12V chargers issues

[Ricki1]

My 2 year old 2015 Smart ED is having a fit with its 12V battery. If I don't plug it in, the battery dies and can even drain the big battery.

The car's always sucking power from the 12V battery, even when it's off. A battery monitor showed it dropping way low before the big battery kicks in. Keeping the big battery plugged in helps, but the 12V battery is still a problem.

People say to use a trickle charger, but I was worried it might mess with the car's system. I found out that a small, cheap charger under 3 amps should be fine.

I tried a cheap charger, but it kept turning off. So I got a super cheap one, and it's working great! It's slowly charging the battery without any issues.

 

[Sussystorm]

For all of my cars, I leave the battery plugged in and use a "maintainer" rather than a trickle charger. It's wonderful that you found one that works because it appears to function nicely without interfering with the system.

 

[Wendy]

It sounds like the small charger under 3 amps is a great solution! Glad it's working without causing issues.

 

[Evholic_34]

What can you ask for more than a happy ending with money left in your pocket? Goooood freaking job!