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My C-Tek is Stuffed

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Mad Manny
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My C-Tek is Stuffed

#1

Post by Mad Manny »

I have a C-Tek in my Conquest Trailer.
A few weeks ago at Karee Krans I noticed my battery wasn't charging.
In fact I was suspicious before the trip but didn't have time to check it out.
I suspected everything, except the C-Tek as everyone (esp. Renier_C) assured me C-Tek's never fail.

In fact, using Google, I couldn't find anything on a failed C-Tek - they are Toyota reliable, in fact, Isuzu reliable.
Initially I suspected the battery, but my Solar & my vehicle charge the battery no problem.

Last weekend I removed & checked everything in the trailer & refitted it - no mean feat.
No change. It just won't charge.

So today I took the mother out - not an easy task as it was installed to remain installed.

Image
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"

2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'

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Mad Manny
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#2

Post by Mad Manny »

I'll take it to C-Tek in Kya Sands tomorrow & find out hat the story is.
The Trailer is a 2006, so if its an original fitment, its close to fifteen years old...
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"

2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'

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rudi.hinze
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#3

Post by rudi.hinze »

They have three fuses inside. If only one function does not work it often is a fuse blown. If nothing works, the circuit is fried (actually somewhat common since they don't have overload/over-voltage protection).

From what I've seen, the Projecta IDC25 is more the Hilux/Isuzu of the DC-DC/MPPT units available locally. Hence why we use them.

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grips
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#4

Post by grips »

To date and that is from 2006 I had three C-Tek`s that failed. Used them in the Xplorer to charge the second battery. Lost two MXS10`s.
Then bought a MXS 25 for the workshop. This failed the third time I used it. Had one hell of a fight with a warranty claim. C Tek did not honour the claim. From that day I refuse to buy any C-Tek products. Must say my C-Tek D250S DC to DC charger is doing fine since 2015
You will never find me without Stroh or a 4x4 :D

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Mad Manny
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#5

Post by Mad Manny »

OK so I popped out to Current Automation in Kya Sands.
They are the agents for C-Tek in SA,

Basically Current Automation has no purpose wrt C-Tek & C-Tek is crap as it has no back up WHATSOEVER in SA.

Current Automation said that, if a C-Tek comes in with an issue they do one of 2 things:
If it's under 2 years and therefore under warranty - they send it back to C-Tek for exchange.
If it's over 2 years old they refer you to an Indie to have it repaired.

I asked the lady "So what the fcuk do we need you for?" - she could not provide an answer.
But she did say they, the C-Tek agents, cannot repair a C-Tek.

She did give me the number of the guy who fixes them.
I asked if she new where he is located, she said she wasn't sure (meaning they don't deal with him, they make you deal with him).
But she did say he is either in Randburg or Pretoria - she wasn't sure.

His name is Gideon Oosthuizen
082 458 - 2365
He lives in Benoni & operates out of Meadowdale.
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"

2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'

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Mad Manny
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#6

Post by Mad Manny »

So... I'll see if I can fix it... if not, I'll consider another brand.
I may even go get robbed by Rudi Hinze of 4x4 Mega World Hennops Park Pretoria...
:lol:
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"

2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'

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KurtG
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#7

Post by KurtG »

What can you do without the C-Tek?

You have a separate solar controller and you have 220V (when plugged in) so is this only for when you are charging the batteries off 220V or the car?


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Mad Manny
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#8

Post by Mad Manny »

Not sure if I understand you Kurt.

The C-Tek charges the battery via 220v.
So without the C-Tek I have to either use the vehicle or Solar...
"No one ever got stuck - in mid air!"

2010 Fortuner D-4D 4x4 'Fearless'
2006 Conqueror Conquest 'Gearless'

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KurtG
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#9

Post by KurtG »

Mad Manny wrote:Not sure if I understand you Kurt.

The C-Tek charges the battery via 220v.
So without the C-Tek I have to either use the vehicle or Solar...
You understood me perfectly. You really don’t need the C-Tek then, make it your new doorstop Image


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Renier_c
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#10

Post by Renier_c »

Mad Manny wrote:So... I'll see if I can fix it... if not, I'll consider another brand.
I may even go get robbed by Rudi Hinze of 4x4 Mega World Hennops Park Pretoria...
:lol:
What is the other brand you will look at?


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#11

Post by BushWacker »

KurtG wrote:
Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:53 pm
What can you do without the C-Tek?

You have a separate solar controller and you have 220V (when plugged in) so is this only for when you are charging the batteries off 220V or the car?


__________________
Flex is overrated
I already answered this: Midas PSD0008
and for solar or downstream of car
battery HCDP or AMWD or whatever its called,
else perhaps just a controller depending
on his set-up ...

C-Tek is for gullible guys that think
branding, adverts and v. high cost = Quality. !
... Famous Fiver VoorLoper ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...

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KurtG
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#12

Post by KurtG »

BushWacker wrote:
KurtG wrote:
Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:53 pm
What can you do without the C-Tek?

You have a separate solar controller and you have 220V (when plugged in) so is this only for when you are charging the batteries off 220V or the car?


__________________
Flex is overrated
I already answered this: Midas PSD0008
and for solar or downstream of car
battery HCDP or AMWD or whatever its called,
else perhaps just a controller depending
on his set-up ...

C-Tek is for gullible guys that think
branding, adverts and v. high cost = Quality. !
I think you quoted the wrong post, Chas. I didn’t ask that question you claim to have answered Image
Flex is overrated

BushWacker
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#13

Post by BushWacker »

KurtG wrote:
Mon Jan 27, 2020 8:17 pm
BushWacker wrote:
KurtG wrote:
Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:53 pm
What can you do without the C-Tek?

You have a separate solar controller and you have 220V (when plugged in) so is this only for when you are charging the batteries off 220V or the car?


😴
__________________
Flex is overrated
I already answered this: Midas PSD0008
and for solar or downstream of car
battery HCDP or AMWD or whatever its called,
else perhaps just a controller depending
on his set-up ...

C-Tek is for gullible guys that think
branding, adverts and v. high cost = Quality. !
I think you quoted the wrong post, Chas. I didn’t ask that question you claim to have answered Image
... so I should believe you ,
when thousands wouldnt ?

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
... Famous Fiver VoorLoper ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...

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KurtG
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#14

Post by KurtG »

The ethanol is strong in this one
Flex is overrated

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rudi.hinze
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#15

Post by rudi.hinze »

Mad Manny wrote:So... I'll see if I can fix it... if not, I'll consider another brand.
I may even go get robbed by Rudi Hinze of 4x4 Mega World Hennops Park Pretoria...
Image
I actually looked at your photo properly now. Seems you are looking for an AC-DC charger. If so, go for the Midas jobbie Fluffy was punting on the other forum. I have good Danish ones, but they are let's say not at the lower end of the pricing scale.

If you want a DC-DC/MPPT, then my earlier suggestion is probably only topped by a Redarc at some 70% more in pricing terms. There are cheap local units also available as mentioned. We elect not to sell them.

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