Battery maintenance question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 16
From: Spring, TX
Battery maintenance question
I have been using the US3300 Model 1051 battery charger from CTEK. It has worked well, but I just got back from a 6 month trip in our RV and my battery on the C7 was dead. The car was in my garage, the battery was only 2 years old, all of the lights appeared to be ok on the charging unit, but the battery was dead as a door nail. Fortunately the battery was replaced under warranty, but we are also planning to be out next summer for 6 months (to escape the Houston heat), so I'm wondering if you all have any thoughts about the NOCO Genius 2 (or Genius 5) vs. the unit by CTEK? It really just needs to be maintained over the summer months and I'm not looking for a super charging unit, so any and all comments would be appreciated. Thanks as always!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 686
Likes: 239
From: Houston TX
The CTEK is a pretty high end charger. The only time it failed in the past 6 years on my vette was when the battery died at year 5. Whenever the car is in the garage its on the CTEK. Ironically I have a Noco Genius 5 coming in this week for my race car since I wanted something cheaper than the CTEK.
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,289
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From: Ventura Co Ca
SoCal Regional Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
I agree with the above. I have been using the same Battery Tender, Junior, through a C4, C6, and a C7. I put it on as soon as I park in the garage.
On the other hand, my wife got a new car in 2021 and the battery was causing problems within six months. A new battery, under warranty, solved that problem and we have had no further issue.
.
On the other hand, my wife got a new car in 2021 and the battery was causing problems within six months. A new battery, under warranty, solved that problem and we have had no further issue.
.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 284
From: Springfield MA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12, '19, '21
Here's another vote for a defective battery..... I've used a cute charger for years on other Vettes and now use the ctek that came with my 2016 with no problems.... Take that battery back...
Good luck..
Dave
Good luck..
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,954
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
What I have doubts about is the utter unpredictability of "new" batteries. Longevity is all over the ballpark for what should be identical batteries in essentially the same vehicles being use the same ways. I could give you a list of examples including my buying two Optima that soon failed. 
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 16
From: Spring, TX
Thanks to all of you for the replies. Sounds like the unanimous opinion is that my previous battery, even though only 2 years old, may have been the problem. I'll continue using the CTEK and keep an eye on the battery. Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
I've seen batteries test bad off the shelf and 2 Delco batteries last 3 months apiece with a good alternator.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
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From: Hartford WI
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 206
Likes: 85
From: Phoenix
I had the charging unit screwed to the wall and the cord ripped out of the hatch at the adapter connection. I was able to strip the wires down and the female connectors survived. That plus some electrical tape and it works again. Escaped with just a minor chip on the bottom of the hatch that is only visible when it is open.
I leave a golf bag tag in my brake vent when it is plugged in...now.
I leave a golf bag tag in my brake vent when it is plugged in...now.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
I had the charging unit screwed to the wall and the cord ripped out of the hatch at the adapter connection. I was able to strip the wires down and the female connectors survived. That plus some electrical tape and it works again. Escaped with just a minor chip on the bottom of the hatch that is only visible when it is open.
I leave a golf bag tag in my brake vent when it is plugged in...now.
I leave a golf bag tag in my brake vent when it is plugged in...now.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 206
Likes: 85
From: Phoenix
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI