Connecting a CTEK MXS 5.0 to an XC60

[Rex65]

My extension lead running from the garage to the car would be a dead giveaway for me.

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by BoJoUK

Before I actually installed the eyelet lead I had planned on placing the plug connector OUTSIDE of the battery box, but after you saying that you had left yours INSIDE the battery box it made me think.
I have decided that by leaving it inside, I need to remove the lid before connecting up. Then by placing the removed lid on the drivers seat it means that I can NEVER accidentally drive off forgetting that the lead is connected.

That's a good plan. I used to work in a workshop that maintained fire appliances. When on station they were plugged into the mains to keep the engine warm to speed response times. It was a regular thing for us to have to send someone out to repair the connection because they had driven off whilst still connected. An auto eject connector was eventually fitted to solve the problem.

[simonjedrake]

I use a similar charger every now and again to top up my battery when I get the low power message. My solution was to use the chargers supplied ‘Cigarette Plug’ adaptor that I would plug into the always on socket in the rear boot space and leave on overnight.
Works a treat with no need to adapt any on the cars wiring or add anything extra to the car.

[BoJoUK]

Originally Posted by simonjedrake

I use a similar charger every now and again to top up my battery when I get the low power message. My solution was to use the chargers supplied ‘Cigarette Plug’ adaptor that I would plug into the always on socket in the rear boot space and leave on overnight.
Works a treat with no need to adapt any on the cars wiring or add anything extra to the car.

That would have been an ideal solution, except for the fact that Volvo decided to remove that “always live” socket, hence the eyelet connecting to the battery.

[4x4]

Another way to connect it is if you have a tow-bar supplementary 12S socket fitted then the CTEK can be connected to pin 2 the blue 12v battery charging terminal or on the 13 pin Euro socket it can be connected to pin 9 the green/orange or purple permanent live

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by 4x4

Another way to connect it is if you have a tow-bar supplementary 12S socket fitted then the CTEK can be connected to pin 2 the blue 12v battery charging terminal or on the 13 pin Euro socket it can be connected to pin 9 the green/orange or purple permanent live

That’s brilliant hadn’t thought of it if you have old style dual electrics I gues you can make up a plug to charge the battery thats basically drive away safe (bungee and modified plug end)

It’s perfect as you don’t have to get a connector into the car risking damage and could charge a flat battery that’s locked you out! Works for vehciles kept out side too shame check don’t make a 12S or 13pina dapter? Or do they?


These guys do! https://www.disco3.co.uk/shop/tow-el...e-etc-p45.html

And these https://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/index...oducts_id=1226

[4x4]

You beat me to the link on the Disco 3 forum. Martin who sells them is a top bloke and easy to deal with. Or you could make up your own for a few pounds


EDIT.
Just checked, you can buy a 12s plug for around £4.00 or a 13 pin plug for around £6.50 and 5 minutes work with a screwdriver a pair of pliers and make your own

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by 4x4

You beat me to the link on the Disco 3 forum. Martin who sells them is a top bloke and easy to deal with. Or you could make up your own for a few pounds

You could but it’s got to be £10 for the parts? Ok if you have the laying about I guess.... hmmm tempting.....

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by BoJoUK

That would have been an ideal solution, except for the fact that Volvo decided to remove that “always live” socket, hence the eyelet connecting to the battery.

So you don’t have the rear cargo 12v socket in the rear compartment then - which in both our models was ‘always on’?

[4x4]

12s plug for £2.69 Click

13 pin plug for £5.98 Click