Technical Battery charging

[dan8934616734]

I have a 2007 Ducato with a flat battery (reads 11.8V on my voltmeter), barely turns starter motor.

I have a Hilka automatic battery charger, the manual for which says disconnect battery from car before charging to avoid damage to the alternator. Problem is I don't have key code, and only one simple key (no electronic key), so I am loathe to disconnect the battery.

Can I hook up my charger, maybe on its trickle charge setting, without disconnecting the battery from the van?

 

[ecunotemu]

I have a 2007 Ducato with a flat battery (reads 11.8V on my voltmeter), barely turns starter motor.

I have a Hilka automatic battery charger, the manual for which says disconnect battery from car before charging to avoid damage to the alternator. Problem is I don't have key code, and only one simple key (no electronic key), so I am loathe to disconnect the battery.

Can I hook up my charger, maybe on its trickle charge setting, without disconnecting the battery from the van?

You don't lose key code its radio code. I'd advise to get at the very least a dumb spare cut nothong worse than being locked out of your own van.

 

[CDK]

You cannot damage an alternator when charging the battery but you can most certainly cause damage when the battery is disconnected and the engine is running.
If your charger is the "fast" type, do not turn on the radio or lights while charging!

 

[dan8934616734]

Thanks. Yes it was the radio code I was meaning. I mentioned the coded key because I thought that maybe that would unlock the radio even if I didn't have a radio code. Not sure. Anyway, charging now, all good. Thanks again.

 

[The Seasider]

stick it ON CHARGE with it (The Battery) connected .. it will do NO HARM WHATSOEVER ....I would be having a serious check on the Electrolyte levels in that battery though (If its a "Sealed Type" then you gotta buy a new one) ...

Unless of course you have a "short Circuit" in the van causing the battery to drain