Where should I connect a CTEK?

[Sidewaze Samm]

Just bought myself a CTEK and wondering whether it matters where I connect it in-situ, as the instructions don't comment.

Terminals on the actual battery, or under-bonnet connectors?

 

[IRD]

I have a CTEK and always use the under bonnet terminals on my E85. Works fine and have had no issues.

 

[Chris_D]

Had one for 5 years and always connected to the battery terminals via the quick connect cable with no issues.

 

[DMike]

I’ve connected to the battery terminals which, on an E85, is effectively equal to connecting to the terminals under the bonnet.

 

[enuff_zed]

As above, from what I've gleaned it is ok to attach to the terminals directly on an E85, whereas on the E89 you should go to the bonnet connectors so you don't bypass all the clever monitoring stuff.
So for you I would suggest it boils down to which end of the car is nearer the plug, plus the fact that you may find it easier to close the bonnet than the boot without pinching the cable. For example, you can feed the cable back out through the rear of the bonnet, round the end of the rubber seal.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

I got the cigar lighter adapter and connect using that, wrapping it around the wheel. Less likely to drive off with it like that!

 

[Zedebee]

As Chris_D, direct to the battery via quick connect cable. I’ve always shut the boot lid on it with no problem, which enables me to lock the car.

 

[DaveD]

As Chris_D, direct to the battery via quick connect cable. I’ve always shut the boot lid on it with no problem, which enables me to lock the car.

Likewise

 

[Thrustyjust]

I got the cigar lighter adapter and connect using that, wrapping it around the wheel. Less likely to drive off with it like that!

Same as here. Just get the adaptor lead and plug it in . Its good that the ciggie lighter is permanent live when the ignition is off.

 

[DMike]

Mine is in a garage and usually leave the boot a bit open, when I have the lead connected, so there would be a warning beep when starting. Touching wood, so far never forgot to disconnect. If I were to forget disconnecting some day, I’m using a CTEK’s extension cord — so the embarassment would include, at worst, only driving with an extension cord hanging behind.

 

[griffnut]

I got the cigar lighter adapter and connect using that, wrapping it around the wheel. Less likely to drive off with it like that!

Same as here. Just get the adaptor lead and plug it in . Its good that the ciggie lighter is permanent live when the ignition is off.

I agree - cigggy lighter position every time for the last 20 years on various cars. Keeps charge perfectly.

 

[patriot66]

I have a Noco Genius charger/conditioner with piggyback connectors direct on the battery terminals. Shortened the cable and ran it out of one of the large grommets in the offside corner of the boot, through a couple of holes in the bumper armature to rest just inside the towing eye cover. Pop the cover out, pull out the connector...easy !

 

[srhutch]

Batter terminals and the out through the boot with the boot fully closed. Been doing it for years now and never had an issue. These conditioners are not that powerful so I don’t believe the risk is the same as a conventional charger.

 

[Sticks]

As above, from what I've gleaned it is ok to attach to the terminals directly on an E85, whereas on the E89 you should go to the bonnet connectors so you don't bypass all the clever monitoring stuff.
So for you I would suggest it boils down to which end of the car is nearer the plug, plus the fact that you may find it easier to close the bonnet than the boot without pinching the cable. For example, you can feed the cable back out through the rear of the bonnet, round the end of the rubber seal.

Thanks for this, I'd wondered if it had a battery integrity meter (or whatever it's called). I use the engine bay connectors anyway. The cable feeds nicely down the gap by the headlight too.

 

[grannyknot]

I have a Noco Genius charger/conditioner with piggyback connectors direct on the battery terminals. Shortened the cable and ran it out of one of the large grommets in the offside corner of the boot, through a couple of holes in the bumper armature to rest just inside the towing eye cover. Pop the cover out, pull out the connector...easy !

I stole your idea and installed permanent wires to the jump connectors under the hood, then ran the wires to the right front tow hook cap, works great.
I have backed out of the garage a couple of times forgetting to unplug it, so far the connector slips apart every time with no damage.