RonC7

Guys,

I've had the cover over the +12 V connection at the under hood fuse block open may times to connect a battery maintainer. Now I can't open it. I know it is hinged toward the center of the car. There appears to be a locking tab on the outboard rear corner. Any tips on getting the cover open without damage?

Thanks

ersatz928

You can also use the +12V terminal bolt on the side of the alternator, just push aside the black cover boot.

Bill Dearborn

You can also use the port in the rear of the car.
Bill

BEZ06

with Bill!!

The "cigarette lighter" port in the cargo compartment or trunk is hot all the time. I believe the ones in the console/cockpit are only hot when the ignition is on.

I plug my maintainer into the port in the cargo compartment all the time so my battery is always topped off:




Bob

.

Tron1

RonC7

Thanks to all. I connect the battery maintainer under the hood so I can see that the hood is open (did the same on my C6). Otherwise, I might back out with the wires still attached and cause some damage.

BTW - I was able to pop the cover open after an afternoon drive. Apparently the plastic expanded enough when hot to get the cover open. I'll try not to snap it closed again.

Thanks!

Ron

TEXHAWK0

If you look at the cover closely, you can see how it latches. I think you have to push the unhinged side toward the rear of the car.

davepl

I've not tried it, but someone makes a C-Tek connector (that's what our Corvette unit is, a rebranded C-Tek) with a magnetic breakaway connector so that you could, in theory, drive away and do no damage.

RonC7

Thanks, all. I have modified the cover so it will not latch so tightly by filing down the "bump" or "tab" that the cover engages. Tex is correct that the cover needs to be pushed toward the rear to unlatch. I only use the battery conditioner if I don't expect to drive the car for several weeks - mainly in the winter.

If I get in the car and see the hood open a bit I'm reminded to disconnect the battery maintainer. This has happened only a few times since I got my C6 in 2006 and C7 in 2014. Sometimes a simple reminder works as well as another gadget such as a magnetic disconnect.

Ron

RussM05

I've done that!!

As a reminder, I put a hat over the shifter so I don't forget to unplug the charger.

Also, I have an 110v outlet directly behind the car, so If I do pull out, it disconnects the charger without any damage. I put the charger on the garage floor not next to the car then then run the 12v cord to the outlet under the hatch. The hatch closes easily on the cord.