thus the car is locked, the alarms set and the battery is kept "topped up" throughout the time it is not being used. When the time comes to use the car, pop the bonnet, unplug the charger, disconnect the crocodile clips ... job done .. takes less than a minute.
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The instructions supplied usually state the positive lead from the charger be connected to the designated positive post (which is usually piggy backed off the positive terminal) or to the positive terminal itself if not present, whilst the negative lead should be connected to the designated earth point away from the battery, or any suitable earth point as far from the battery as the leads allow, such as an engine lifting eye, or suspension turret bolt or anything that is earthed. The negative lead of the charger ideally shouldn't be connected directly to the battery terminal unless the battery is off the vehicle. The opposite applies to older positive earth vehicles, but without the electronics associated with modern vehicles, it isn't as important to connect the earth lead away from the battery, although if possible, it is still advised.
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I would like an explanation as to why the charger should not be connected direct to the positive and negative clamps on the battery whilst installed in the car.My worry has been that the electronics in the car might be affected or is it a fear of fire?
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I should also have said why not positive to battery clamp and negative to an earth point on the car.
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It can overload the electronics.
Cars with jump posts in the engine bay should be charged or jumped using those rather than the battery.
Also when charging a battery, it should be ventilated as they produce gas when charging. In the engine bay, this is fine, but if it's mounted in the scuttle or boot etc it should have a vent tube fitted, or ideally be removed from the car. Also ideally disconnected.
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I should also have said why not positive to battery clamp and negative to an earth point on the car.
You want to charge the battery, not run the current through the entire car. Again the battery ideally should be disconnected from the car.
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I should also have said why not positive to battery clamp and negative to an earth point on the car.
I think that is what I actually said - on a negative earth car (as modern cars are), the positive charger lead can be connected to the positive terminal, or preferably if it has one, the positive terminal piggybacked off the main battery post usually found under a designated plastic flap with a big red +, albeit sometimes only a matter of inches away from the battery terminal, and the negative charger lead to any solid earthed point of the car - away from the battery preferably.
Same applies to jump starting the car wherever possible.
Many people charge or jump start a car with the leads of the charger or jump leads / jump pack directly on the battery posts without any problems, but it is actually advised to have the earth or negative leads connected away from the main battery terminal.
I always do it this way, and just think it is wise to do as the instructions advise.
I had a little information booklet that was stuck to the side of a Bosch battery in a plastic pouch that I left attached for the years the battery was in use. It eventually gave up the ghost, so I binned the booklet only a few days ago, but that clearly stated the points I have referred to about lead connection.
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So as the Omega doesnt have jump posts really the battery should be disconnected from the car before charging. Is it therefore not recommended to jump start from the battery connections.
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sorry johnnydog I missed your post before writing mine. :y
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So as the Omega doesn't have jump posts really the battery should be disconnected from the car before charging. Is it therefore not recommended to jump start from the battery connections.
Jump posts are usually fitted when the battery is not easily accessible and/or away from the engine.
I do fit the negative lead to the engine when there is room, but don't worry too much
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So as the Omega doesnt have jump posts really the battery should be disconnected from the car before charging. Is it therefore not recommended to jump start from the battery connections.
The Omega doesn't gave the electronics of a newer car.
Jumping direct to the battery on summat like a later X5 does alot of damage.
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It all sounds a bit of hit and miss how many Omega owners have disconnected their battery only to find that they have no radio and no radio pass?
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It's certainly nothing that should you should be worried about and I think you are over complicating it! It's simply advisable to connect the negative charger lead to an earth point away from the battery if possible, rather than directly onto the negative battery post - that's all there is to it! I have used a smart charger on my Omegas for many years with no problems, usually when not being used for a few weeks; the only time I disconnect the negative terminal is when they have been off the road for longer periods such as the last lockdown.
As for the radio pass - with the NCDC 2013 or 2015 in the Elite with the original radio, then you don't need the code/ pass if you disconnect the battery. With non Elite models, if you don't have the pass, you can purchase a simple memory saver device for little money to retain the radio code whilst changing or disconnecting the battery.
They use the OBD socket (some use the cigarette lighter but I prefer the OBD type) and require an external 12v power source. I use an old 12v house alarm battery which is a convenient size for this task.
It's certainly not a dark art or complicated....
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If you have CCR2006, you can also disable the code. I did mine recently when I got fed up resetting it.
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Good point. Come to think of it, I had a 2.6 Elite several years ago with a CCR2006 presumeably with the code disabled, as it never needed the code inputting if I ever disconnected the battery.
Who is likely to break into an Omega to steal a CCR2006 these days? In fact the days of radio theft from cars these days is probably quite low.
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Good point. Come to think of it, I had a 2.6 Elite several years ago with a CCR2006 presumeably with the code disabled, as it never needed the code inputting if I ever disconnected the battery.
Who is likely to break into an Omega to steal a CCR2006 these days? In fact the days of radio theft from cars these days is probably quite low.
Indeed it’s very unlikely any normal person will want to steal it. Unless it’s one of us ;D
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Jumping direct to the battery on summat like a later X5 does alot of damage.
Not in my experience if standard precautions are always followed - and that same damage would happen irrespective of jumping posts or direct connection.
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The bits that need resetting on Omega are:
Radio: All models except NCDC series (enter code)
CD Changer: MFL, if fitted (enter code)
Sunroof: If fitted (reset procedure)
Electric Windows (reset procedure)
Keys: MFL/FL may need resync procedure in some circumstances
Engine/Transmission: Relearn BLMs (just drive it)
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if you don't have the pass, you can purchase a simple memory saver device for little money to retain the radio code whilst changing or disconnecting the battery.
They use the OBD socket (some use the cigarette lighter but I prefer the OBD type) and require an external 12v power source. I use an old 12v house alarm battery which is a convenient size for this task.
It's certainly not a dark art or complicated....
Ciggy lighter on Omega won't work well, as its not permenently live.
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if you don't have the pass, you can purchase a simple memory saver device for little money to retain the radio code whilst changing or disconnecting the battery.
They use the OBD socket (some use the cigarette lighter but I prefer the OBD type) and require an external 12v power source. I use an old 12v house alarm battery which is a convenient size for this task.
It's certainly not a dark art or complicated....
Ciggy lighter on Omega won't work well, as its not permenently live.
I should have been more specific and said ''auxilary socket'. The cigarette lighter in the front isn't permanently live but the auxiliary socket in the rear centre console remains live for about 15 mins after the ignition is switched off, which should be more than long enough to do the battery swap with an external 12v power source if not using the OBD socket.
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The consumer relay would likely deactivate once the battery is off. Need to check diagrams, but seem to recall consumer relay has a diode in it.