Technical trickle charging battery

[benelli256]

Hi, Normally during the winter months, on weekends, I like to trickle charge the car battery. However on a Marea as you know the ignition key isolates all., including the cigarette lighter. The Fiat Manual states that to charge the battery you should disconnect the negative lead which means the ECU has to reset itself along with the trip odometer.
Any one got any tips or suggestions.
The reason for trickle charging is during the winter months on short journeys
the Alternator has to work hard to keep the battery charged.

Regards Benelli256

 

[polecat]

The reason for this is that most battery/trickle chargers have a dirty output that can damage the ECU and other car electronics. Modern batteries don't require trickle charging unless you intend to store the car away for the winter months.

 

[benelli256]

Thanks Polecat, as always you have the correct answer, with the best reasons.
Regards Benelli256

 

[benelli256]

Hi. Polecat, Happy New Year, I've seen some solarpanel car battery chargers
on eBay, about 2 Watts, to mount on the Dash, and plug into Cig lighter, what would your view on those be.
Regards Benelli256

 

[polecat]

Hi, all the best.

I would imagine that they would be clean enough not to damage the electronics. Only thing you would need to check would be that the cig lighter was active with the key out.