[blvdbrawler]

I'm about to order my new C7 and I see this battery protection option. The dealers have given me 3 different answers...Can anybody explain exactly what this is/does? Is it worth it?

 

[Georgio51]

I'm about to order my new C7 and I see this battery protection option. The dealers have given me 3 different answers...Can anybody explain exactly what this is/does? Is it worth it?

I just ordered one from gmpartsdirect. It is similar to a trickle charger but not a steady charge...it only charges when needed.... if I understand correctly. Apparently, the C7 electronics draws a reasonable amount of battery power, even when the car is idle. So, if I'm ever going to leave the car for a period of a week or two, I'll attach it. Hope this helps...a little, at least.

 

[jsvette]

I'm about to order my new C7 and I see this battery protection option. The dealers have given me 3 different answers...Can anybody explain exactly what this is/does? Is it worth it?

My understanding is that the option provides a sophisticated battery maintainer similar to the CTEK 3300. It plugs into the accessory ('cigarette') outlet in the rear of the trunk which remains 'live' when the ignition is off and allows you to charge/maintain your battery when you are not driving the C7 for extended periods of time. It, or a CTEK 3300, is a worthwhile investment if you don't drive your car frequently. It is especially important if you put your car up during the winter or when there is snow on the ground. Not only does it keep your battery fully charged (there are a number of systems on the C7 that slowly drain down the battery when it sits) but will also automatically goes into a desulphation function which will normally lengthen the life of your battery. I have used them on all of my cars for years with great success.

 

[mjw930]

My understanding is that the option provides a sophisticated battery maintainer similar to the CTEK 3300. It plugs into the accessory ('cigarette') outlet in the rear of the trunk which remains 'live' when the ignition is off and allows you to charge/maintain your battery when you are not driving the C7 for extended periods of time. It, or a CTEK 3300, is a worthwhile investment if you don't drive your car frequently. It is especially important if you put your car up during the winter or when there is snow on the ground. Not only does it keep your battery fully charged (there are a number of systems on the C7 that slowly drain down the battery when it sits) but will also automatically goes into a desulphation function which will normally lengthen the life of your battery. I have used them on all of my cars for years with great success.

You could piece the package together with a CTEK or a Battery Tender (my favorite) but by the time you're done your at $75 so you might as well just buy the GM badged part.

OTOH, if you already have something like I do, a wall mounted 4 bank charger (Battery Tender) then it's just a $10 adaptor.

 

[scottsdaledave]

Great idea. I just ordered one myself.

 

[Chip]

You could piece the package together with a CTEK or a Battery Tender (my favorite) but by the time you're done your at $75 so you might as well just buy the GM badged part.

OTOH, if you already have something like I do, a wall mounted 4 bank charger (Battery Tender) then it's just a $10 adaptor.

Battery Tender is my choice as well. I have used them (I own 2) for years for my cars & trucks + deep cycle battery maintenance needs.(1Battery Tender Jr & 1BT Plus) It should be said that this type of charger is a "float" charger and not a trickle charger. All the float chargers I am aware of monitor the state of charge and only add additional charge when it in merited. Trickle chargers apply a low amp charge continuously regardless of the state of charge in the battery. Over time this will boil off the battery's electrolyte and ruin the battery.

 

[elegant]

Have had CTEK chargers for years and nothing but praise about how well they work.

 

[scottsdaledave]

That's good to know. Ive had battery issues with my prior corvettes as I travel during the week and batteries seem to run out of juice over time. Ive had to replace batteries every 3 or so years. Hopefully this will prolong life.

 

[autoxal]

Are there any definitive descriptions that new owners can give us (that have ordered battery protection package)?

Is it just an 'automatic' charger that plugs into a charging port ('lighter' outlet) behind the seats... as I've read? And run the cord out a door/hatch and let the weather strip deform to accommodate the cord? I did order the option, and was hoping that there would just be a plug somewhere easily accessible (like a wheel well, or under the rear of the car).

 

[jsvette]

Are there any definitive descriptions that new owners can give us (that have ordered battery protection package)?

Is it just an 'automatic' charger that plugs into a charging port ('lighter' outlet) behind the seats... as I've read? And run the cord out a door/hatch and let the weather strip deform to accommodate the cord? I did order the option, and was hoping that there would just be a plug somewhere easily accessible (like a wheel well, or under the rear of the car).

The plug is back by the rear inside of the trunk.

 

[autoxal]

So you plug in and run the cord out from the hatch (you said trunk, it's not a convertible is it?) with the charger sitting outside the car?

 

[jsvette]

So you plug in and run the cord out from the hatch (you said trunk, it's not a convertible is it?) with the charger sitting outside the car?

I am referring to the coupe. You plug the accessory end into the outlet and run the cord between the hatch and the body. The unit is self sits outside your car and plugs into a regular outlet. It is very small, does not generate significant heat, had LEDs to explain what it is doing. You (if it is a CTEK or similar unit) can leave it attached indefinitely without concern.

 

[blvdbrawler]

This is all great information...I appreciate it and will be ordering it for my car as it sits all winter long...

 

[Chip]

The plug is back by the rear inside of the trunk.

Do we know that this plug is hot when the car is off?

 

[jsvette]

Do we know that this plug is hot when the car is off?

Yes it is. That is why it will allow you to charge/maintain the C7 battery.

 

[Chip]

Just for the record; The Battery Tender chargers come with two forms of attachment wiring. Clips and a hard wire harness, both with quick disconnect to the charger. Unless they have added a power port adaptor that part is available as a added cost option.

Edit:I've added pictures with some of the connection wiring that comes standard with these units. I also have a picture that shows the location of the power port location in the back interior of the C-7. I suggest that if you use the Battery Tender product buy the Battery Tender Plus as it provides for up to 1.25 Amps. of charging capability. The BT Jr. only provides .75 amps which may not keep the C-7 fully charged. One thing that you will notice is that even after you have driven your car its battery will still except some charging before the charger goes into a "float" mode.

 

[jsvette]

Just for the record; The Battery Tender chargers come with two forms of attachment wiring. Clips and a hard wire harness, both with quick disconnect to the charger. Unless they have added a power port adaptor that part is available as a added cost option.

CTEK 3300 is the same way. It has the quick disconnect to which you can use the clips or hard wire harness, or as an optional purchase, the cigarette/power port adapter. With the power port adapter it comes to about $80 on the internet.

http://smartercharger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/CTEK-Comfort-Indicator-Cig-Plug.jpg
http://smartercharger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/CTEK_MUS3300.jpg

 

[autoxal]

Have to admit that my battery tender's quick connect came in handy on my yellow '03 convertible once... I'd forgotten that I had it hooked up, and it acted as an 'emergency disconnect' when I backed out of the garage. Didn't realize what I'd done until after my drive... oops. No damage though (thank goodness). I used to slip the wire out from under the hood at the headlight cover/fender/hood intersection... then it could just hang to the floor from under the car cover during days that were too sloppy for driving the car (which here in Wisconsin, are a LOT of days in the winter - Dec to Mar most years). Expecting my C7 around end of November... so won't get many miles before the weather will turn ugly

 

[jsvette]

Have to admit that my battery tender's quick connect came in handy on my yellow '03 convertible once... I'd forgotten that I had it hooked up, and it acted as an 'emergency disconnect' when I backed out of the garage. Didn't realize what I'd done until after my drive... oops. No damage though (thank goodness). I used to slip the wire out from under the hood at the headlight cover/fender/hood intersection... then it could just hang to the floor from under the car cover during days that were too sloppy for driving the car (which here in Wisconsin, are a LOT of days in the winter - Dec to Mar most years). Expecting my C7 around end of November... so won't get many miles before the weather will turn ugly

Since the battery in the C7 is in the rear, the accessory plug will be the easiest way to connect CTEK or equivalent smart chargers.

 

[Chip]

Pictures added ^