Is a trickle charger supposed to run very hot?

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Jun 26, 2023 | 05:27 PM
  #1  
Because of the ongoing messages about my starter battery being " critically low" I asked my dealer to permanently install via the trunk the plus and minus of my trickle charger.

So, today I needed to charge my 12 volt battery and I connected my trickle charger which I had left over from my AMG GT. I connected it and it currently showing the 1/2 full indicator. However, the charger is really, really, really hot and I am wondering if that is supposed to be that way or if I have a problem.

The charger says: ' Battery Charger for 12V Lead Acid and LiFePO Batteries". I had no problems using it in the AMG GTS.

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Jun 26, 2023 | 07:06 PM
  #2  
I also have one from a previous GTS or GTC - I forget which. I occasionally plug it into a wall outlet and then to the posts under the hood by the firewall on the passenger side. The charger gets definitely warm but never as hot as yours seems to. Don't know what else to say. Takes about 8-10 hours to fully charge.
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Jun 26, 2023 | 09:56 PM
  #3  
Funny you post this as I plugged mine in for the first time on this car yesterday because of the battery issue I just experienced. My Ctek is running pretty hot also and didn’t do that on other vehicles. I did notice that after the number 4 light on tender lights up (starts at 2) that it was not AS hot. But still warmer than normal.
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Jun 27, 2023 | 08:05 AM
  #4  
I have the recommended MB battery charger with a connection in the trunk. Working perfectly and not overheated. I am not a techie and not mechanically inclined. No more battery warning issues. Less stress with the new SL AMG 63
Reply 1
Jun 27, 2023 | 10:43 AM
  #5  
I am using the identical charger and it would appear that the device gets really hot during the first and second stage of charging and then runs just warm. However, it do it’s no and seem to function properly.
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Jun 27, 2023 | 11:08 AM
  #6  
Quote: I also have one from a previous GTS or GTC - I forget which. I occasionally plug it into a wall outlet and then to the posts under the hood by the firewall on the passenger side. The charger gets definitely warm but never as hot as yours seems to. Don't know what else to say. Takes about 8-10 hours to fully charge.
My AD made a permanent connection to the 12 volt battery in the trunk. Do you think that could make a difference?
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Jun 27, 2023 | 11:35 AM
  #7  
Quote: My AD made a permanent connection to the 12 volt battery in the trunk. Do you think that could make a difference?
I don't think so. I have the connection to the 12 volt battery in the trunk and the MB branded charger works perfectly without getting hot.
Reply 0
Jun 27, 2023 | 03:27 PM
  #8  
I agree. The two posts under the hood are just a convenient and safe way of getting to the 12 V battery in the trunk.
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