Your non-diagnostic vehicle-related problems solved
GENERAL
Q A few years ago, in answer to my question you suggested a CTEK battery charger as a solution. I duly bought one and have used it continually on our garaged MX-5. On page 16 of the February 2024 edition, Rob Marshall in the BATTERY SENSORS E2 section writes ‘If charging the battery on the vehicle, it is advisable to disconnect the negative terminal.’ With our MX-5 I just connected the crocodile clips without disconnecting the terminals. a) Should I follow Rob’s advice? b) What is the science/thinking behind
Rob’s advice?
A The advice given by Rob in the Instant Expect introduction to the sensors article in the February 2024 edition of CM was more in reference to the jump-starting of vehicles and the problems that can occur with the IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor). These are more recent additions and your 1999 Mazda MX-5 is not fitted with IBS or battery monitoring system, and so the method of charging that you have been using for the past few years is perfectly safe to continue.
The science/thinking behind Rob’s advice is that on these systems, introducing a voltage or sudden surge of current, in an area that is not designed to receive such an input can be detrimental to these often-delicate electronic components, and this should be avoided where possible.
It is also the case that many motorists may still have an older battery charger which may be used, and if this is not equipped with the smart charge system, and charges without monitoring then this could cause damage. For this reason, caution is always the best option.
GENERAL
Q I’ve noticed recently that some cars and vans don’t seem to have indicators on the front of the vehicle. Instead of an indicator, the front fog light comes on whichever way your turning, but it doesn’t flash, it’s just a steady light. It looks like the fog lights are switched on, but one isn’t working so could cause confusion.
I googled the MOT rules, and it states that indicators must be amber and flash at a steady rate, so are these OK to use, I’m assuming they must be. Have the trade been advised about them at all.
Thanks very much in advance.
GENERAL
Q What scan tool would you recommend for a small garage that’s not too big into diagnostics?
