dhanson865
Well-known member
gncndad said:I connected my Battery Tender 1.25a charger leads to the 12v battery, ran the wire through the front charging port.
First time I charged (w/o charging main battery), mid-day, full sun, 90f ambient, charger ran for 6 hours before it showed full.
Drove the car yesterday, mostly highway, 76 miles, 90f ambient, A/C set to 75f, radio on.
Battery tender (simultaneously with main battery) has been charging (overnight) now for 12 hours, 70f ambient, showing 80% charged.
Shouldn't the highway use (probably 55 miles) have kept the 12v battery fully charged? Thoughts?
Ed in Ft. Worth, TX
Nope the leaf won't keep the 12v fully charged no matter how long you drive it.
I'd also say that 1.25a charger isn't enough to keep up.
If you don't see cold temps I'd go for a 4.3 amp CTEK https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006G14FK8
If you see very cold temps on a regular basis (think negative temps) I'd get the Polar version https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00GODCLYU that is labeled 4.3 amp on the name plate but says 5 amp on the side and has cables that play nicer with the cold.
either one has a desulphation in all modes, and enough logic to handle lead acid and AGM, and its smart enough to restart the cycle if it isn't going to charge to normal voltages.
Even then a full cycle can last up to 13 hours on a 40ah battery though it may finish sooner. It'll likely take half as long as using the battery tender.