Using CTEK Battery Charger on Older Original OEM Vehicle Battery in Mazda RX-8

Updated 07/13/2017 | Published 07/12/2017

Question:

Hi, as per your previous customer, I have also experienced Bulk Mode only lasting about 30 to 60 seconds then moving to Absorbtion Mode. My car is a 2nd hand Mazda RX8 with what looks like the original Battery as it has Japanese characters on it. The battery voltage seems to relatively quickly when the car has not run for a few days, so although it starts the car no problem, I wonder if it is showing signs of lower capacity? Thanking you.

asked by: Arthur G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typical OEM vehicle batteries are usually not the highest grade available and in my own auto ownership experiences 4 or 5 years seems to be the longest an original battery will last before it shows signs of deterioration. Since you don't mention the vehicle age I will presume it is the last model year for the RX-8, which was 2012. At five years old I would definitely suspect the battery is due for replacement. If it is an older model year, then absolutely the battery could be all done. You can always have it tested, but I would bet it is shot.

I've used my CTEK charger, one like # CTEK56353, non-stop for almost 6 years now, with a 100% duty cycle; I switch it from the lawn mower to the motorcycle to the cars so it is always on and in use. Mine has never acted strangely except when connected to a marginal battery that could no longer accept a charge.

expert reply by: Adam R