Ctek problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 286
Likes: 11
From: FL
Ctek problem
2019 Stingray 1lt: connected Ctek model US 7002 using socket in rear compartment. Green light came on meaning battery fully charged. Checked it two days later. No green light. Tried to start car. Only got the dreaded clicking. Anyone experience this with Ctek? Bad Ctek
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 105
Likes: 95
From: Odessa, TX
Ctek probably fine, but the damn plug is likely the problem. For some reason, the plug that is on the OE Ctek charger is super finicky about being inserted into the charging port and making a good connection. I have several other chargers that have cigarette lighter plugs and none of them are as fussy as the Ctek's. I quit using the OE Ctek when I put an Optima battery in the car and have been using a Optima charger with no issues whatsoever. I plan on cutting the end off the Ctek (the cigarette lighter plug is permanently attached to the cable on the OE chargers) and replacing it with a standard 2 pin plug like a Batterytender and using it on other vehicles at some point. I suspect Ctek uses the same cigarette lighter plug in all of their applications, so even if you don't have the OE charger you may still have the same jicky connection issues. If your Ctek has a 2 pin cable connector you may just want to try a different plug that you can get at any auto parts store.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,142
From: Kansas City, MO
I've had the same problem with my Corvette branded CTEK. Never had the problem with my Battery Tender Jr or my Harbor Freight charger. The plug sometimes walks itself out just a hair, resulting in a poor connection. I'm going to do what Michael suggested and just put a different end on it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 15,992
Likes: 820
2019 Stingray 1lt: connected Ctek model US 7002 using socket in rear compartment. Green light came on meaning battery fully charged. Checked it two days later. No green light. Tried to start car. Only got the dreaded clicking. Anyone experience this with Ctek? Bad Ctek
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Ctek probably fine, but the damn plug is likely the problem. For some reason, the plug that is on the OE Ctek charger is super finicky about being inserted into the charging port and making a good connection. I have several other chargers that have cigarette lighter plugs and none of them are as fussy as the Ctek's. I quit using the OE Ctek when I put an Optima battery in the car and have been using a Optima charger with no issues whatsoever. I plan on cutting the end off the Ctek (the cigarette lighter plug is permanently attached to the cable on the OE chargers) and replacing it with a standard 2 pin plug like a Batterytender and using it on other vehicles at some point. I suspect Ctek uses the same cigarette lighter plug in all of their applications, so even if you don't have the OE charger you may still have the same jicky connection issues. If your Ctek has a 2 pin cable connector you may just want to try a different plug that you can get at any auto parts store.
I cut the wire again to install two blade connectors so I could swap the Deltran and CTek connectors if I decide to do that in the future, which probably won't happen. It works fine, and the only downside is that the Deltran requires two hands to connect while the CTek only one.
If you go with the blade connector idea, make sure you swap the male and female on each end so that you can't plug them in with the wrong polarity. Will shoot a pic if anyone needs clarification.
Last edited by iclick; Jul 6, 2022 at 03:54 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
I agree and have had BT+ for 17 years that has been used on numerous cars, motorcycles, and lawn tractors I've owned in that time frame. It has survived many indignities, including being run over by my Harley more than once, and still serves as the full-time maintainer for my truck. I also had a BT Jr., which I stupidly let go with my last motorcycle, and a solar BT that I use on my ZTR mower in a shed that has no AC power. OTOH, if you already have a CTek, which in my case was part of my GS package, you can fix the quirky lighter setup with the easy mod mentioned earlier. If I didn't have a maintainer and wanted to buy one I'd probably go with the BT Jr., which is economical and quite up to the task.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,923
Likes: 6,722
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
I've the GM supplied Ctek I've used on my C7 since new (5-years) with no issues. However, I make sure the socket is well mated via a twist and double-push at insertion. Plus, I close the hatch, but make sure there is extra cord in the car so as not to pull tight and dislodge on closing. Now for Battery Tenders... all is not perfect there, either; I assure ya. I've 7 or 8 I've bought over the years and still use a few for my "fleet." Three just flat-out died over the time I've used them. I also have an expensive Optima charger, since there was a time before the company was sold that I only used their batteries in my collector and sports cars (no more, btw) and it has always worked fine for everything ranging from lawn-mower batteries, to motorcycles, to assorted car and truck batteries, including one ancient Optima that just won't die. The moral... is like with our Vettes; anyone can get a bad one occasionally, but most are very good. All the best. 
