Battery charging

[XJ_Driver]

I've not used my XJ8 much recently, but when I did take it out for a drive yesterday noticed one or two spurious warning messages displayed on the dash (they cleared after I switched the engine off / on again). The engine always starts first time, without hesitation, but I wonder if the battery needs charging? But before I disconnect the battery and put it on a trickle charge are there any potential issues I need to be aware of when charging the battery on an X308? Thanks.

[daveji]

I understand the safest way is to remove the battery from the car and charge it up on a bench.
(take care to follow the handbook instructions when disconnecting & reconnecting the battery)
If your car is used intermittently you may consider using a CTEK conditioner (available from the JEC shop).
This device will look after the battery even over extended periods if the car is not used.

[Popsjag]

Just remember to have your radio code memorized somewhere and most importantly - have your key/remote in your possession BEFORE reconnecting the battery. just in case it energises the central locking when you re-connect the battery!!

[Brakebuster]

i always write the stereo code on the battery......

who has heard of anyone nicking a stereo from a Jag these days ?

and make sure the manual key opening of the boot works before you do anything, lubricate and operate till working if required

BB

[oldtimer]

At the risk of repeating myself for the umpteenth time, as well as others, there is no need to disconnect or remove the battery. The Battery doesn't give a "fig "where the volts come from as long as it gets some.

There are a range of good quality intelligent Battery conditioner charge units available. I have been using three Automate units for different vehicles. These have Max output of 1.25 amps all of which are permanently switched on except of course when the vehicle are in use.

Mike Kennedy tells me he is using a small solar panel as he not close to a main supply.

For convenience I have installed a Jaguar imaged flip lid socket in the boot of my S type for the charger to be plugged in to. It is wired in, in such a way that a supplementary battery can be plugged into the socket prior to removal of the car battery to safeguard all the codes. NO, YOU CANNOT USE THE SUPPLEMENRTY SOCKET TO START THE ENGINE - DON'T EVEN THINK IT UNLESS YOU WANT TO START A FIRE

Oldtimer

[XJ_Driver]

All good, sensible advice. Thank you. I shall make sure I have the radio code before proceeding any further!

[Davidqhog]

I've heard that the CTEK conditioners are good. My SV8 is currently sitting in its winter home with battery disconnected. It'd be good if I could leave it connected and being conditioned. I see the shop no longer supplies these units but can anyone recommend which one would keep the rather large SV8 battery in tip-top condition?

[J44EAG]

There are loads of suppliers selling CTEK equipment. The internet will probably find the best deals around.

Halfords stock them. Left click on this link. https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... nFtPYOVD0w

Here is another one on Amazon. https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... ctc6BeDuVQ

I install these and larger units on boats, caravans, cranes and cars. Be assured there is no need to remove the battery from the car for charging. A battery has no brain. It does not know or care where it is charged. Whether the battery is charged within a car boot, in a caravan, motor home or on a boat, it is of no consequence. All that occurs is that the plastic cased lump of lead and acid receives a charge from another source than from the alternator. Circuit protection is built into modern charging units which makes onboard charging safe and protected. Trickle charging will produce little if any hydrogen during the process. Only when a battery is belted by an out of control charger is there any risk of excess hydrogen being produced. Even then, a vehicle boot space is ventilated so any plate gassing will be adequately taken care of.

Mike K