BoutTime

Correct. No issues using the Ctek 5.0 directly connected to the battery via the comfort lead. I used normal mode and then AGM mode. No problems.

Annoyingly though Cteks email (and what I've read elsewhere) contradicts the manual which states to use normal mode for Ca/CA batteries.

So after looking at the data sheet for my AGM battery I can see it uses Ca/Ca technology and based on the email responses above from ctek (calcium batteries require a higher voltage) it therefore requires charging to 14.7V using AGM mode.

So to summarise recond won’t benefit an AGM battery but won’t harm it either. The question is would my AGM battery in my CT benefit from the increased voltage of AGM mode?

From Jaguarforum.com where a poster asked ctek directly........ https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=107314 “A couple of replies from CTek in regards to AGM RECON setting and AGM charging selection. Wow! That was a quick reply. Dear Sir No. Recond program is developed only for flooded batteries (including EFB), to remix the flooded acid inside. The remixing/balancing is necessary to treat an already stratified battery, or to prevent severe stratification. AGM or GEL batteries are not flooded, and therefore does not suffer from stratification. That means Recond will not help AGM or GEL. Reconding an AGM battery does not harm the battery, but does not help either, so we cannot recommend recond program on AGM batteries either. For GEL batteries, recond can be harmful, because using too high voltage can dry the gel inside the battery and weaken the battery instead of empowering it. NOTE: When you choose Recond program, you should note that Recond program always starts with a normal battery charging program. Then, after battery has reached fully charged, Recond treatment itself is implemented. Depending of charger model and battery size, Recond step lasts from ½ to 4 hours, on top of the charging time. When charger turns to green light, the program is completed. Yours, sincerely Teresa CTEK” and........... “I also asked why they had AMG listed in Normal Charge Mode and also in Snowflake/AGM the reply:- Dear Sir; There are many different battery manufacturers and battery models on the market. Recommendations regarding charging voltage vary a bit. Most AGM- batteries are recommended to charge with normal 14.4V voltage. Some AGM- batteries (and Ca-Ca batteries) require 14.7V (snowflake) for best treatment. Please check with the battery manufacturer to get the correct information for your particular battery. If no information is possible to acquire, use normal charging option, 14.4V It suits most lead/acid batteries, including GEL, EFB, AGM, etc. It is better to charge with a bit too low voltage than too high. Yours, sincerely, Teresa CTEK”

It just doesn’t make any sense. These chargers are incredibly smart. Why would ctek allow you to select AGM recond if AGM batteries should not be reconditioned?

If this could damage the battery ctek wouldn’t make it an option. I have the comfort lead connected to the battery. I haven’t used recon on on my CT but I used it on my Jaguar XF to recondition a fully depleted battery. I also connected direct to the battery. No problems. The previous owner had also replaced the battery with a higher capacity unit and did not calibrate it to the car which Jaguar state you must do as it had a battery monitoring system fitted. So all Jaguar requirements were effectively ignored but I never had a problem with the battery. ctek allow the user to select AGM recon mode which tells me all I need to know.

That version of the charger has the diagnostics functions for starting and alternator which wouldn't be any use on a hybrid. Just pointing out for info. The normal variant of this charger is all you would need in case anyone is wondering.

Mine doesn’t say AGM on it either but when I searched on google for the part number written on the battery everywhere designates it an AGM battery. Including the manufacturer.

The main cable clamps have nuts you can remove allowing you to fit the eyelets on the studs before reinstalling the nuts. Much easier. I charged the battery a few days ago for the first time this way. All very simple.

If you haven’t used the car in a month the battery will have discharged quite a bit. I haven’t used the under bonnet connections. I’ve just connected the comfort lead directly to the battery. I reckon if you start charging early morning it will be fully charged by evening time. But if you select recon it may take a fair bit longer. I haven’t used recon on my CT so not sure on how long it will take.

I have one of these below. Fully compatible with AGM batteries and has a Regen mode to deep cycle fully discharged batteries. Can also be left connected for use as a battery maintainer during times of infrequent use. it comes with a comfort lead that can be permanently connected straight to the battery for easy connection of the charger. CTEK MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic Battery Charger (Charges, Maintains and Reconditions Car and Motorcycle Batteries) 12V, 5 Amp - UK Plug https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_bmKJEbAGBDWPH

Just be prepared for the car randomly forget voice tags. At least mine does.

I have the same charger and fitted a comfort lead to my previous Jaguar XF direct to the battery. No issues. It was a replacement battery too and wasn't calibrated to the car by the previous owner. No problems. I haven't used it on the CT yet though.

I haven't changed mine yet but I'll be going for Michelin Cross Climate all weather tyres based on what I've read on this forum.

Thanks. Makes it even better value than I thought. I've got to be careful not to hijack my own thread here but did you buy the warranty from Lexus UK direct and then the service plan from the dealer? As don't both include MOTs meaning the saving on the service plan is less?

I've just emailed Lexus UK to find out when is the earliest I can extend the warranty to tag onto my existing warranty. The 2-4-1 pricing looks to be fantastic value and I'm conscious of either prices increasing or it being withdrawn altogether. I've also asked them to clarify the MOT as looking at the small print it pays for x2 MOTs but only on cars with less than 30,000 miles covered.

That's a very good point and one I'd already considered. My current warranty is good for another 7 months and all work performed is on the Lexus system. If Lexus are still selling 24 month warranties for the price of 12 months I'll be extending the warranty anyway.

Just some feedback as I know this post attracted a little interest. I drove the car back home from Bristol this afternoon and so far so good. No issues at all. I have to say Lexus Bristol have been absolutely superb. Very welcoming, the car was handed back to me by the same person that handled my case from start to finish. They've provided a written summary of what they:ve done for my own records and the car was cleaned inside and out. Will definitely be taking the car back there in the summer when the service is due. Thanks again for all the comments. Fingers crossed it won't happen again. Cheers.

I hope you're right. But having been sat in the car when it decided to throw a wobbly for no known reason I'm not quite as confident as you are. But I do appreciate yours and everyone else's contributions to this thread.

Yeah I did consider suggesting something like that.

Yep. Unable to fault. No fault codes present. They had a good look around the car and took it for a drive. They even braked hard but still unable to replicate fault or symptoms shown in video. Lexus Bristol have been great. They even offered to put 100 miles on it to be sure before handing it back to me. It's a bit concerning now as I need to take the car 160 miles to the airport again on Thursday.

No I normally get an average of 54mpg on the school run in winter. I was getting 57mpg at the end of last summer. On the motorway i get upwards of 60mpg. I'd just reset it and also refuel the previous day. Remember it had been running for a bit whilst I was trying to get it going again.

That's my worry as it will kill my confidence in the car. The car would have been towed onto the flatbed and stored over night. It's possible whatever went wrong was reset somehow. I didn't get any fault lights on the dash at the time of the issue. It was as if the e-cvt was having trouble engaging into fwd or reverse. That would explain the awful clunking noise when moving off on battery but not sure about the loud, rough engine noise and associated vibration when the car was in park. See short video below. But this doesn't show the clunking. I'm assuming the CVT is electrically controlled? Pethaps moisture in a connector or a dislodged connector. I picked the car up from an airport carpark the previous day where it had sat for a week. But I'd then driven it 160 miles with no issue. For a total of 5 hours. VID_20200214_170431(0)(0).mp4

Just spoken to Lexus Bristol. They have the car but their Master Tech won't be able to look at it until Monday. The guy in servicing (very nice guy) drove the car into the workshop. He said the engine fired up and everything appeared normal. So this is really strange. The only thing I noticed in the history when I bought it was one maybe two shock absorbers replaced and one wheel slightly different colour to the others. Wheel alignment was off centre too. I've never had a shock absorber replaced in my life but he tells me he knows of atleast two CTs in the past year that had new shocks fitted. The above could be related for sure but the car hasn't skipped a beat in the 5 months I've had it.