Trickle charger

[Velocesteve1]

Hi, since my reader will not pick up transmission codes I was thinking of buying a trickle charger just to make sure the battery is ok (the cars not well used!) Most online sources say connect both leads to the battery however I have been told that this could cause issues, would a ground be better if so where in the vicinity of the battery area?
Thanks

 

[CatmanV2]

Hi, since my reader will not pick up transmission codes I was thinking of buying a trickle charger just to make sure the battery is ok (the cars not well used!) Most online sources say connect both leads to the battery however I have been told that this could cause issues, would a ground be better if so where in the vicinity of the battery area?
Thanks

They will be just fine connected to the battery. But what year have you got? Autel AP-200 will read the earlier cars.

Welcome BTW

C

 

[midlifecrisis]

Hi, since my reader will not pick up transmission codes I was thinking of buying a trickle charger just to make sure the battery is ok (the cars not well used!) Most online sources say connect both leads to the battery however I have been told that this could cause issues, would a ground be better if so where in the vicinity of the battery area?
Thanks

I'm not sure where you got that info from, but the chassis and battery negative are the same electrical point.

As long as it's a good connection to either the chassis or the battery (and they are connected to each other!) you'll be fine.

 

[P R]

Can you not connect it to the +ve and -Ve terminals under the bonnet rather than the battery itself?

 

[philw696]

Can you not connect it to the +ve and -Ve terminals under the bonnet rather than the battery itself?

Yes you can but my preferred method especially if your using a higher capacity charger is to remove the battery from the car to charge it.
Smart intelligent chargers are safer.

 

[CatmanV2]

Can you not connect it to the +ve and -Ve terminals under the bonnet rather than the battery itself?

Absolutely but, from experience getting a good earth can be a real PITA.

My *personal* preference is permanent eyelet connections to the battery terminals with a plug.

Totally get @philw696 's view as well though. The Ghibli battery is a royal PITA not so much to get out, but to get back in!

C

 

[philw696]

My advice from many years is as much for safety for yourself and the vehicle from my many years of experience.
Always best to charge on a bench off the car.

 

[happydaze]

And always connect the charger to the battery before switching it on...