[BMWMN1971]

Using a CTEK charger for the first time and unless I am missing something, I cannot close the hood because the hood hinge hits the alligator clip on the negative side. See below pictures. Am I doing something wrong?

[Orient330iNYC]

You can also clip it to any other bare metal in the engine bay. Last time i topped off my 12v, i attached the negative to the reinforcement strut running diagonal.
Is your car a mild hybrid? I believe its supposed to be charged with the hood up- this disconnects the 48v battery

[BMWMN1971]

Thanks. I will probably go to the dealer today and check how they do with their cars on the floor. Mine is a 2024 X7 4.0i. The car won’t lock if the hood is open.

[Alan l.]

you aren't using the right negative terminal. The correct one is closer to the windshield washer cap.

[BMWMN1971]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

you aren't using the right negative terminal. The correct one is closer to the windshield washer cap.

Yes, I realized this morning when I had enough light to see it. My bad. All good and working now. I appreciate your comment.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by BMWMN1971

Thanks. I will probably go to the dealer today and check how they do with their cars on the floor. Mine is a 2024 X7 4.0i. The car won’t lock if the hood is open.

I have not heard of anything changing with the LCI so you will want to keep the hood unlatched while charging. Not doing so you will risk damaging the 48v battery.

As an aside, like a pregnant woman, there is no period. It is a 40i.

[BMWMN1971]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I have not heard of anything changing with the LCI so you will want to keep the hood unlatched while charging. Not doing so you will risk damaging the 48v battery.

As an aside, like a pregnant woman, there is no period. It is a 40i.

What do you mean by damaging the 48v battery? Why would closing the hood damage that? If I leave the hood unlatched the car won't lock so it will still have electronics draining battery in the car.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by BMWMN1971

What do you mean by damaging the 48v battery? Why would closing the hood damage that? If I leave the hood unlatched the car won't lock so it will still have electronics draining battery in the car.

That has been an issue since the mild hybrids came out. There is an SIB on it telling dealers how to physically disconnect the 48v system if they aren’t going to keep the hood open while charging. I’m n my phone so don’t have access to the SIB right now. You do not need to lock it in order for the electronics to shut off, if you don’t have it set to do so when you open your door then it will happen automatically after a few minutes. You can also push the volume button to shut them off immediately.