C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Trickle charger connection question

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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 02:57 PM
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Default Trickle charger connection question

I have a CTEK battery charger/conditioner that I want to use to maintain the battery in the C4. I use it for the C3 where it was easy to wire the accessory socket to the battery terminals to make connecting the charger a breeze. Not so easy with the side post connection system in a C4, has anyone come up with a cunning method of connecting a trickle charger to their C4?
CTEK battery connector
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 03:24 PM
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Why get all bent out of shape about needing to connect to the battery? Electricity doesn't know the difference. There is a junction block right behind the battery (in a 90 at least) which is perfect to connect your tender to.
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 05:14 PM
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No need to get right on the battery. Just find a good easy place for positive and negative.
Before making the connections, disconnect the battery first.
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Old Aug 16, 2018 | 06:57 PM
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You can also use one of these of you want to connect directly to the battery, but as stated above it's not really necessary. I use them to connect my amp too.


Last edited by gpierce; Aug 16, 2018 at 06:58 PM.
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Old Aug 17, 2018 | 12:21 AM
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I use the cigarette lighter adapter for my battery tender...
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Old Aug 17, 2018 | 01:31 AM
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Sounds like Boss Hogs idea is the winner and then use the vent like Ihatebarkings dogs.
Thanks I knew you guys would have a solution!
Anyone got an idea of how to use other than side connect battery? They run to close to $500.00 (our South Pacific Peso) = $330.00 USD
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Old Aug 20, 2018 | 12:27 PM
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I've been feeding the batteries from a tender in my vehicles for years via the cigarette lighter socket. Couldn't be easier to connect/disconnect. Never any problems. The only issue can be that the Corvette lighter sockets are shallow, so some plugs won't stay mated with them. You'll need to use one that will. I use a plug that has a fuse inside, for a measure of extra insurance, although the circuit is fused in a C4.

Live well,

SJW
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Old Aug 21, 2018 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by gpierce
You can also use one of these of you want to connect directly to the battery, but as stated above it's not really necessary. I use them to connect my amp too.

I used these same bolt/fasters (purchased at NAPA) with pigtail from Battery Tender JR Plus. Left pigtail connected to battery and placed pigtail thru side "gills". When not charging pigtail is folded in "gills" for easy access. I used for many years this way without any problems.

Good Luck and SAVE THE WAVE !
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Old Aug 21, 2018 | 03:12 PM
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I used the extended battery bolts as well. Long pigtail routed with another harness in the engine compartment, with the connector tie-wrapped at the left side of the front air dam.
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Old Aug 21, 2018 | 03:40 PM
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Decided I might go with the cigarette lighter socket charging method because it will be obvious that it is connected, I'm worried I might be in a hurry one day and drive off with an external one connected.
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Old Aug 22, 2018 | 07:59 AM
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Idk, my fat *** fingers make it a pain to reach through the vents and I can't open my hood in the garage unless the car is way back so the cig lighter plug is the easiest for me. (Also I hate extra crap under the hood. Even though it isn't noticable it bothers me.)

I generally only have to use the tender when the battery is on it's way out or in the winter. Otherwise it can sit for a month and a half and still start.
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