CTEK 3300 question
06-25-2016, 04:54 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
CTEK 3300 question
I got my CTEK 3300 in yesterday, and hooked it up about 24 hours ago. I have the mode selector in "Gel" (I have an AGM battery) and am using the cigarette lighter plug that's in the ashtray.
The indicator on the CTEK showed the "partially filled" battery when I first set it up, and it still does 24 hours later. How long does it take to fully charge? The car hasn't been started in almost 3 weeks. Could I have a dying battery?
Also, the CTEK was pretty hot when I first checked it this morning (had it on the regular battery setting then), and not so hot now.
The indicator on the CTEK showed the "partially filled" battery when I first set it up, and it still does 24 hours later. How long does it take to fully charge? The car hasn't been started in almost 3 weeks. Could I have a dying battery?
Also, the CTEK was pretty hot when I first checked it this morning (had it on the regular battery setting then), and not so hot now.
06-25-2016, 06:46 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Apparently I was just getting impatient. I checked a few minutes ago and the light is green indicating a full charge.
06-25-2016, 10:25 PM
#4
The Ctek is very picky about showing the battery fully charged. On both my cars, I could have it plugged in with a green light, but opening the doors for a few minutes will show the battery partially charged and it won't turn green again for about 30min to an hour.
06-25-2016, 10:52 PM
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Just as a postscript, if a battery is still decent but quite a bit discharged it's been written on these pages that it can take easily 36 or more hours. It's a very slow charger with not a lot of oomph behind it, but it will get the job done eventually.
06-26-2016, 08:10 AM
#6
I usually leave it on whichever car I won't be driving for most of the week. That way it keeps the batteries topped off and conditioned.
06-26-2016, 09:35 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Also remember the Ctek's discharge the battery to cycle it. My OEM is 9.5 years old and still ticking because its been on a 3300 since day one. I use them on my other cars also...
06-26-2016, 03:08 PM
#8
02-02-2019, 12:01 AM
#9
Hi All - sorry to veer this thread in a new direction but I need to maintain my C7 battery for 2-3 weeks but I do NOT have access to a AC110V outlet in my Condo garage. So my question is, can I plug in the Battery Tender (not charger) 13W into a PowerBank with a 110 AC Outlet for just that extra juice to hold me over? My setup would be something like this:
1) By one of these and leave it connected and hope that slows the parasitic drain:
2) - Get a big boy PowerBank with 110V outlet and hook up the $4.99 battery tender and hope it lasts for a few days
3) Buy this guy and plug it into the cigarette socket. https://www.ebay.com/i/273662430550?chn=ps
Essentially I need a mobile car battery charger/tender. My garage is cold and I prefer not to disconnect the battery. I have to do this for another car too so I am hoping this will work.
1) By one of these and leave it connected and hope that slows the parasitic drain:
2) - Get a big boy PowerBank with 110V outlet and hook up the $4.99 battery tender and hope it lasts for a few days
3) Buy this guy and plug it into the cigarette socket. https://www.ebay.com/i/273662430550?chn=ps
Essentially I need a mobile car battery charger/tender. My garage is cold and I prefer not to disconnect the battery. I have to do this for another car too so I am hoping this will work.
Last edited by Mehrlovin; 02-02-2019 at 12:02 AM.
02-02-2019, 11:40 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
Hello,
I saw that my charger goes from the "charge complete" mode back to the "charging process" mode. So by turning the plug in the socket did solve the blinking rapidly issue. Thank you all again !!
Rich K ( Vette Ski )
I saw that my charger goes from the "charge complete" mode back to the "charging process" mode. So by turning the plug in the socket did solve the blinking rapidly issue. Thank you all again !!
Rich K ( Vette Ski )
Last edited by Vette Ski; 02-02-2019 at 12:16 PM. Reason: late
02-02-2019, 11:57 AM
#11
Safety Car
I use the alligator clips on the battery posts and sometimes by repositioning the clips the charger's indicator light goes from a solid yellow to green. Yes, a blinking light would be a poor connection. So a good connection is important when charging.
02-02-2019, 12:25 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
Hello,
Can anyone compare the US 3300 model 1051 that I have to the others in my stable of chargers. I have 4 of the battery tender power plus 1.25 amp and two power plus 3 amp chargers.
Thank you in advance,
Rich K ( Vette Ski )
Can anyone compare the US 3300 model 1051 that I have to the others in my stable of chargers. I have 4 of the battery tender power plus 1.25 amp and two power plus 3 amp chargers.
Thank you in advance,
Rich K ( Vette Ski )
02-03-2019, 05:49 PM
#13
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2018
Location: Auburn,WA (30 miles SE of Seattle) WA
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2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Today I used a CENTECH 63161 Float Charger (sold way under $20 at Harbor Freight, EBAY , Amazon etc)
to bring my C6 WALMART Battery up to Full Charge.
Light went from Red (Charging) to Green (Maintaining) ...I checked with meter and its at 12.10 Volts.
Ive been using the same model/brand to maintain my Interstate small 12 Volt Battery on my Honda Diesel
Generator with NO issues........
If it makes you sleep better buying/using some more expensive exclusive name branded charger
do your thing.......just reporting my satisfactory experience using the CHEAP Harbor Freight
alternative......(This is NOT the lowest cost $5-10 model)
My real name is still Chuck Sharin Auburn,WA
I'm not hiding behind my keyboard fearful that YOU
are going to steal my ID or my info
to bring my C6 WALMART Battery up to Full Charge.
Light went from Red (Charging) to Green (Maintaining) ...I checked with meter and its at 12.10 Volts.
Ive been using the same model/brand to maintain my Interstate small 12 Volt Battery on my Honda Diesel
Generator with NO issues........
If it makes you sleep better buying/using some more expensive exclusive name branded charger
do your thing.......just reporting my satisfactory experience using the CHEAP Harbor Freight
alternative......(This is NOT the lowest cost $5-10 model)
My real name is still Chuck Sharin Auburn,WA
I'm not hiding behind my keyboard fearful that YOU
are going to steal my ID or my info
02-03-2019, 07:02 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
Chuck, I agree with you on the cheapies...I used them years ago without issue. I don't mind spending $60 on a Ctek as I have three and the oldest is about 20+ years old and one of the first beta test models that they sent me. I do believe that they do a better job at cycling the battery, FWIW...
02-03-2019, 07:35 PM
#15
I have two Cteks.. one has never lit the green light - the other cycles back n forth yellow to green the way it is supposed to do.. I switch the chargers and the Charger does the same thing no matter what car/battery it is plugged into. it keeps the battery charged ok -- this summer I will send it to Ctek and ask them Wazzup.