Battery Tender question
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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Battery Tender question
Not a C4 problem, per se, but I've got this recurring problem with my battery tender that I can't figure out.
it stays solid red for the longest time. Doesn't start flashing green on its own.
If I unplug it and plug it back in, it does imediately start flashing green, indicating that it's at least 80% charged. And then it does eventually go solid green.
But I still have the issue where it won't flash green at 80% unless I unplug it and plug it back in.
It's done that ever since I bought it about a year ago.
Any ideas why that happens?
It's the 750mA one.
The battery isn't dead or anything. I just like to keep it charged when it gets cold this time of year, since that does tend to kill it if I don't.
it stays solid red for the longest time. Doesn't start flashing green on its own.
If I unplug it and plug it back in, it does imediately start flashing green, indicating that it's at least 80% charged. And then it does eventually go solid green.
But I still have the issue where it won't flash green at 80% unless I unplug it and plug it back in.
It's done that ever since I bought it about a year ago.
Any ideas why that happens?
It's the 750mA one.
The battery isn't dead or anything. I just like to keep it charged when it gets cold this time of year, since that does tend to kill it if I don't.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: LeClaire Iowa
It appears something is wrong with the internal switching or a problem with the light relay. It would be nice to see if when it stays red for a long time if it really is charging at the full rate or has actually jumped down but the light has not changed. I would get a new one. The new ones are electronic as compared to the old transformer type. I have both. Dan
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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It appears something is wrong with the internal switching or a problem with the light relay. It would be nice to see if when it stays red for a long time if it really is charging at the full rate or has actually jumped down but the light has not changed. I would get a new one. The new ones are electronic as compared to the old transformer type. I have both. Dan
I was gonna step it up to a better one anyway. Just haven't because I don't want to end up with the same problem. This is the first actual Deltran ''Battery Tender" charger I've bought. And it being 1- the first one and 2 - has a problem, I'm not so sure I want to buy another one.
Will have to think about what brand trickle charger/tender I want to go with.
It does actually charge, though. Just the light in unreliable as to the state of the charging unless I unplug it and plug it back in.
Anyway. Thanks. It's probably something like you;ve described. Can't really be much else.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
One thing to consider is to check the voltage with the light red and with it green. Should see a difference. If when it stays on red and continues to fully charge without kicking down it can overcharge and boil out the battery. Have you considered sending it in under warranty? Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
Mine does the same thing as the OP. I'm not impressed and now it just sits in the cabinet, unused. I went back to my trickle charger. I plug it in, in ~Feb for a day or so, and....that's it.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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I won't spend a lot of time messing with it.
Someone else had mentioned a CTEK in passing as well. Probably gonna give that one a shot.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
Ah...the problem had been identified; a cheap POS. Maybe folks on here can cut back on the universal recommendation to use them then? I'm take a pass with wasting $27 on another. I already have a system in place, and it works:
The "Easy Button".
The "Easy Button".
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
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I’ve bought three of these on Amazon and I’m fully satisfied. They work exactly as described. A true float charger / tender.
Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA Smart Battery Charger https://a.co/d/6L15Bl4
If you visit this link, go to the reviews and scroll down to the one written be badssloumd. He wrote a description of exactly how this device works.
Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA Smart Battery Charger https://a.co/d/6L15Bl4
If you visit this link, go to the reviews and scroll down to the one written be badssloumd. He wrote a description of exactly how this device works.
Last edited by JD1964; Nov 19, 2022 at 05:37 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 151
Own a few Battery Tender's (like this
), they are now $40. Had an issue with one 2 to 3 years back, it simply quit working, contacted them and had a new one delivered within a few days. Hopefully their customer service is as good today, Good Luck.
Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 583
Likes: 196
From: Wisconsin
I have 5 Battery Tender Plus chargers and been using this model for over 20 years. Had a problem with one and they took care of it and sent me a new one. My .02 is I would recommend them. They are on all of my cars and motorcycles.
Below is an pdf link with warranty and contact info.
There is also an email address that you could try sending an email. Yours would still be under warranty.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+mVwQePBS.pdf
Good luck and keep us posted.
Below is an pdf link with warranty and contact info.
There is also an email address that you could try sending an email. Yours would still be under warranty.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+mVwQePBS.pdf
Good luck and keep us posted.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
I think it's kind of funny that guys are having problems with these things.....but still go ahead and recommend them. (?)
I've had two 1.5h, plain-jane trickle charges for decades. Never had a problem with either. NO problems. Zero. They work.
Wife got me a Batt. tender for xmass two years ago. Worked fine for one (last) winter. Now it doesn't work right -same issue the OP is having. Pulled out one of the old trickle chargers....works. Tender goes into the trash....won't even waste my time with "service". It was a thoughtful gift.
I recommend things that work. Good service is helpful....but not needing the "service" aspect is a lot better.
I've had two 1.5h, plain-jane trickle charges for decades. Never had a problem with either. NO problems. Zero. They work.
Wife got me a Batt. tender for xmass two years ago. Worked fine for one (last) winter. Now it doesn't work right -same issue the OP is having. Pulled out one of the old trickle chargers....works. Tender goes into the trash....won't even waste my time with "service". It was a thoughtful gift.
I recommend things that work. Good service is helpful....but not needing the "service" aspect is a lot better.
Team Owner
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From: PA
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A little late to this conversation. But, I've had mine do the same thing on occasion. Don't have an answer as to why it happens but will be interested to see what you find out.