I have a 1.5 amp battery charger/maintainer with float mode monitoring. I used to use it on my Benz when away for several weeks (battery would always die possibly due to alarm). Just wondering if there's anything related to the CTS electronics that I shouldn't use one. I'll be gone almost 4 weeks.

TIA for any advice,

Brad

I have a Battery Tender Plus that I used on my '02 vette during winter storage. Though they say you can, I never left it on for more than a couple days at a time. (I also use it on my JD tractor which is more important to have a full charge in the winter!)

battery tender is the best way to go...it shut down when the battery is full...then turn on when needed. I have heard trickle charge is bad for any battery. I have it on my hot rod because i dont drive it often.

I had a boat with trickle charger over the winter. It kills the battery...short period might be OK.

wratran:

I think I have what you're talking about when you say "tender". THis has a 'float mode" and only charges as needed.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm off to Asia on business, sure wish I could peddle around in my CTS there, but alas it'll be bumper to bumper in run down taxis with mad dog drivers!

I'll look forward to my return and the calm of the CTS!

when storing for a long period I take off one pole of the battery. For a new car that would probably reset your DIC settings? But for my Ol' 70 it's perfect...

I use an automatic trickle charger on my '72 Corvette. I seem to have a slow discharge somewhere and I need the trickle charger for the winters. I've never found a need on the CTS. AC Delco had a rash of bad batteries that I was unfornate enough to get one. It was replaced under warranty.

I think only members like Koz who lives in Fairbanks Alaska would need a charger on a late model CTS.

Battery Tender is a highly regarded brand used by folks who put their vehicles in winter storage:

http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=2

Have fun in Asia... That is too bad you can't take your car there, CTS's are very expensive in Asia and rare. You would be a very highly regarded individual if you brought your CTS with you!