Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Charging batteries in truck

[DLBurns]

I do not drive my truck on a daily basis ( sometimes on a monthly basis )

Lately my Optima Red Tops have been a little sluggish in starting the rig. I just got the truck back from the shop and now have a P-0122 code for low voltage to my APPS. I cleared the code this morning and went for a short drive, it didn't return (yet).

I have my charger on the Optimas right now, will I do any damage charging them in the truck as opposed to pulling them out and charging them?

 

[DSeamans]

As long as you have a good charger that puts out only 14. 5 volts or so you should be fine. I have charged mine that way. I would spend the $75 or so and get a battery tender. Its a trickel charger that keeps them topped off. It can be mounted permanently in the truck and plugged in like a block heater. They work great.

 

[Loren]

Dave,



I have charged my Optimas in my 1995, 2000 and 2008 trucks. No problem.



I second the recommendation for a trickle charger, but I like the BatteryMinder. It will recondition batteries as well as charge them. Find it here:

12117 - BatteryMinder - 877-746-2288 Live Help



Take care of your batteries and they'll take care of you.



Loren

 

[OL RATLR]

As long as you have a good charger that puts out only 14. 5 volts or so you should be fine. I have charged mine that way. I would spend the $75 or so and get a battery tender. Its a trickel charger that keeps them topped off. It can be mounted permanently in the truck and plugged in like a block heater. They work great.

I agree with DSeaman Battery Tender is the way to go.

 

[CCutshaw]

I use a BatteryMinder and keep my truck plugged in.
The other day we had a strong thunder storm move through and after the storm my in dash CD player stopped working. Now I have no proof that it was cause by a voltage spike or any idea why the CD play stopped working. The BatteryMinder is plugged into a surge protector. From now on I'm unplugging it during storms. The last thing I need is the ECM get fried. Calvin

 

[Huff N Puff]

Better check for a draw,

I do not drive my truck on a daily basis ( sometimes on a monthly basis )

Lately my Optima Red Tops have been a little sluggish in starting the rig. I just got the truck back from the shop and now have a P-0122 code for low voltage to my APPS. I cleared the code this morning and went for a short drive, it didn't return (yet).

I have my charger on the Optimas right now, will I do any damage charging them in the truck as opposed to pulling them out and charging them?

I have one battery in my truck,cause of the twins. I often leave the truck parked. and never have an issue. You may have a small draw or the batteries are failing.