Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Can I battery charge using the 12v socket?

Can I charge/condition my battery by simply plugging the battery charger in to the 12v socket in the glovebox of my 2008 Plus4? Is it safe to do so? "Currently" charging with direct croc clips onto battery but a bit of a faff accessing battery via hatch behind passenger seat.

Check that the 12v socket is always live.
If it is it can be used for charging your battery.
I did that on my 2011 Plus 4.
However I found the connection to be a bit intermittent, so connected a separate fused connection to the battery and to a socket on the shelf behind the seats to make the connection easy to access. I use a CTEK charger and cables.

Should be safe if the socket is a cigarette lighter size and rated at the current of one. I'd not connect an old fashioned battery charger that way, but the kind of charger sold as a conditioner does not charge at such a high current.

Do you have a voltmeter? You need to check the socket is always live, and not on position 1 of the ignition key.

Yes subject to it being always live. Also fusing the system is a very smart idea.

Thanks all for prompt replies, first time I've tried the forum.
Checked socket and it is live, even when ignition key is out. There is also a lighter fitted in the socket so rating should be ok.
I have borrowed a CTEK charger from a friend, seems very good so will probably get one c/w plug for 12v socket.
If I put in a fused connection what size fuse should I use?

Not seen the wiring diagram for a 2008 car, but the socket itself ought be fused at a fairly high rating.

If the battery charger does not have one, easiest thing to do is put an in-line fuse and holder in the lead from it to the car. The book of words on the charger ought to give maximum output, and the fuse needs to be rated a bit higher. Example, if charger supplies up to 3 amps, put a 5 amp fuse in.

Yes, no problem on a 2008 Plus 4. I do this every winter and when the car is left in the garage for a long period.
Harald

I do this regularly with my 2003 4/4. Works a treat.

This has been discussed a number of times. The answer is yes, and the feed for the light socket is fused. I charge my 2005 4/4 this way using a Cetek charger.

Nigel

I did it for years like that but my second Mog had the cigar lighter on the wrong side so I set up a separate fused feed