Battery charging / top-up

[APC]

Can anyone tell me how to charge a Ford Tourneo Custom battery?

It’s a mobility vehicle, so we have electrical locks to keep a wheelchair in situ. When the battery charge goes below a set level a current limiter won’t allow the locks to release unless the keys are in the ignition. We don’t do enough miles to keep the battery fully charged.

I was hoping to top up the battery with a Halfords smart battery charger (because the vehicle is stop/start), but I don’t think I can get to the battery terminals without disconnecting the battery which then might require a vehicle reset...?

Can I use the jumper and earth point to recharge? Does this work?

[iantt]

Yes, use the positive terminal under the bonnet and the engine hook to the left of terminal for negative to charge the battery. 

[APC]

Right, great.  However I’ve also heard Ford don’t recommend this as per this... https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/101530/how-do-i-charge-the-battery-on-a-new-transit-custom-

I take it a so-called smart charger would assess the condition of the battery before it tried to charge it...?

Does it make a difference as to whether I have one or two batteries in the van?

Thanks for the reply.

[mozz]

My focus battery is flat, is it safe to leave it charging on 'normal' charge overnight?