CTEK D-250 wiring

[bushman101]

I am fitting a leisure battery to my 2020 Transit Custom (Euro 6 alternator), via a CTEK D-250SE. The charger requires an ignition signal via its smart alternator cable. In generic terms, this requires a 12V input (from the vehicle fuse box, I assume) that is only live when the ignition is on. Has anyone experience of connecting one up? If so, which particular location on the vehicle fuse box? Thanks.

[richbee]

I am fitting a leisure battery to my 2020 Transit Custom (Euro 6 alternator), via a CTEK D-250SE. The charger requires an ignition signal via its smart alternator cable. In generic terms, this requires a 12V input (from the vehicle fuse box, I assume) that is only live when the ignition is on. Has anyone experience of connecting one up? If so, which particular location on the vehicle fuse box? Thanks.

There is an ignition - engine running signal in one of the connectors under the drivers seat where the battery is located. You can buy a special connector from Ford at ~£50!! Or do what a lot of people do and just put a small connector onto the correct wire. If you have the BEMM PDf file downloaded it's in there - can't remember where exactly.

I've done it with mine while fitting my CTEK - works a treat

[Eyespy]

I will be doing the same soon on my 2018 but with a Sterling BB1230 unit..

I read on another post that the live under the seat should only be used for a relay?

Am I right in reading the above that I can plumb straight into the engine running pin in the connector underneath the seat and run this direct to the charger and all will be OK?

Thank you

[dumper]

When I first fitted my Sterling b2b I rang them and was told just connect it battery to battery this I did ran ok for 3 years but the inline blade fuses I used we’re getting hot so I change them to in-line bolted type but when I started the van up it didn’t kick in .I rang Sterling again i they said if in doubt put a ignition switch feed into it which I decided to do and fit it I had to move the van this time it had kicked in so I think it may have just took a bit of time to initialise it self but I still decided to fit the wire to it .
The plug you take the feed from is in the seatbox on the n/s/f side wall of the box to get to it I had to remove the batteries and the battery box to give room to put a test light on the terminals I had to put the batteries back in without the box to get a live feed with the ignition on l had seen a photo on here ( witch I can not find now) of two plugs a six pin and a four pin that the van may have either I think it was pin four all I did then was cut it off the plug and put a red female bullet on it and refit everything.

[Eyespy]

Nice one thank you…

I think I have read your other posts and see the picture or at least a picture.

I have the BEMM for my van so will get the multi meter out and get onto it using those connectors under the seat.

Sterling have told me to use an ignition feed otherwise the full capacity of the charger will not be used

[dumper]

They never told me that can happen without it I never had any problems and I know that for connecting to the van battery’s they told someone else to connect to the other battery probably depends on who you talk to .

[Eyespy]

Did you use a relay at all?

I am thinking not as the charger just needs to know when the ignition is on and the feed is not powering anything

Obliged

[Eyespy]

All wired in today…..

Found the connector no problem and managed to connect to it without taking the battery out.

Thanks to everyone that helped with advice and directions

[dumper]

Well done my problem is I have big hands and porky fingers
Just one more problem I got with my Steering if your ctek has a cooling fan in it mine is in the kitchen cupboard and on my last trip I’ve just got a compressor cool fridge box and I ran it and the tv as well as using the microwave and a two way radio and only moved the van twenty foot so no real running this is the most power I’ve taken out of the batteries so when I got home the unit was really hot and the fan was running for far longer then it ever has before in the past it’s never been over 40 seconds when parking up so I’ve had to fit two fridge vents in the door the type you see on the outside of campers so make sure you get enough cooling to yours.

[bushman101]

Thanks for the information, everyone.

[bushman101]

All wired in today…..

Found the connector no problem and managed to connect to it without taking the battery out.

Thanks to everyone that helped with advice and directions

Any chance of a picture, please? Neil.