CTEK chargers

[sapphireblack]

Or more specifically the lead with traffic light indication.

I doubt i am alone but these are painfully pessimistic, rendering my example pretty much useless. I disconnected the charger from a fully charged battery over the weekend and instantly, the traffic Iight indicator started flashing amber. I've reverted to a standard version again.

Is my example faulty or as pessimistic as i have read others to say?

[Alan Gunn]

I bought 2 for my cars some years ago.
Same thing as you i should have sent them back but couldn't be bothered to take them off again.
You could unplug the charger and leave the bonnet/boot open and go back 5 minutes later and no green light.

[sapphireblack]

If I'm not alone and from what I've read this is the norm. Its in conflict with an otherwise excellent bit of kit. The charger is extremely good but somewhat compromised by this one accessory.

To avoid further anxiety, I'll just stay with the non traffic lights leads.

[X5Sport]

I think part of the issue may be caused when the car itself is ‘awake’. These cars of ours draw significant power if the systems have woken up, but you’re right, the traffic light does seem a little sensitive to voltage if it’s in any way below perfect.

I’ve got them on two of ours but just use them as a guide. They both seemed to show green for longer when the new batteries were fitted last summer.

[sapphireblack]

If it wasn't for the X6 having a brand spanking new battery i might have given it little more thought.

The traffic light lead was originaly fitted directly on the previous battery when BMW replaced it. It was its pessimistic behaviour that lead me to abandon it's use. I tucked it out of sight and forgot about it until the recent battery replacement again. I swapped it to the jump points but have now consigned it to the no longer required storage box. It serves me no meaningful purpose.