Porsche (CTEK) Charger - Top row of LEDs not illuminating

[Skrambles]

I've got my 997 turbo hooked up to a CTEK charger, which is connected via the cigarette lighter socket. The battery seemed to be fine when I checked the unit a couple of days ago - the LED in the top row was showing green. Just went to check and none of the LEDs are illuminating. Could it be the battery? Can't see how it could, as it seemed fine a couple of days ago and I haven't been using the car.

[ashway]

I had the same recently, disconnected everything left it for a couple of hours and re connected, all ok again

edited to add, mine is the Porsche branded one from OPC, had it 5 years and always worked fine till the blip last week. Still going strong again now after above procedure

Edited by ashway on Thursday 2nd February 17:10

[Skrambles]

Thanks - I tried that and also tried taking the car out for a long drive before reconnecting and neither worked. The car's battery does not seem to have any problem (fingers crossed).

I thought these CTEKs were bulletproof. I may try plugging the thing into the wife's car, when she'll let me, to see if it's just the device.

[Trev450]

I've used them for many years and while I consider them to be very reliable, they, like most things have a lifespan. My last one, for example, gave up the ghost after about 7 years continuous use.

[pcn1]

My fist CTEK lasted a few months. The replacement was used for about 3 years on a regular basis, then after a year of not being used it was found dead

My first Optimate bike charger was used 24/7 and lasted 14 years !!
I dont think Id go back to CTEK again.

[chris_w]

Mine does this occasionally, but only on my track car using the crocodile clips - usually a wiggle of the clip on the terminal sorts it out.

On the Porsche I use the fixed leads so I don't have to keep whipping the plastic cover on and off and don't recall haivng this problem.

[madasafrog666]

I got quoted the silly prices for CTEK, a friend said try ALDI, bought one for 14 pounds two years ago and it works perfectly!! all the time.

[Slippydiff]

The CTEK is an overrated, overpriced piece of sh*te.
The cheapo Jap job I bought from Halfords six years ago (no lights, or any other fancy nonsense) is still going strong however . . . .

[m030]

Same here, the Porsche Ctek failed and killed my new battery.

[Skrambles]

I'll be looking for a new charger this week. Just typical that the 2 year warranty on the CTEK ran out on 4th January this year. I'm tempted to get another CTEK from Porsche, just because I can have a go at them if I suffer any real problems as a result of it!

[pikeyboy]

see the thread on c tek type chargers in aldi a few pages into the porsche forum

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by boy on Wednesday 1st February 11:48

[threespins]

My CTEC only lasted a few months. Never any problems with the ALDI ones.

[Knackered dad]

I have just been out in the garage fiddling with my Ctek charger that I bought last Saturday, exactly the same thing as you guys are describing. I thought these things were supposed to be the real deal. Mine charged fine at the start now nothing except the car icon lit. Wasn't sure what I was supposed to be seeing and thought I would do a quick search on PH, Gutted.

[thegoose]

boy said:

see the thread on c tek type chargers in aldi a few pages into the porsche forum

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

That's actually about Lidl ones but amounts to the same thing I guess (the chargers are different though, the Aldi ones have a digital display of the actual voltage). My C-Tek's fine (Costco £30) and so are all (10) my Aldi ones - haven't used my Lidl ones yet.

[Magic919]

I thought the CTEK had a five year warranty.

[pikeyboy]

thegoose said:

That's actually about Lidl ones but amounts to the same thing I guess (the chargers are different though, the Aldi ones have a digital display of the actual voltage). My C-Tek's fine (Costco £30) and so are all (10) my Aldi ones - haven't used my Lidl ones yet.

Sorry my mistake thought it was aldi didn't realise it was lidl or even that they both do them. Its all to confusing

[Skrambles]

Magic919 said:

I thought the CTEK had a five year warranty.

I think that they do now, but only had 2 years when I bought mine in 2010!

[Magic919]

That was bad luck. My main chargers are a pair of Optimates. Bought them years ago to keep my bikes topped up. They haven't missed a beat. Also sold as Accumate.

[MadMark911]

Skrambles said:

I've got my 997 turbo hooked up to a CTEK charger, which is connected via the cigarette lighter socket. The battery seemed to be fine when I checked the unit a couple of days ago - the LED in the top row was showing green. Just went to check and none of the LEDs are illuminating. Could it be the battery? Can't see how it could, as it seemed fine a couple of days ago and I haven't been using the car.

Skrambles - have you got the XS3600? On mine - once it's plugged in - I need to press the "Mode" button before it does anything. Then it lights up the charging light and off it goes.

MM.

[EvoSlayer]

Magic919 said:

That was bad luck. My main chargers are a pair of Optimates. Bought them years ago to keep my bikes topped up. They haven't missed a beat. Also sold as Accumate.

Same here, used Optimate/Accumate for years without any problems. Seems strange that issues are cropping up with the CTEK thingys as these are usually the de rigueur ph recommendation.