VW solar charger for TCH?

[Mr. Thyristor]

I have a solar panel charger that came with my VW New Beetle when I bought it in 2006. I think the cars were all shipped with them. This charger has a plug on the end of the wire that fits the OBD-II plug, and trickle charges the battery in the Beetle.

I am taking a business trip in a week or so. Since the TCH has an OBD-II plug, would the charger work to keep the battery topped up? Why or why not? How about cutting the OBD plug off and putting a plug on that fits the 12volt cig lighter plugs?

Any ideas?

[Old-Crows]

Mr. T.,

I've done the same with my old Wrangler and VW NB. It works great!!!

However, I used the cigar lighter socket. This might be a better idea, provided it's 'always hot' .... meaning that it does not turn off when the ignition is off.

You might be able to pull this off using the OBD connector ... provided there's a standardized plug layout between the car and the charger so that the positive and negative connections match up.

I think it would only charge the chassis battery. .... i.e., the one in the right hand side of the trunk ... and not the traction batteries.

For the short time the car is not used, I'd think the battery should maintain an adequate charge if the battery is in good shape.