Battery Charging

[ScubaBongo]

I've always removed the cable clamps on a vehicle battery, before connecting a charger. Do I actually need to do this, or can I charge the Bongo Batt, in place, cables connected?

(I realise I need to remove battery vent caps, if fitted)

Cheeeers!

[Bob]

At the very most you could remove the earth strap, but my feeling is it isn't necessary.

[moonshine]

I would be inclined to remove the battery leads on a vehicle that is fitted with sensitive electronics, but I don't think that the Bongo is, or at least the early diesel versions anyway. Not sure about the petrol versions.

I once had a Smart Car, and when the battery went flat I connected a 12 volt power pack to the battery to start it. For some strange reason it blew all the dashboard electronics and I had to have a new speedo cluster fitted. Cost me a fortune. I deliberately only used a power pack, and not a boost charger as I was concerned about the electronics, but it still didn't make a difference. With hindsight I should have called out a breakdown organisation to get me started, then I would have had someone else to blame.

[bongoneer]

On my bike, I use a 'trickle charger' connected via jack plug, that's permanently connected up to the battery. You don't have to disconnect with a trickle charger as they charge at a low rate. A standard car charger charges quicker and at a higher rate. It's recommended to disconnect to avoid 'spiking' the ECU (not a problem on older motors without ECU's).

Check what your battery says, as some don't require removal of cell caps.