Picked up a "BatteryMINDer" trickle charger / desuflator. It's similar to the Model 12117 on:

Battery Chargers by BatteryMINDers.com

I have the charger on a disconnected battery in another car this weekend, but I'm thinking I'll use it on the XF over the winter (via the "permanent" pigtails installed on the battery; XF's battery will stay connected to keep the alarm active while in storage).

But ... the charger apparently sends out short bursts to desulfate the battery. Anyone use a BatteryMINDer on their XF yet? If so, for how many seasons? Any damage to the XF's electronics?

 

I've used a BATTERY TENDER on my cars for 5 years . I store the cars all winter, I live in MD. Never had any problems.

 

FYI -- Just did some reading on the Deltran Battery Tender (Plus and Junior). Both seem to be excellent battery tenders, but don't have the desulfator feature.

 

Ived used it for years and wrote it up long time ago..Good idea I think.

Woody

 

The idea here is to send VERY short (or narrow) spikes of higher-than-normal voltage into the battery at frequencies of 100 kilohertz to 6 megahertz. (None of the circuits I have seen go above about 100 kilohertz, but some manufacturers claim theirs goes way higher). These spikes cause the buildup on the plates to dissolve - or so they say.

The voltages sent to the battery are in the 35 to 65 volt range depending on what product you buy.

Speaking as one who has earned a living repairing electronic equipment for 29 years:

You guys can do whatever you want to, to your cars. You can leave one of these things hooked to your car all winter if you want to. (You can even burn 87 octane gas!)

But NO WAY IN HELL would I hook up something sending 35 or more volts of high frequency pulses into my battery while it is connected to my car's engine control unit, body control module, skreem.... etc.

EVEN IF someone can come up with something from Mercedes that states that the electronics in the car was designed to withstand something like this, I would not connect it to my car. (And I'd REALLY like to see someone come up with such a document).

If the electronics in our cars were designed so tough as to handle something like THIS, why are there so many posts about failed modules and failed electronics?

 

I have used a low current float charger on mine, but I put it on a timer that turns on the charger for about an hour each day just to keep it topped off. I personally don't think it's a good idea to keep a battery on charge full time all winter. Just another opinion.

 

I used a Battery Tender last winter while the car was stored. Absolutely no problem, started right up and i didn't lose any settings.

 

My dad has used a Battery Tender for 3 years now for the Jag from Dec-March. Never any problems. Car has always started. I know I have not answered you question about its capabilities w/ the XF, but I think you'll be happy with it.

 

I think that as long as your battery is in good condition and is topped up with fluid (always a good idea to check to make sure the plates are covered !), then you should not need to worry about sulphate problems. I use a regular battery tender on the crossfire and my 2002 Cummins 3/4 ton truck (still has original batteries) and not had any issues.

If you had an OLDER battery that may be in questionable condition, then perhaps the de-sulphate feature may help. But in my opinion, once the battery begins to sulphate, then you are on the road to replacement.

Just my two cents worth . . .

Cheers

Mark

 

Decided to go with the Deltran Battery Tender Junior for the XF, about US$27 (shipped) on eBay. Got it, and it is charging. But also just ordered a Deltran 25 foot extension cord ($13 shipped) so that I can permanently attach the battery leads, and run a cord to it with the hood closed (and alarm on) over the winter.

Will use the BatteryMINDer on my other non-sensitive-electronics vehicle, and for desulfurizing my mower's aging battery.

 

My car was stored in the garage every year from November to March and I started it every month and left her to run for 1/2 hour or so. This spring I changed the original Varta battery that had been in it since November '03. The battery had never once failed but I thought 5 1/2 years was good enough and why take chances. No tender or charger etc was ever used, so I am not going to start now. If the car was left unattended with a tender on it I would not feel easy as you never know what could happen.

 

Do you disconnect or remove the battery during storage? My experience has been that the 'background' electronics of the car will discharge the battery if not driven for several months. Running the the car every month probably would keep it charged though? However, just idling it for a half hour each month might be a bit hard on the engine? There are a lot of opinions on that subject also.

 

I just bought three more float chargers from Harbor Freight @ $5.99/ea + shipping. I'm keeping all batteries in and will leave them on float charge for the winter. I still plan on starting, and if possible driving, the 2005s during the winter. The 07 is wedged in sideways in the back of the two-car stall and is there until spring. Had to partially swing it in with a floor jack, but it is possible to get three XFs (and a riding mower and a snowblower) in a two car garage.

 

Are these things really safe for the car electronics?

 

Im a fan of the battery tender jr. In the winter I rotate it from my xf, sportster and riding mover every week or so. No problems at all with it and I also have the origional battery in my 04 sporty and 04 xf.