Battery needs charged

[davlin]

Hi,
I have just got a 2012 A6 SE TDI. I know this may sound a basic question, but is it safe to charge your battery with a standard battery charger while your battery is still connected to your car. The car had been lying idle for a month and I think it needs charged?

[Johnny31]

Depends on the charger really. Also, keep in mind that you have charging points next to your engine (the battery on 3.0TDI Avant is in the boot but no need to "go" there)...

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[davlin]

Depends on the charger really. Also, keep in mind that you have charging points next to your engine (the battery on 3.0TDI Avant is in the boot but no need to "go" there)...

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Thanks Johnny,.
The charger is old, got it from Argos about 10 years ago. Only blew the fuse once. Nothing special about it, two crocodile clips. with a red led light and a green one lights up when charged. Not one of these electronic types. Also I didn't know you could charge it in the engine bay. I only found out that the battery was in the boot. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Johnny31]

Thanks Johnny,.
The charger is old, got it from Argos about 10 years ago. Only blew the fuse once. Nothing special about it, two crocodile clips. with a red led light and a green one lights up when charged. Not one of these electronic types. Also I didn't know you could charge it in the engine bay. I only found out that the battery was in the boot. Any pointers would be appreciated.So, honestly, I would not dare to tell you if your charger would be safe to use. Few years back I invested in a "fancy" one that works with modern cars and batteries and has all sorts of protections. It does the job in about 2-4 hours but can be left on all the time.
The charging terminals are under the hood, driver's side, close to the windscreen. Negative looks like a big bolt, positive is under the reddish cap with a + sign on it.

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[davlin]

Thanks Johnny, Think its time I invested in a new charger.

[Johnny31]

If of any help, I know that CTEK ones are popular. I went with NOCO Genius G7200UK 12V/24V from Amazon. Probably slightly OTT but works like a charm.

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[vwfaultfix]

ABBSAR do cheap £30 ish AGM/Normal and winter settings smart chargers.2amp low need4 amp the 10 amp + cost much more.
lower amps need longer to get a full charge.
Also check alt/gen harness known faulty issues with these.

[ruggedscot]

nned to know what type of battery you have, if its an AGM type then the wrong charger will destroy the battery. If you charge an AGM wrongly it will cause it to wreck the electrolyte. and the capacity of the battery qwill be significantly lowered. Go get a battery charger suitable for your battery.