What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[Evolvd]

I noticed late last week that my original CTEK MXS 3.6 wasn't actually charging the battery it was connected to, the Mustang. I have two chargers, this and a newer MXS 5.0. I connected the new one to the Mustang and it began charging, then pulse cycling as they are designed to do rather than a continuous trickle. The old one wasn't doing this, so I guess it was time for replacement. Looking at my records, I bought this charger in November 2011, so I've had a decent run out of it.

I briefly entertained a switch to a different brand but quickly ruled that out as I already have whip lines fitted to each battery. These quick connect lines eliminate the need for the standard alligator clips, which I'm not a fan of as in some cases it doesn't provide a properly secure grip. The fittings also mean a single connection to the battery, not two separate attachments.

Standard alligator clips..................

At the moment, Amazon has the cheapest price for the MXS 5.0 by a considerable margin, free shipping as well. You can also get them from eBay, but Amazon have a much easier process to follow should a return be needed. Quite often, CTEK will be on sale at the likes of Repco and Autobarn, but I'm impatient and wanted one NOW. Ordered on Sunday night, here Tuesday morning. I paid less for this newer/better version than I did for the original one in 2011.

CTEK MXS 5.0, Battery Charger 12V with Built in Temperature Compensation, Motorcycle and Car Charger, Smart Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer with Reconditioning Mode and Dedicated AGM Mode : Amazon.com.au: Automotive

CTEK MXS 5.0T Battery Charger 8 Stage Charge Profile 5A 12V Max - 56-987 | CTEK | Shop our Full Range by Brand at Autobarn | Autobarn Category | Autobarn

CTEK Battery Charger 12v 5 Amp 8 Stage - MXS5.0 - CTEK | Repco Australia

To be truthful, the old MXS 3.6 had been playing up for a while. After hooking it up, I had to "massage" the mode button to get it to select the correct setting, sometimes it would work instantly, other times it needed quite a number of attempts. The newer MXS 5.0 will automatically select the correct mode setting.

CTEK are probably overpriced for what they are, but I've stuck with the brand as it simplifies a process that I don't like dealing with, for some reason I get anxious working with batteries.

If it’s worth anything, Ford Parts sells their branded CTEK MXS 5.0 and it’s a very popular unit. I have one as well. I also have the Bluetooth module on my GT500 to keep an eye on battery health since I drive it so infrequently.

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[DFB5.0]

If it’s worth anything, Ford Parts sells their branded CTEK MXS 5.0 and it’s a very popular unit. I have one as well. I also have the Bluetooth module on my GT500 to keep an eye on battery health since I drive it so infrequently.

I've been happy with the MXS 5.0, even the likes of Bentley and Aston Martin rebrand them as "genuine" accessories. For Bentley, they actually have a charging port built into the trunk lid, meaning you don't have to open anything to connect the charger, you just plug it in under the licence plate.

With the S650, when connected to the Ford Pass App, you can view battery condition on your phone.

 

[WD Pro]

I also have the Bluetooth module on my GT500 to keep an eye on battery health since I drive it so infrequently.

Me to !

In between the Christmas festivities, I got around to fitting the CTEK sense. I stripped off my existing charging pigtail and modified it to add in the sense unit :

Solder and heat shrink rather than crimps :

I fitted the sense unit behind the battery :

All the wiring and fuses are within the battery box, but enough out of the way to allow battery change :

I also took the opportunity to remove, reshape and refit the rubber seal around the back of the box (it’s aluminium spine was distorted from the factory) and to trim the rubber around the neg cable exit (it didn’t sit right following the fitment of the strut brace).

Lid back on and a quick wipe with 303 :

I still need to secure the pigtail, but I want to use rubber cable ties this time as the CTEK cable softens a lot with heat and the plastic cable ties were starting to dig in.

The unit reports voltage :

SOC :

And not like I can do a lot about it, temperature :

At least the temp should be reasonably representative of the battery as it’s sat in the same sealed (relatively speaking) compartment.

I also choose to connect directly to the battery as it’s the best place to charge (with an intelligent charger) and monitor what’s going on. I know about the ‘potential’ BMS issues, but those go away after eight hours and who’s connecting a maintenance charger for less than that time anyway … ?

I know both charger and monitor will have tolerances, but it reports 14.39v maximum :

Against a spec of 14.40v :

I think that’s close enough

WD

With the S650, when connected to the Ford Pass App, you can view battery condition on your phone.

No Ford Pass App for me (modem fuse pull) ...

You can also use multiple Sense units at the same time - I have them on both cars

WD

 

[MrMike]

I also use the CTek but it's an older 4.3. For me, it'd either be that or the Noco Genius.

 

[skinnyb]

I also use the CTek but it's an older 4.3. For me, it'd either be that or the Noco Genius.

I started with the NOCO Genius and have stuck with them. They work great!

 

[skinnyb]

A little snapshot into the time it takes to edit, save and post a video...............................

Either that is a HUGE file, or you have SLOW internet I was blessed a little over a year ago, my local power company made gigabit fiber internet available to me. Symmetrical Gig internet is a HUGE plus

 

[DFB5.0]

I also use the CTek but it's an older 4.3. For me, it'd either be that or the Noco Genius.

I started with the NOCO Genius and have stuck with them. They work great!

I looked at NOCO, I'm sure they are a good option. Considering I'm already tied into the CTEK connectors, I decided to stay with what I have.

 

[DFB5.0]

Either that is a HUGE file, or you have SLOW internet I was blessed a little over a year ago, my local power company made gigabit fiber internet available to me. Symmetrical Gig internet is a HUGE plus

About a 7-minute video exporting in 4K, the longest I've done so far. It ended up taking about two hours.

 

[DFB5.0]

Meanwhile, a video I posted three weeks ago has breached 10,000 views for the first time! For whatever reason, this video must have been picked up in the algorithm. This has spurred a faster growth in subs too.

 

[skinnyb]

About a 7-minute video exporting in 4K, the longest I've done so far. It ended up taking about two hours.

That's quite a while This video took about an hour to upload and process for me Don't know if it was my Macbook (M2 Pro) or the Gig internet or what, but it was relatively quick in the grand scheme of things. 4K and 35 minutes long..

 

[prestj1]

I've been happy with the MXS 5.0, even the likes of Bentley and Aston Martin rebrand them as "genuine" accessories. For Bentley, they actually have a charging port built into the trunk lid, meaning you don't have to open anything to connect the charger, you just plug it in under the licence plate.

With the S650, when connected to the Ford Pass App, you can view battery condition on your phone.

Where do u see battery status on the Ford Pass App, I can only see tire pressures, oil life and fuel

 

[Evolvd]

Where do u see battery status on the Ford Pass App, I can only see tire pressures, oil life and fuel

Do you have an S650? I believe the battery option is only available on the 24-25 models.

 

[prestj1]

Do you have an S650? I believe the battery option is only available on the 24-25 models.

Yep 24.5 S650, I've looked everywhere and dont see that option, its a DH 6 speed I'm wondering if the A10s have more menu options...In Aus by the way as Fordpass may be different between countries

 

[DFB5.0]

Where do u see battery status on the Ford Pass App, I can only see tire pressures, oil life and fuel

Yep 24.5 S650, I've looked everywhere and dont see that option, its a DH 6 speed I'm wondering if the A10s have more menu options...In Aus by the way as Fordpass may be different between countries

I probably should have worded that differently. The App will alert me when the battery is running low, basically it will disable remote starting and other features to conserve the power. I've noticed once you have connected and charged the battery, you must then start/drive the car to reconnect with the App and reinstate the remote start ect.

 

[prestj1]

I probably should have worded that differently. The App will alert me when the battery is running low, basically it will disable remote starting and other features to conserve the power. I've noticed once you have connected and charged the battery, you must then start/drive the car to reconnect with the App and reinstate the remote start ect.

ahh makes sense thanks.

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