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AGM or standard 12V charging mode?


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I possess a 2018 Mercedes GLC Coupe equipped with an AGM battery, if I am not mistaken. I hardly utilise it after acquiring an EV and receive many notifications alerting me to critically low battery levels.
Upon activating the Draper 53491 smart charger, it defaulted to 12v STD. I then observed that it had transitioned to 12v LFP charging. I modified the setting to 12V AGM charging. Is this the appropriate action, or should it be charged in 12V standard mode? I wish to avoid compromising the battery's integrity.


I appreciate your assistance in advance.

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The AGM mode does not cause any detriment, although it charges an AGM battery more completely, reaching 14.8 volts compared to the standard mode's 14.5 volts. Both modes operate at an identical voltage of 13.8. Although the battery may not be an AGM, brief usage of a few hours in AGM mode would not damage it; nonetheless, I would advise against prolonged use of a regular battery in that mode, since it may fail to attain the float state. The critical depletion of the battery is a significant worry, since it will adversely affect its potential lifespan. A seldom-utilized vehicle requires a regular charge every one to two weeks.

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I greatly appreciate your response. I have verified the label on the battery, and it confirms that it is AGM.

I will adhere to your counsel and charge the battery consistently. I initially considered keeping the Draper charger connected continuously to preserve its charge, but I am not if this is prudent.

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Acquire a Ctek MXS 5, and you may leave it connected indefinitely. My commitment lasts for six months at a time. The vehicle initiates on the first attempt. The following is a summary from Ctek.

The MXS 5.0 is a sophisticated microprocessor-controlled battery charger that delivers unparalleled performance for lead-acid batteries ranging from 1.2 to 110Ah. It features integrated automatic temperature correction, guaranteeing optimal charging performance even under harsh conditions. The MXS 5.0 features battery diagnostics to determine the battery's ability to accept and hold a charge, a patented automatic desulphation program, an AGM option to enhance the performance lifespan of most Stop/Start batteries, and a specialised Recond mode for reconditioning severely discharged batteries. The MXS 5.0 employs CTEK’s proprietary float/pulse mechanism, recognised as the most effective maintenance mode for prolonged battery connection.

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Just look at the battery , it will say if it's AGM and if it has a vent hole on any of the sides, it will likely be a regular lead acid. Most cars now with batteries in the cabin (like under the back seat) will be AGM. AGM batteries will have different charging characteristics. If you change from one to the other, you're supposed to go into the cars programming and change the settings in order to get maximum life of the battery. Not that any battery will last more than 5 years in Texas.

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An AGM will possess a vent, but not immediately apparent, as it serves as a vent for a safety valve. In the absence of a vent, there exists a possible explosive hazard due to excessive overcharging, which may lead to gas accumulation and pressurisation within the battery.

AGMs are Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries that operate at a modest pressure above ambient levels during charging to facilitate the recombination of vapours into liquid when gassing occurs. They are occasionally referred to as sealed batteries, but this designation applies solely during standard operation. Excessive overcharging will result in surpassing the safety valve pressure, leading to venting and electrolyte loss. The vent may not be directed away from the battery, nevertheless it is preferable to the battery exploding.

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