Frequently Asked Questions

Links of Interest

New Model Names - Tuesday, 14 December 2010

With the change of new year CTEK are implementing new naming convention to simplify model descriptions. The XS (denoting 12 volt) remains but as in most cases our models in NZ are "Multi" so we will be carriing the MXS, and rather than the milliamps rating things will change to amps. So the Multi XS7000 will become the MXS 7. With shipping timeframes you can expect this product to start filtering through resellers by March 2011.

Comfort Indicator Panel 3.3m - Tuesday, 14 December 2010

CTEK have also increased the cable length after customer feedback for the panel to 3.3 metres but will continue to offer the existing model as well. So the new unit is called CTEK INDICATOR PANEL 3.3

NEW MODEL RELEASED MXS 5 - Tuesday, 14 December 2010

With the XS4003 being a superb example of innovation from CTEK they have released details and road mapped a plan to expand the range starting with the shifting of the XS4003 to a 5 amp unit and therefore renaming to MXS 5. Leaving the XS3600 in place as a steping stone between the XS800 and the new 5 amp unit. We are also expecting a Q1 2011 Release of a 10 amp model the MXS 10, and a workshop charger 12 volt 70 Amps - 24 volt 35 Amps date to be advised.

CTEK Takes Top Prize in Auto Express Awards - Monday, 9 August 2010

04/06/2010 - CTEK is celebrating after taking home two awards at the highly regarded and prominent annual Auto Express awards.

NEW! CTEK Comfort Indicator - Monday, 2 March 2009

CTEK have created a little battery health indicator, that you simply attach onto the battery terminals to let you know if a battery needs charging.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED - Thursday, 30 October 2008

Updated product listings and contact page, see for yourself how easy it is to drill through the categories menu.

OEM Clients - Wednesday, 29 October 2008

View the huge range of international car manufacturers now using CTEK chargers.

Safer Electricity for Boats - Saturday, 30 August 2008

CTEK have developed CTEK AC-Power System.

The only system designed specifically for boats.

Farming Practices - Wednesday, 12 March 2008

Maintenance charging, the Farmers lifeline.

Agriculture take maintenance charging seriously, it extends the life of the batteries and ensures the machines start when needed.

Transport Industry - Sunday, 30 April 2006

Improved economy and reliability for transport industry

CTEK have specially adapted battery chargers for transport vehicles and 24V systems.

Car Audio - Friday, 28 April 2006

Max Power... How Long?

Good audio requires good systems. Good systems require a good battery bank.

FAQs

Q1.
The MULTI XS 15000 / XS 25000 / XT 14000 does not have the higher voltage recommended for brands like Optima & Odyssey. Is this a problem?

Q2.
Which charger is best for me?

Q3.
What happens if I use my charger on a larger battery than recommended?

Q4.
What is the difference between connecting batteries in series and connecting batteries in parallel?

Q5.
My battery has been frozen. Can I charge it?

Q6.
Can I charge deeply drained batteries with my CTEK charger?

Q7.
Do I have to disconnect the battery from my car when I charge my battery with a CTEK charger?

Q8.
What does the abbreviations MF, GEL and AGM stand for?

Q9.
Which battery types can I use my CTEK charger on?

Q10.
I have learned that you should always open the battery caps when charging due to/because of the explosive gas. I can’t find anything about this in your manual. Don’t I have to open the battery caps when charging with a CTEK charger?

Q11.
I have noticed that my battery boils a little bit when I charge with 14.4V, especially at the end of the charging. Is this normal or could it damage my battery?

Q12.
I have an AGM battery. Do I charge it in snowflake mode?

Q13.
Is it possible to use a CTEK charger on GEL batteries? Is there anything specific that needs to be considered when charging a GEL battery?

Q14.
Is it possible to charge several batteries of different sizes at the same time?

Q15.
Can I really just connect the charger and then forget about it?

Q16.
Should I use Supply setting for “maintenance charging”?

Q17.
Can I charge Li-Ion batteries with my CTEK charger?

Q18.
How do I connect in series/parallel?

Q19.
Why does it take less time to charge with a MULTI XS 3600 with just 3.6A compared to my old 11A charger?

Q20.
What does ripple mean and how does it affect the battery?

Q21.
The charger switches over to maintenance charging but the battery lacks energy. What is wrong?

Q22.
I have charged my 75Ah battery with a Multi XS 3600 for several days, but the battery never gets fully charged i.e. the charger does not switch into maintenance charging. What is wrong?

Q23.
I charge my battery with a Multi XS 3600 for approximately 12h and the charger does not switch into maintenance charging. When I change setting with the mode button or disconnect and connect the charger again, the charger automatically switches to the maintenance mode. Why does this occur?

Q24.
When I connect the charger the orange LED lights for half charged are flashing and the green LED lights for fully charged are permanently lit. What does this mean and what can I do about it?

Q25.
I am trying to charge my battery with a CTEK Multi XS 3600 but only one LED on the lowest row is lit. What is wrong?

Q26.
I have loads connected to the battery and I want to charge the battery at the same time. Should I use the Supply function?

Q27.
I want to charge my car battery during the winter. The problem is that the power gets cut sometimes. Will your charger start automatically when the power comes back on or do I have to start it manually? Which charger should I choose for this application?

Q28.
In the manual for your charger it is explained that the black cable/clamp (-) should be connected to the chassis in the car, preferably far from the battery. Why? I have always connected the charger straight onto the battery.

Q29.
Which setting should I use?