Vantage V8 battery conditioning / charging socket

[rallymaster123]

Hi there, took delivery of a 4.7 V8 Vantage few days ago. Fab car!! Been reading on the forum about battery charging/conditioning.

I've bought CTEK MXS5.0 and CTEK CTE-56263 CTEK Cigarette Lighter Connector Adaptor (AM Sales guy said CTEK manufacture the AM chargers but CTEK badged are lot cheaper) - tried plugging the adaptor into the charging socket in the boot several times as per the manual but whatever I try the charger indicates that there's no battery connected.

Am I missing something, any ideas?

Cheers

[Felonious]

That seems odd. I charge mine from there ok. Have you confirmed that the connection is live and stays live even with the ignition off?

[rallymaster123]

Ah yes thanks, thought of that. Haven't actually plugged anything in to check but according to the AM Owners Manual and the forums on here it should be. That's where the dealer told me to charge it from.....

Maybe need to check my adaptor.... ?

[TR-Spider]

Cigarette lighter fuse can be blown.

there's another connector in the trunk.

[rallymaster123]

Ah thanks - just checked the socket's working. Doesn't appear to be, even with the ignition on. Might be the fuse, will speak to the dealer.... thanks for the feedback.

[huntsen]

While you're at it, check the cigarette lighter socket. This should also be permanently live.
That said, the CTEK/Aston connection isn't very good at best. Mine needs checking daily as temperature changes, particularly, cause continuity to be lost. This may also manifest itself as not all the LEDs lighting up.
It should only take a wiggle to restart the charging sequence.

[rallymaster123]

Thx, yes the cigarette lighter socket is active, so problem is just with the socket in the boot. I'll give it another go today.... and check the fuse....!

[S1-NOS]

Often my CTEK doesn’t pick up the battery when I plug it into my boot socket. I have to twist the cigarette plug around gently until I see the lights on the CTEK start to light up.

[Jon39]

TR-Spider said:

.. there's another connector in the trunk.

OP did refer to that socket. UK boot, USA trunk I think.

From reading this forum, I think the console 'cigar' lighter is off when the car is switched off, whereas the boot 'cigar' type socket remains live even when the car is locked.

You are doing everything correctly.

We do always like to see new owners car photos here.
You will then become a worthy member, be complimented, and popular.

Enjoy your Astin Martin Vantage.

Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 2nd January 19:33

[rallymaster123]

Thanks - will post few pics soon as I get it out again

[Jose Morales]

Gentlemen, my 2007 AM Vantage has a trickle charger connect in the truck. However, my 2008 AM has a receiver socket for charger not for a charger, but to run s small vacuum cleaner, or cigarettes lighter. If I hook up a trickle charger, the RED light turns on.
Any suggestions?

[bogie]

The socket in the boot is a standard 12v lighter socket that is live for charging the car when ignition is off.

I have heard of some early Vantages where the socket was not wired correctly. My 2006 Vantage had this issue and wiring needed fixing. Sorry I dont know the details but I remember the socket did not work at all, then during a service they fixed it.

[LTP]

Jose Morales said:

Gentlemen, my 2007 AM Vantage has a trickle charger connect in the truck. However, my 2008 AM has a receiver socket for charger not for a charger, but to run s small vacuum cleaner, or cigarettes lighter. If I hook up a trickle charger, the RED light turns on.
Any suggestions?

The first thing to do is to check the socket in the boot is live - it does not switch on and off with the ignition. This can be done easily if you have a multimeter.

[delta0]

Has anyone found a portable maintenance charger that can use the accessory socket in the boot? I don’t have the option to run a cable to the car easily so would like to have something in the boot. I looked at the Ctek CS Free but it’s not intended to be used with the accessory socket to charge the car battery.

[ragingfool]

noco products

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LWWNI0?ref_=ppx_hzse...

[stevenichols]

There is a little (orange?) plastic piece on the end of the plug. I have found the plug makes better, more reliable contact, if you take it off.

[Shnozz]

delta0 said:

Has anyone found a portable maintenance charger that can use the accessory socket in the boot? I don t have the option to run a cable to the car easily so would like to have something in the boot. I looked at the Ctek CS Free but it s not intended to be used with the accessory socket to charge the car battery.

The CS free is also absolute junk.

[delta0]

Shnozz said:

The CS free is also absolute junk.

Also not suitable for charging via the boot socket. I’ve gone for a Ctek MXS 7 and will run a cable from the house from time to time to keep it topped up.

[raceboy]

Came back to my car after a few weeks of inactivity and found my Aston branded conditioner had managed to drain the battery completely.
Managed to unlock the door using the key but couldn't open the boot to access the socket, everything was dead, dusted off the trusty old Accumate that had 15 years service keeping the TVR full of electricity, that has got the car working again, car now starts, works, boot open, Aston condition unplugged, windows reset, but after nearly a week it's still showing an amber light and not a green.