Any concern with trickle charging through OBDII?

[newbielx470]

Hello!
I searched through the older posts about trickle charging solutions and realized that post-02 models' ACC relay is hard to get to. That means it's hard to make the cigarette lighter port always-on. But the next thing comes to mind is the OBDII port which should be always-on.

So to find the simplest trickle charging solution for all-weather outside garage, I found this product that can charge the battery through OBDII.
Amazon product ASIN B00IXXT4HQ
(amazon.com/dp/B00IXXT4HQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

Does anyone have experience with similar products? Even if the efficiency were low, as long as it won't damage my OBDII port, battery, or any electronics in the vehicle, or trigger the alarm when I'm away, I'm happy

Thanks!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Why not just use a normal battery tender, I'm sure there's a solar version by now. I would be hesitant to charge through the OBD since that's a direct line to the ECU. Might be fine, dunno.

 

[newbielx470]

Why not just use a normal battery tender, I'm sure there's a solar version by now. I would be hesitant to charge through the OBD since that's a direct line to the ECU. Might be fine, dunno.

Thanks for the suggestion! If I put the solar panel behind the windshield, and connect the alligator clips to the battery, then would have to keep the window rolled down a tiny bit to run the wire. If I also install a side window deflector, would that make it rain-proof enough?

 

[e9999]

yup, I too would not do that OBD thing, I don't want to risk costly electronics. Especially since tiny little panels like those normally don't have any controller built-in and just rely on the battery's ability to handle the small power despite the lack of voltage control, and they can produce rather high voltages in open circuit. I don't know this particular one, TBH, but I would not risk my electronics on that. Plus, the verbiage in the amazon ad does not make sense, which is not a good sign.

As to the wires, I have run some simply through the door gap, no damage to the weatherstripping after many years.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Just close the wire in the door?

 

[stubbs]

I'd just do it all outside the vehicle. Battery tender jr. is $40 and comes with a ring-terminal pigtail that you leave permanently attached to your battery. Has a standard SAE connector that is convenient for connecting air compressors and other accessories too. You can easily run the pigtail connector out near the grille and leave the truck closed and locked with the wire just going through the grille or under the front hood gasket.

Amazon product ASIN B000CITK8S
Run an extension cord to that from the house and you're set! My 100 has a bit of a parasitic drain so I try to remember to plug mine into the tender if it'll be sitting more than a week.

 

[rocruiser]

I'd just do it all outside the vehicle. Battery tender jr. is $40 and comes with a ring-terminal pigtail that you leave permanently attached to your battery. Has a standard SAE connector that is convenient for connecting air compressors and other accessories too. You can easily run the pigtail connector out near the grille and leave the truck closed and locked with the wire just going through the grille or under the front hood gasket.

Amazon product ASIN B000CITK8S
Run an extension cord to that from the house and you're set! My 100 has a bit of a parasitic drain so I try to remember to plug mine into the tender if it'll be sitting more than a week.

Just curious, as I'm in the market for one of these for my 100, do you recommend the battery tender jr. over another battery tender that provides more amps? Also, do you keep your battery connected to your vehicle while using the battery tender?


My local costco has this battery tender for $46.99 before tax: https://www.costco.com/battery-tender®-4.5-amp-battery-charger-%26-maintainer.product.100987415.html

Thanks!

 

[Mike NXP]

Thanks for the suggestion! If I put the solar panel behind the windshield, and connect the alligator clips to the battery, then would have to keep the window rolled down a tiny bit to run the wire. If I also install a side window deflector, would that make it rain-proof enough?

Rain deflector will keep the water out if you run a cord through but as everyone is mentioning there are other better options for keeping your battery charged up instead of charging through OBD.

I see your in San Jose, how cold does it get there. Does your battery really need to be tended to?

A good working battery and charging system shouldn't need maintenance in your environment.

 

[Mike NXP]

Just curious, as I'm in the market for one of these for my 100, do you recommend the battery tender jr. over another battery tender that provides more amps? Also, do you keep your battery connected to your vehicle while using the battery tender?


My local costco has this battery tender for $46.99 before tax: https://www.costco.com/battery-tender®-4.5-amp-battery-charger-%26-maintainer.product.100987415.html

Thanks!

After using dozens of different brands I will stand by NOCO. Their jump starters and tenders have worked in -20 and below temps for me. I had a cord crack one time because it was so cold and I bent it but otherwise the product is top notch .

 

[stubbs]

Yep, Battery Tender is a good brand and NOCO also makes good stuff. I've got a NOCO 5A charger for when things are really dead now, and I also keep NOCO lithium jump packs in both of my vehicles. The tender junior is just good for keeping things healthy while they sit for a while. It's not a good substitute for a 4-5A charger to resurrect a dead battery though.