Difference between revisions of "Charging through towing socket"

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(Checking Voltage, Amperage & Powering Central Locking)
(Checking Voltage, Amperage & Powering Central Locking)
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== Checking Voltage, Amperage & Powering Central Locking==
 
== Checking Voltage, Amperage & Powering Central Locking==
You can also use the plug to test voltage with the car asleep, or to apply power to release the central locking in the event of a flat battery; seen here on Robbie's D4:
+
You can also use the plug to test voltage with the car asleep, or to apply power to release the central locking in the event of a flat battery or just adding extra power when using diagnostic tools; seen here on Robbie's D4:
  
 
http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10700/wiki1_DSC02278.JPG
 
http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10700/wiki1_DSC02278.JPG
  
With the power lead suitably modified you can use a DC amp clamp on a single wire to see what current the battery is drawing from the charger.  In this case 6.8 amps is been drawn from a 10 amp Ctek (same vehicle as above but with its winter coat on):
+
With the power lead suitably modified you can use a DC amp clamp on a single wire to see what current the battery is drawing from the charger.  In this case 6.8 amps is been drawn from a 10 amp Ctek MXS10 (same vehicle as above but with its typical winter coat on):
  
 
http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10700/wiki1_image~127.jpg
 
http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10700/wiki1_image~127.jpg

Revision as of 17:07, 15 February 2015

Introduction

Rather than lifting the bonnet and removing the battery cover, vehicles can be charged using the tow electric socket, if you have either twin 12N/S electrics (with two 7 pin sockets) or the 13 pin socket.

The wiring between the 12V positive pin below and the battery is fused on the vehicle but it is recommended to add an additional fuse in your electrics wiring for maximum safety. Choose a fuse with a rating a little over the maximum output of your charger but below the 15A rating of the tow electrics fuse.

Ready Made

SAM_0297_med.JPG

Ready made adapters are now available from the site shop. These include strain relief and sealing to help prevent water ingress into the plug. They are also fitted with an internal fuse for protection.

Buy from the shop from £17.49 + postage

Pinout

12S

The 12S socket is the 'caravan' socket with the white cover:

wiki1_CIMG3747.JPG wiki1_12%20pin.jpg

Pin 3 (31) Ground (Negative)
Pin 4 (R) 12V (Positive)

13 Pin

wiki1_tow1.jpg wiki1_13%20pin.jpg

wiki1_trailer_plug_13pin.png

Note: Pin numbers in the diagram are looking at mating (pin) side of the PLUG or wiring side of the SOCKET

Pin 9 12V (Positive)
Pin 13 Ground (Negative)

Checking Voltage, Amperage & Powering Central Locking

You can also use the plug to test voltage with the car asleep, or to apply power to release the central locking in the event of a flat battery or just adding extra power when using diagnostic tools; seen here on Robbie's D4:

wiki1_DSC02278.JPG

With the power lead suitably modified you can use a DC amp clamp on a single wire to see what current the battery is drawing from the charger. In this case 6.8 amps is been drawn from a 10 amp Ctek MXS10 (same vehicle as above but with its typical winter coat on):

wiki1_image~127.jpg