CTEK MXS battery charger

This is a great product and really should feature on your "must-have" list!

CTEK offer a vast range of battery care products for motorbikes bikes and, of course, 4x4s.  

Traditional batteries are often replaced with more modern alternatives such as the Optima or Odyssey gel batteries which are more technically advanced then they appear. If you want to get the most out of these style batteries in terms of performance and long life you can't just hook them up to that old fashioned charger lurking in the back of your garage. You need to use a modern charger such as the CTEK MXS.

Product tested: CTEK MXS 5.0

The compact size of the CTEK MXS charger means you can either hook it up when required, or even easier fit it permanently in your 4x4. This can prove handy for Optima style batteries that run your fridge, winch etc.

The CTEK MXS 5 is what is known as an "intelligent" charger.

It knows how to diagnose the state of your battery to see whether it can hold the charge.

STEP 1 DESULPHATION

Detects sulphated batteries. Pulsing current and voltage, removes sulphate from the lead plates of the battery restoring the battery capacity.

STEP 2 SOFT START

Tests if the battery can accept charge. This step prevents that charging proceeds with a defect battery.

STEP 3 BULK

Charging with maximum current until approximately 80% battery capacity.

STEP 4 ABSORPTION

Charging with declining current to maximize up to 100% battery capacity.

STEP 5 ANALYSE

Tests if the battery can hold charge. Batteries that can not hold charge may need to be replaced.

STEP 6 RECOND

Choose the Recond program to add the Recond step to the charging process. During the Recond step voltage increases to create controlled gassing in the battery. Gasing mixes the battery acid and gives back energy to the battery.

STEP 7 FLOAT

Maintaining the battery voltage at maximum level by providing a constant voltage charge.

STEP 8 PULSE

Maintaining the battery at 95–100% capacity. The charger monitors the battery voltage and gives a pulse when necessary to keep the battery fully charged.

• Model number 1075
• Rated Voltage AC 220–240VAC, 50–60Hz
• Charging voltage 14.4V, AGM 14.7V, 15.8V
• Min battery voltage 2.0V
• Charging current 5A max
• Current, mains 0.6Arms (at full charging current)
• Back current drain <1Ah>
• Ripple <4>
• Ambient temperature -20°C to +50°C, output power is reduced automatically at high temperatures
• Charger type 8 step, fully automatic charging cycle
• Battery types All types of 12V lead-acid batteries (WET, MF, Ca/Ca, AGM and GEL)
• Battery capacity 1.2–110Ah up to 160Ah for maintenance
• Dimensions 168 x 65 x 38mm (L x W x H)
• Insulation class IP65
• Weight 0.6kg
• Temperature Compensation Built in charge voltage compensation according to ambient temperature

1 - When the stock seats have been replaced by something more comfortable, battery access becomes problem.

2 - To jump start the vehicle we installed a Quick 175 amp connector.
To charge the battery we fitted the CTEK MXS 5.0 

3 - The CTEK charger is supplied with a quick connect cable complete with M6 eyelets. which can be permanently fitted directly to the battery terminals.

Because we don't use this 4x4 daily, we use the charger on COLD/AGM mode: which is used in cold conditions or for AGM batteries (most Stop-Start batteries). 

4 - We wanted to set-up a second battery to run certain accessories  so we took an old Land Rover battery and charged it up fro 26 hours suing the RECOND mode: for batteries that have suffered deep discharge.

Then a 6 hour top-up charge before fitting it behind the back seats.

5 - We hooked up this second battery together with a relay and a dashboard switch but because it's not used regularly we added a CTEK cable with a LED charge indicators.

6 - Fitting the charger is very straightforward - the instructions are clear and detailed. The charger comes in handy for breathing new life into our other vehicles as well!

Battery Charger (compact) 12v CTEK MXS 3.6A

Battery Charger (compact) 12v CTEK MXS 5.0A

Battery Charger (compact) 12v CTEK MXS 7.0A

Article by Nicolas - journaldu4x4

Please note: Euro4x4Parts publishes this information to help its customers but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and practical consequences therin.