How to connect a battery charger to a C6

[Keith R.]

Just got a new CTEK 4.3 charger to keep our new baby all charged up and wondering what the best way it is to connect it to the vehicle?

1. Front engine compartment jump start connections?
2. Cigarette lighter or accessory power source?
3. Directly to the battery in the trunk compartment?

Any advice?

[Michael J.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

I have had mine plugged into the cigarette lighter in the center console (it came as the "Battery Protection Package" option when I bought the car in 2012) since new, battery is always fully charged and have had no problems.

[Bill L.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

I have had mine plugged into the cigarette lighter in the center console (it came as the "Battery Protection Package" option when I bought the car in 2012) since new, battery is always fully charged and have had no problems.

Same as Michael noted for my 2012 Grand Sport roadster --- no issues at all---

The 2015 (C-7) version --- self explanatory ---pretty much identical to the 2012 supplied part ---

Screen Shot 2016-04-29 at 11.19.17 PM.jpg

Regards
Bill

[Terry M.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

I just open the hatch and connect to the battery terminals directly. Not too hard, and it is easy to see the open hatch on preparing to exit the garage.

[Keith R.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

I just open the hatch and connect to the battery terminals directly. Not too hard, and it is easy to see the open hatch on preparing to exit the garage.

Thanks Terry. That's what I've decided to do as well using the clamps CTEK provides. I tried connecting it initially to the jump start connections in the engine compartment however the charging sequence stopped at step one. Perhaps these connections are too far from the battery itself? In any case, a direct connection to the battery is working just fine. Charged up to float charge over night.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

Here's what I've been using for my Z06 instead of the wires running into the car...hidden, no cutting required, fits perfectly

http://chargerconnection.com/StealthLink-Corvette-C6-Z06-ZR1-Grand-Sport-Manual-C6Z-ZR1-GSM.htm

or this for ones with battery under hood

http://chargerconnection.com/StealthLink-for-Corvette-C6-Coupe-Vert-and-Grand-Sport-Auto-C6-Coupe-Vert-GSA.htm

[Chuck G.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

On both of my previous C5's, and on my current C6, I simply took an existing alligator clip float charger connector and soldered on ring connectors.

I then bolted the ring connectors onto the POS and NEG battery terminals. I leave the connector end, with a plug covering the connector terminals in the engine bay.

I can then easily connect the float charger by either opening the hood, or by connecting it under the car.

Easy. I have the same "systems" on all of my old cars too.

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

I just open the hatch and connect to the battery terminals directly. Not too hard, and it is easy to see the open hatch on preparing to exit the garage.

Terry,
The open hatch is a great idea. I have driven out of the garage a time or 2 with a charger connected. DUH.
Bruce B

[Michael J.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

Bruce and Terry, I am not understanding how you keep the lights from staying on when the hatch is wide open (my 2012 turns on the interior lights when the hatch is open), do you take out the bulbs or is there some auto shut-off I don't know about?

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

Michael,
I have never owned anything newer then a 67 so I will let Terry answer that.
Bruce B

[Michael J.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

Thanks, because before I bought the "Battery Protection Package" option charger for the cigarette lighter, I tried one of my clip-on battery minders, but had to route it through the cabin and the open driver's side window since the interior lights were on if I put it through the back hatch and left it open.

[Terry M.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

Bruce and Terry, I am not understanding how you keep the lights from staying on when the hatch is wide open (my 2012 turns on the interior lights when the hatch is open), do you take out the bulbs or is there some auto shut-off I don't know about?

My 2008 automatically shuts off the interior lights after 15 min8utes. Works every time.
You might want to check your owners manual to see if 20012 has the same feature.

[Michael J.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

OK thanks Terry, but you have lots more faith in those "automatic" features than I do........

[Terry M.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

OK thanks Terry, but you have lots more faith in those "automatic" features than I do........

When I first got the car I went back into the garage to check that the interior lights went off. I gained more confidence with repeated successes. I should disconnect the battery over the winter to reduce the chance of an electrical fire, but I do have confidence in GM"s wire harnesses, even though it is now 8 years old. I wouldn't care much if the 2008 burned to the ground, but losing the rest of the cars in the garage would make me unhappy. The others can't be replaced.

[Patrick H.]

Re: How to connect a battery charger to a C6

The others can't be replaced.

Any news on the door?