Battery charging. - is an Optimate 4 suitable?

[steveatesh]

The V8V told me that it's battery was getting low today, probably because it's only been getting short runs recently. I have an Optimate 4 for my Motorbike which would save me buying another conditioner for the car, if suitable.

Anybody used one of these on an AM without any problems?

[DAMIT]

Are you sure it's not the key fob battery you are being warned about?

Not aware the V8V's warn you about main battery state. But I could be wrong!

[steveatesh]

DAMIT said:

Are you sure it's not the key fob battery you are being warned about?

Not aware the V8V's warn you about main battery state. But I could be wrong!

Absolutely sure. I had been parked up in a scenic spot for around 50 minutes listening to the audio and it flashed up the warning, telling me it was going to close down the infotainment system in 2 minutes. Car is three year old this November, and as I've Said it only gets used for short runs at the moment, which will be the cause of the run down battery.

[v8woollie]

Mine does that too if I sit and listen to the radio for a long period. I didn't need to charge the battery after getting the message. I think it is purely a warning that the car will close down the infotainment unit to preserve the battery.

Not sure on your conditioner. I already had a CTEK unit so would use that.

[Kevin Secker]

I've used an optimate for years on my F355, which has a similar size battery. It will maintain the battery and top it up if slightly discharged but it won't have the guts to recover a completely flat battery. At that point you need one of the CTEK range.

Kevin

[Kevin Secker]

Edited by Kevin Secker on Tuesday 19th June 00:38

[y2blade]

The Optimate will be fine, If the battery power is low The charge-light may well be on for a day or two before going green

I have been using them for years on various cars and bikes.

[steveatesh]

Great, thanks for that everybody, save a few bob then