New Member

[Graham Moore]

Hello Everyone,

I have just joined the Club. I have recently purchased a 2012 XK Portfolio Convertible. I am very pleased with it. It does not disappoint. The car will only be driven periodically which may raise the issue of battery charging. The Owners Handbook states that to charge the battery it has to be removed from the car and by qualified personnel. This seems a little excess when it is OK to jump start the car with the battery insitu. There is also no reference in the Handbook to trickle charging. I understand the need of not connecting a negative lead directly to the battery but what is wrong in using the remote terminals "+" and "-" used for jump starting? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[N6 JMX]

Hi Graham, get yourself a Smart Charger such as a Ring Automotive or Ctek and use the remote connections in the boot. Negative terminal is under the boot floor, in the spare wheel well and the positive is under a rubber boot in the wing space, behind the vent grill on the left side of the boot compartment. These can safely be left connected long term over idle periods, but suggest you place a large note on the driver's seat to remind you not to drive off as the battery is on charge. Ensure you get the version that caters fro 5.0 litre engines - typically less than £100.

Depending on your circumstances, you can have the Smart Charger in the boot or outside, with the appropriate leads going inside and the boot lid closed - plenty of "give" in the seal to make this okay. Simple to connect up and if leaving for anything more than a few days, suggest you connect the Smart Charger. If you are unsure of the age of the current battery, change it! Anything over 5 years old and the battery can give issues on these cars - lots of spurious faults. The Ring version is my preferred choice, but Ctek works well also.

You should try not to jump start the car as this can cause all sorts of issues, especially from another vehicle. If it gets that dead, you will have more issues than can be catered for by a home enthusiast.

N6 JMX