I work from home so I rarely need to drive anywhere. With COVID restrictions, we're all driving even less now. I've been using a trickle charger on my previous cars to keep the battery charged while it sit in the garage. The description of the charger said it's OK to use on most batteries included AGM batteries (anyone know if the RLX SH uses AGM battery just like the MDX SH?). I've asked our service writer about using a trickle charger on the MDX. He advised me not to, warning that it could damage vital electronic systems. Is he full of BS or speaking the truth?

This is the charger I'm using. Description said:

• Perfect for charging all 12-volt lead-acid, flooded or sealed maintenance free batteries (AGM and GEL cell)

 

Costco has a trickle charger on sale, i'd recommend that https://www.costco.com/battery-tende...100679769.html

i got it for 38 in store locally in socal

 

Is it ok to use on Sport Hybrids MDX and RLX?

 

I had an issue with both my MDX hybrid and RLX hybrid sitting too long between drives because of the lockdown. I ended up getting all kinds of error messages from low oil pressure, electric power steering, charging system error, CMBS error, etc... Had the issue with the MDX first and took it to the dealership to make sure everything was A-OK. Acura said it was just because of low system voltage and all issues will clear up once re-charged. I just assumed the EV battery pack might keep a charge on the system if the 12v battery gets too low (it doesn't). I have a battery charger; but, I haven't found a yes answer yet to using one (always no without a reason why).

I found it easier to drive the hybrids 1-2 times a week instead of 1-2 times a month. Driving to operating temp gets the juices flowing, system recharged, and helps with flat spots with the tires. No error messages +6 months. Sometimes I put the hybrids in Sport+ (MDX) or Sport mode (RLX) on the way to grocery store to stretch its legs a little bit.

 

YES, good advice. Sometime I take the kids to get ice-cream way across town just so I can put miles on the car. Just for perspective, when I purchase my GS, it had 15K miles. When I traded in last Saturday, after owning for about 3 years, it had only 29.5K miles. I barely put 5K per year. I feel bad letting the car sit and rot in the garage. Wish this damn COVID restriction would be over so we can take long road trips again. I'd love the stretch her legs (RLX) along PCH with scenic views of the California coast.

 

Look on the bright side, your ride will have less wear and lower mileage

 

I have used a charger on my 2019 RLX Hybrid for the last six months and have had no issues at all. Also use it on my other car, a MB E450, also with no issues.

 

No problems using a Battery Minder on my 2018 RLX Hybrid or any of my other vehicles.

 

Just realized I forgot the pigtail from my battery tender with the trade-in! Doh! Now I need to buy a new set. That one linked from Costco looks to be a good one. I do wish the RLX 12V battery was located more toward the cowl. In my previous car, the battery was closer to the cowl so I just run the pigtail up just under the passenger wiper blade and leave it there permanently. Simple connect the pigtail ends together when I need to charge. On the RLX I'll have to route it thru the front grill somehow.