[200q20v] battery charging

[Glen Dustin Powell]

Be skeptical, very skeptical.... (run away fast) Compare the size of the
conductors in the "easy-start jump starter" with standard jumper cables
and/or with the size of your battery cables - big difference! Methinks the
"easy-start jump starter" just 'hopes' the dead battery will take a charge
quickly and then be able to start the dead car essentially on its own. Under
ideal conditions that might work just fine. Not an approach or a device I
would want to bank on! Often the power in the donor battery is required to
start the dead car and you need nice, big low-loss conductors and clamps to
handle the load. The dead battery could be frozen or 100% deceased never to
take a charge again - you just don't know. Carry 'real' jumper cables, of
nice heavy-guage construction and long length. Use once - essentially 'free'
thereafter!  $30US buys a nice set of jumper cables......

-glen


-----Original Message-----
From: 200q20v-admin at audifans.com [mailto:200q20v-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of Mark Trank
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 11:57 AM
To: '200q20v at audifans.com'; 'quattro at audifans.com'
Subject: [200q20v] battery charging


Have any listers ever used a battery starter that connects via cigar/rette
lighters?  I have been called upon a few too many times to jump start a
stranded motorist and its a huge hassle to access the battery in the 200q's
back seat (requisite Audi content) in order to do the right thing and assist
someone.  Last time I had to do this, it was pouring rain, child car seat
had to be pulled out of the rear seats, etc.  Not fun.  Direct mail outfit
based here in town advertises a device called an "easy-start jump starter"
that claims to allow you to jump start your car through the lighter sockets.
You plug the device into the "donor" car, then into the "dead" car, wait
five minutes and start the engine.  An LED display is said to confirm
correct connection and charging.  Cost is about $30.00.  Don't know whether
the premium is worth it or not.

Advice is appreciated, as always.

TIA,
Mark
mtrank at albemarle.org
91 200q20v 83k miles

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