Audi A3 Cabriolet and battery charger

[Daynig]

Hi.

I'm using a CTEK XS 0.8 battery charger to maintain the battery when I go away for 5 weeks.

As instructed, I've connected the positive lead to the positive battery terminal and the negative to a) paintwork and b) an aluminium-looking 'spigot' fixed to the bulkhead just behind the battery.

In both cases, nothing happens other than the green power light flashing after 2 mins.

This normally indicates that the charger is connected to the mains but not the battery.

Since connecting the negative clip to the negative terminal with the battery in and connected to the car isn't meant to be done (in fact I've seen strong warnings NOT to do it), where else in the engine bay, near to the battery, is steel and would complete the circuit?

Thanks in advance,

Nigel

[Pistonheader101]

Genuinely no need for a battery charger on an A3 for such a short period.

[DuraAce]

Nothing wrong with using the negative terminal.
I've been doing it for years with a ctek charger and haven't died yet.

As he says above though, really no need for 5 weeks if your battery is in good health. Mine often sits for 8 weeks and starts up no problems.

[Squadrone Rosso]

If it’s like other Audi’s, you should be able to charge it through the ciggy lighter with a correct CTEK adapter.

Works a treat on our 2004 TT.

[Daynig]

Thanks to each of you.

I've seen info elsewhere that shows plenty of people connecting direct to the negative terminal - and in fact the manual photo shows it!

Apparently (EU) legislation covers the possibility that some (cheaper/worse) chargers cause hydrogen release from the battery and removing the negative connection at the batter can cause a spark. CTEK FAQs (somewhere) apparently say it's ok but approval and legislation makes them ward against it.

Thanks again.

[Pistonheader101]

Also quick heads up....


Its worth keeping the handbrake off so that that dont seize

[catso]

Daynig said:

Apparently (EU) legislation covers the possibility that some (cheaper/worse) chargers cause hydrogen release from the battery and removing the negative connection at the batter can cause a spark.

Highly improbable, especially with a CTEK/trickle charger.

I had an A3, 3.2 that used to run the battery down in a week, so often connected to a CTEK although I used the 'jumpstart' positive and earth terminals under the bonnet as the battery was in the boot under the spare wheel and took a lot of getting to.

Otherwise I would connect directly to the battery terminals.