same here. plug in the tender AC adapter to an outlet in the garage and attach the two prongs to the positive and negative posts.
Battery Tender Installation Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
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From: Escondido CA
Battery Tender Installation Question
Just got a new Battery Tender Plus, and am really happy with its operation. It charged up an almost dead batery overnight, and works as advertised.
The only thing I was wondering about is what is the best way to install or use it in my C5? In other words, should I use the cigarette lighter adapter, or install it somewhere near the battery using the wires that you can connect permanently to the battery?
If I use the cigarette lighter adapter, I have the wire from the adapter hanging out the window to the tender on the garage floor, and the AC power connected to a pull-down worklight from the ceiling. There's the possibility of tripping over the wires and/or tender. On the other hand, if I connect using the permanent wires, then I have to open the hood to attach the AC connector to power. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages of each way, so any advice or pictures of installations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
The only thing I was wondering about is what is the best way to install or use it in my C5? In other words, should I use the cigarette lighter adapter, or install it somewhere near the battery using the wires that you can connect permanently to the battery?
If I use the cigarette lighter adapter, I have the wire from the adapter hanging out the window to the tender on the garage floor, and the AC power connected to a pull-down worklight from the ceiling. There's the possibility of tripping over the wires and/or tender. On the other hand, if I connect using the permanent wires, then I have to open the hood to attach the AC connector to power. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages of each way, so any advice or pictures of installations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tech Contributor
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I just hook the clips to the battery posts and leave the hood cracked open. That way the doors are closed and theres no danger of squatters.
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '05
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I have the BATTERY TENDER PLUS power cord mounted to the OPTIMA battery/positive/negative studs and I routed down into the right front inner fender. I disconnect the male/female connector when I take the car off the lift. The BATTERY TENDER PLUS is mounted to the right front column on an aluminum bracket and industrial strength VELCRO. Where ever you decide to place the unit, keep in mind that it does get a little warm which is normal.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Apr 14, 2007 at 06:36 PM.
Safety Car
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From: Providence Forge, VA
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Mine sits on the garage floor just back of the RF tire, close to the car. I just hook it to the poles using the clips. I connect it whenever its a possible I might not drive it the very next day (and sometimes even then). 
Safety Car
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From: monroeville pa
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I put my battery tender plus on a stepstool about two feet from from the engine compartment then just hook up the red cable to the red post and the black cable to the black post that is it.The light will be red on the battery tender then after a while it will change to red and green and then to just green light that means the charging is complete and all you do is just leave it alone its all set.I keep the car all covered up except for the area where the battery is so i can see the battery and the cables.
Last edited by charlene; Apr 18, 2007 at 11:22 AM.
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Safety Car
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From: Sparks, Nevada
That way, I can see it any time I'm in the garage, without opening the hood.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
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From: Escondido CA
All good answers..... Thanks again.
I was thinking about installing the tender permanently near the battery, and possibly running the AC power cable so that the AC power plug was available coming through the RF fender air scoop somehow. I might keep the plug secure with velcro or some other method. That way I'd just need to run an extension cord to the tender's AC power plug without opening the hood. The only disadvantage would be that I couldn't see the status LEDs on the tender. Any thought on this?
Don
I was thinking about installing the tender permanently near the battery, and possibly running the AC power cable so that the AC power plug was available coming through the RF fender air scoop somehow. I might keep the plug secure with velcro or some other method. That way I'd just need to run an extension cord to the tender's AC power plug without opening the hood. The only disadvantage would be that I couldn't see the status LEDs on the tender. Any thought on this?
Don
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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Mine has a long lead to the clips. My tender is mounted on a bracket that came with it fixed to my toolboard next to the power outlet. I run the wires through a hook on the ceiling and down to the engine bay. When its not in use I clip the wires up on the hook or I can coil them up on top of the tool cabinet.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: . New York
All good answers..... Thanks again.
I was thinking about installing the tender permanently near the battery, and possibly running the AC power cable so that the AC power plug was available coming through the RF fender air scoop somehow. I might keep the plug secure with velcro or some other method. That way I'd just need to run an extension cord to the tender's AC power plug without opening the hood. The only disadvantage would be that I couldn't see the status LEDs on the tender. Any thought on this?
Don
I was thinking about installing the tender permanently near the battery, and possibly running the AC power cable so that the AC power plug was available coming through the RF fender air scoop somehow. I might keep the plug secure with velcro or some other method. That way I'd just need to run an extension cord to the tender's AC power plug without opening the hood. The only disadvantage would be that I couldn't see the status LEDs on the tender. Any thought on this?
Don
Thats the way I'd go. Nice clean install and just plug it in when you park, no open hood.
The only thing thats holding me back from installing one, was the recommendation of a well known certified tech and member who advises against the battery tender thing, so although I just replaced the original Delco in my 2001 with a Red Top, I haven't done the battery tender thing yet. ( sent a PM, for clarification of why he is against using them, waiting reply).
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Atlanta GA from Boston MA
I leave mine on the floor near the RF tire, run the AC power cord to the wall plug. I have the positive and negative permanently connected to the battery posts via a "split" cord....and I just slide the 2 ends of the split cord together to make the connection. When driving the car the split cord (battery end) rests on the plastic battery compartment cover and the feed end rests on the the floor near the tender.
Hope this makes sense,,,,,,
Hope this makes sense,,,,,,
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Racer
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From: Chambersburg, Pa.
It's all a matter of personal choice or convenience. Since I back my car into the garage, I have my CTEK tender mounted on the wall. I use the post clips with the hood released. I can even cover the car and still monitor the tender on the wall. No problems.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
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From: Escondido CA
More good ideas.... Thanks again.
My baby only sits for a maximum of about a month or so without starting her up, so my plans are to only plug in the tender after about a week or so to give it a charge. I want the installation to be convenient but functional at the same time.
I'm still undecided as to which way to go. I'm trying to figure out how to punch a hole in the RF fender air scoop without doing any major damage, but then again, I won't be able to see the LEDs on the tender.
I'm now thinking about mounting the tender to the garage ceiling, plugging in the AC cable to the outlet for the garage door opener, and letting the DC cable hang from it. Not sure if the DC cable is long enough, but I should be able to add a length of the right size cable to the middle of it. Would be even neater if I could rig it so the cable could automatically wind up when not in use, like my trouble light hanging from the garage ceiling.
My baby only sits for a maximum of about a month or so without starting her up, so my plans are to only plug in the tender after about a week or so to give it a charge. I want the installation to be convenient but functional at the same time.
I'm still undecided as to which way to go. I'm trying to figure out how to punch a hole in the RF fender air scoop without doing any major damage, but then again, I won't be able to see the LEDs on the tender.
I'm now thinking about mounting the tender to the garage ceiling, plugging in the AC cable to the outlet for the garage door opener, and letting the DC cable hang from it. Not sure if the DC cable is long enough, but I should be able to add a length of the right size cable to the middle of it. Would be even neater if I could rig it so the cable could automatically wind up when not in use, like my trouble light hanging from the garage ceiling.
