Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

Depends upon the device that you are using whether it will shut off or float the charge when the battery is fully charged. I have a very old 1 amp trickle charger that does not shut off so you have to constantly monitor the battery to determine when to disconnect it. I also have several tender type devices that will maintain the battery at full charge once the battery is fully charged, The device does not shut off fully but rather the electronics in it stop the charging process and monitor the charge level. When the battery drops below a certain point the maintainer starts the charge process again until fully charged.

You need to determine how yours works. 2 amps seems a little high for a maintainer as most I have seen are 1.5 amps or less. But, read the information that came with your device. They should specify just how it works. If it is simply a charger, I suggest you look for a maintainer/tender style device.....

A device that does not float the charge can boil the electrolyte from the battery and damage it. If the battery has removeable covers over the electrolyte, remove them and inspect that the plates are covered by the electrolyte. If not you can try adding some distilled water and then recharge the battery. Do NOT add acid.

Originally Posted by JR-01

Reasons why I pull the battery out and store it in the basement over the winter.

Originally Posted by ironranger

This is what I do over the winter as well!
I use a ctek during the summer, however, I feel better pulling the battery out during the winter. Just don't trust leaving the ctek plugged in all winter with the car covered while in storage for fear of a malfunction during the 5 months it is unattended and having damage caused from battery acid leakage.
This is a very remote possibility but it allows me to sleep at night!

Originally Posted by 3318C5

What he said!

I've had the "original" battery tender:

http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...-021-0128.html

For years now & no issues. It's a "smart" device which does what 8VETTE7 describes above. It charges then goes into a float mode. This keep the battery nice & fresh & no damage. I actually have three of the one I posted the link to. I've had them in service for 5 + years.

Originally Posted by 8VETTE7

Depends upon the device that you are using whether it will shut off or float the charge when the battery is fully charged.

You need to determine how yours works. 2 amps seems a little high for a maintainer as most I have seen are 1.5 amps or less. But, read the information that came with your device. They should specify just how it works. If it is simply a charger, I suggest you look for a maintainer/tender style device.....

A device that does not float the charge can boil the electrolyte from the battery and damage it. If the battery has removeable covers over the electrolyte, remove them and inspect that the plates are covered by the electrolyte. If not you can try adding some distilled water and then recharge the battery. Do NOT add acid.

Originally Posted by 3318C5

What he said!

I've had the "original" battery tender.

For years now & no issues. It's a "smart" device which does what 8VETTE7 describes above. It charges then goes into a float mode. This keep the battery nice & fresh & no damage. I actually have three of the one I posted the link to. I've had them in service for 5 + years.

Originally Posted by El original

Thanks for the responses. I have used this maintainer for 3 years and no issue. I started the car 3 weeks ago leaving the maintainer hooked up but un plugged from the 120 volt current. Maybe I damaged it by leaving it hooked to the battery when running car, that is why it charges constantly or maybe it just happened that I came across it when it is charging. A friend suggested hood or interior light not turning off. I will have to check these possibilities also. A timer for 10 hours is a great idea...or removing or at least unhooking posts is also excellent suggestions. Who needs the stress! Thankyou to all that responded. Greetings,Rob

Originally Posted by El original

So I visit my Corvette in stortage that have not seen in 3 weeks and the battery maintainer is running. I understand it has been running for the 3 weeks at a 2 amp setting. It is supposed to shut off when fully charged. It did not. What kind if any damage can be expected to battery? Greetings, Rob

Originally Posted by Grainraiser

I just brought my car out of storage today. My tender was turned off by accident and the battery was dead. I put it on the charger and gets up to 75%. The car starts with no issue but now my FOB does not work. I found last winter that my FOB will not work if my battery is not fully charged. I have heard that you have to charge batteries in tandem to get them to take a full charge. Can anyone offer any advice on this.

Reggie

Originally Posted by JR-01

GM recommends the battery be disconnected if the car is not run for more than 3 weeks. There is no recommendation to use a battery tender. Battery tenders are relatively new and there was no need for them before they were invented. I wonder if their increased popularity has contributed to the frequent electronic problems reported today.

Originally Posted by vetteLT193

GM now offers a battery maintainer as an option when you buy a new Corvette (and has done so for a few years now).

The frequent electronic problems are from the mass of electronics. It's pretty tough to compare a new car with electronic everything to an older one. The reason why the maintainers are needed is all the electronics slowly draining the battery. Older cars simply didn't have all the stuff draining the battery to begin with.

I actually plug a charger in occasionally on my daily driver vehicles. Usually when I'm cleaning them out. You would be surprised at how long the battery will take a charge on even a daily driven vehicle sometimes. Especially one with a high electronic load like my Navigator. It has air suspension, navigation, heated and cooled seats, front and rear AC, power lift gate, power folding mirrors, rear DVD, etc. That thing always accepts a charge.