Schumacher PSC-12500A User Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL

Model PSC-12500A

For 6 and 12-Volt Batteries

ELECTRONIC

BATTERY CHARGER

2 a m p 1540

S L O W

C H A R G E

125a m p

E N G I N E

S T A R T

Fully Automatic Microprocessor Controlled Battery Charger with Engine Starter plus Battery Tester and Alternator Tester

a m p

F A S T C H A R G E

CAUTION:

Read all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions, and follow them with each use of this product.

Schumacher Electric Corporation

Professional Products Division

Mount Prospect, IL 60056 U.S.A.

Send Warranty Product Repairs to:

Customer Service Returns

P.O. Box 280, 1025 E. Thompson, Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280

Questions? Call Customer Service: 1-800-621-5485 (Hours: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST)

00-99-000742/1106

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................	2
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................	3
BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER .........................................................	3
Plugging It In.................................................................................................................	3
Assembling Your Charger......................................................................................	3
Using An Extension Cord......................................................................................	4
PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED ...................................................	4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................	4
Charging Battery In The Vehicle...........................................................................	4
Charging Battery Removed From The Vehicle......................................................	5
Using Engine Start.................................................................................................	6
USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER .........................................................................	7
CHARGER CONTROLS .............................................................................................	8
CONTROL PANEL GUIDE .........................................................................................	9
USING THE BUILT-IN BATTERY TESTER ..............................................................	10
USING THE BUILT-IN ALTERNATOR TESTER........................................................	11
BATTERY PERCENT AND CHARGE TIME .............................................................	12
CHARGING TIPS ......................................................................................................	13
MAINTENANCE AND CARE ....................................................................................	13
TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................................................	14
WARRANTY...............................................................................................................	15

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE.

Model PSC-12500A Microprocessor Controlled, Fully Automatic Operation Battery Charger with Engine Starter Plus Battery and Alternator Tester offers features to accommodate the needs for home or light commercial use. This manual will explain how to use the battery charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES

WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR CHARGER, YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.

save these Instructions

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for

•WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

•Readallinstructionsandcautionsprinted on the battery charger, battery, and vehicle or equipment using battery.

•Use charger only on lead acid type rechargeable batteries, such as those used in cars, trucks, tractors, airplanes, vans, RVs, trolling motors, etc. This charger is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application.

•Never use charger for charging dry cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances like radios, stereos, remote controls, etc. These batteries may burst and cause personal injury.

•Do not disassemble charger. Take it to a qualified service professional if service or repair is required. Incorrect assembly may result in fire or electrical shock.

•To reduce risk of electrical shock, unplug thechargerfromtheoutletbeforeattempting any maintenance or cleaning.

•Always charge battery in a well-venti- lated area.

•WARNING: Battery chargers get hot during operation and must have proper ventilation. Air needs to flow around entire charger. Do not set charger on flammable materials like carpeting, upholstery, paper, cardboard, etc. Charger may damage leather and melt plastic and rubber.

Help us help you ——

Remember:

Place charger as far away from the battery being charged as the charger cables will permit.

Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

Never charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte) becomes frozen, bring battery into a warm area to thaw before you begin charging.

Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading specific gravity or filling battery.

Never set a battery on top of the charger.

Never place charger directly above battery being charged. The gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.

Never touch the battery clamps together when the charger is on. You could cause a spark.

Never operate charger if it has received a hard blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged.Takeittoaqualifiedprofessional for inspection and repair.

Be sure to position the charger power cord to prevent it from being stepped on, tripped over, or damaged.

Never pull out the plug by the cord when unplugging the charger. Pulling on the cord may cause damage to the cord or the plug.

Do not operate the charger if it has a damaged power cord or plug. Have the cord replaced.

Personal Safety Precautions

•Wear complete eye and clothing protectionwhen working with lead-acid batteries.

•Make sure that someone is within range of your voice to come to your aid if needed while you work with or are near a lead-acid battery.

•Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby for use in case battery acid contacts your eyes, skin, or clothing. If this happens, wash immediately with soap and water. Then get medical attention.

•Avoid touching your eyes while working with a battery. Acid particles (corrosion) may get into your eyes. If this occurs, flush eyes immediately with running cold water for at least 10 minutes. Then immediately get medical attention.

•Remove all personal metal items from your body such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches, while working with a lead-acid battery. A battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring (or the like) to metal, causing a severe burn.

•Take care not to drop any metal tool or metal object onto the battery. This may spark or short circuit the battery or another electrical device that may cause an explosion.

•Always operate the battery charger in an open, well-ventilated area.

•Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or engine. Batteries generate explosive gases.

•Neutralize any acid spills thoroughly with baking soda before attempting to clean up.

BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER

It is important to understand your charger's requirements. This section will tell you about your charger's electrical requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.

PLUGGING IT IN

Your charger requires a 120V AC wall outlet receptacle installed according to all local codes and ordinances.

ASSEMBLING YOUR CHARGER

Included with your battery charger are two cord wrap cleats for storage of the clamp cables.

To install, align the two tabs to correspond with the two receptacles and push until you hear a snap.

Wrap clamp cables after unplugging the power cord from the AC wall outlet and store your charger in a dry location.

Using an extension cord

The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, please make sure that you follow these guidelines:

•Make sure that the pins on charger's power cord fit firmly into the extension cord, and that the extension cord fits firmly into the receptacle.

•Check that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.

•Make sure that the wire size is large enough for its length and for the AC ampere rating, as specified in the chart below.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD

Length of Cord, in Feet	25	50	100	150

AWG* Size of Cord	18	16	12	10

*AWG=American Wire Gauge

Preparing your battery to be charged

It is important that you read and follow these guidelines while you are preparing to charge the battery.

•Make sure that you have a 6 or 12 volt lead-acid battery. Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle owner’s manual or the battery markings. Charge battery initially at charger’s lowest rate.

•Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from getting in or around your eyes or on your hands.

•Wear safety glasses. See additional “Personal Safety Precautions” on page 3.

•If required, for batteries with removable vent caps, add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level recommended by the manufacturer.This will help purge excessive gases from the cells.Becarefulnottooverfill.Ifyouhave a sealed battery with non-removable vent caps, no action is necessary.

•Take time to read all of the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing vent caps while charging, and recommended rates of charge.

•Be sure that the area around the battery is well ventilated while it is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material as a fan.

•If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Turn off all vehicle accessories to avoid sparks from occurring.

•NOTE: A marine (boat) battery installed in a boat must be removed and charged on shore.

operating instructions

NOTE: A marine (boat) boat battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

IMPORTANT: Follow all safety instructions and precautions when charging your battery. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a wellventilated area.

Charging Battery In The

Vehicle:

1.Avoid personal injury by keeping clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other engine parts.

2.Avoid damaging the charger by keeping the power cord and output cords away from the hood, door or moving engine parts.

3.Note the polarity of the battery posts by checkingtheidentificationmarksonthe battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The positive post is usually larger than the negative post.

4.Identify which battery post is grounded or connected to the chassis. THIS IS NORMALLY THE NEGATIVE POST.

NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYS-

5.Connecting to a negative-grounded system: Connect the red (POSITIVE) output clamp to the POSITIVE post of the battery. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made. Then connect the black (NEGATIVE) output clamp to a heavy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block, away from the battery (see figure). DO NOT connect clamp to negative battery post, carburetor, fuel line or sheet metal part.

Connecting to a positive-grounded system: Connect the black (NEGATIVE) output clamp to the NEGATIVE post of the battery. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electricalconnectionismade.Thenconnect the red (POSITIVE) output clamp to a heavy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block, away from the battery. DO NOT connect clamp to positive battery post, carburetor, fuel line or sheet metal part.

6.Plug power cord into a 120V AC wall outlet. The charger will be set to the default state of 12V REGULAR battery type, no charge rate (tester mode). The CONNECTED LED should be lit. If the CONNECTED LED is not lit, check for correct cable connections.

7.Press the appropriate control buttons to select the desired charge rate and battery type. Within a few seconds, the CHARGING (yellow) LED should light and the charging process should start.

8.To disconnect the charger, unplug its power cord before attempting to disconnect the output clamps. Then, standing

away from the battery, remove the output clamp from the chassis or engine block. Finally, remove the output clamp from the battery post.

9.Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

Charging Battery Re-

BAT-

POW-

1.Note the polarity of the battery posts by checkingtheidentificationmarksonthe battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The positive post is usually larger than the negative post.

2.Attach at least a 24-inch-long, 6-gauge (AWG), insulated battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -) battery post. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made.

3.Connect the red (POSITIVE) output clamp to the POSITIVE battery post. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made.

4.Position yourself as far away from the battery as possible, and then connect the black (NEGATIVE) output clamp to the free end of the cable.

5.Plug the power cord into a 120V AC wall outlet. The charger will be set to the default state of 12V REGULAR battery type, no charge rate (tester mode). The CONNECTED LED should be lit. If the CONNECTED LED is not lit, check for correct cable connections.

6.Press the appropriate control buttons to select the desired charge rate and battery type. Within a few seconds,

the CHARGING (yellow) LED should light and the charging process should start.

7.To disconnect the charger, unplug its power cord before attempting to disconnect the charger clamps. Then, standing away from the battery, remove the output clamp from the NEGATIVE battery post. Finally, remove the output clamp from the POSITIVE battery post.

8.Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

Using Engine Start

Your battery charger can be used to jump start your car if the battery is low. Follow these instructions on how to use the ENGINE START feature.

IMPORTANT: Follow all safety instructions and precautions when charging your battery. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area.

IMPORTANT: Using the ENGINE START feature WITHOUT a battery installed in the vehicle could cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

1.For battery connections, see page 4 and follow instructions 1 – 6 of CHARGING BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE. With the charger plugged in and connected to the batteryofthevehicle,presstheCHARGE START button until the ENGINE START LED is lit. Only the ENGINE START, CHARGING, CONNECTED, and VOLTAGE LEDs should be lit, unless the 6V REGULAR battery type has been selected. In that case, the 6V regular LED will also be lit.

2.Crank the engine for no more than 5 seconds. If engine does not start, wait 3 minutes before cranking again.

3.Aftertheenginestarts,unplugthepower cord before disconnecting the output clamps from the battery.

4.Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

Note: During the starting sequence listed above, the charger is set to one of three states.

1.Wait for cranking - The charger waits until the engine is actually being cranked before delivering 125 amps for engine start. The charger delivers charge at a rate of up to 15 amps while waiting and will reset if the engine is not cranked within 15 minutes. (If the charger resets, it sets itself for a SMALL BATTERY charge and 12V Regular battery type.) While waiting for cranking, the digital display shows the battery voltage (it can’t be set to percent).

2.Cranking - When cranking is detected, the charger will automatically deliver up to its maximum output (at least 125A) as required by the starting system for up to 5 seconds or until the engine cranking stops. The digital display shows a countdown of the remaining crank time in seconds. It starts at 5 and counts down to 0.

3.Cool Down - After cranking, the charger enters a mandatory 3-minute (180 second) cool down state. During this period, no settings can be changed. The buttons are ignored. The digital display indicates the remaining cool down time in seconds. It starts at 180 and counts down to 0. The ENGINE START LED blinks once every second. During the cool down period, no current is delivered to the battery. After 3 minutes, the engine START LED will stop blinking andwilllightcontinuously,indicatingthat another crank cycle can be started. The digital display will change from displaying the countdown back to displaying the battery voltage. The CHARGING LED will then be lit.

ENGINE STARTING NOTES:

•If the battery is disconnected during the cool down period, the charger will reset.

using your battery charger

OVERVIEW

Using this battery charger is very simple. First, connect the battery and AC power following the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”. Then select the appropriate BATTERY TYPE and charge rate for your battery. The charger will then do everything automatically. This section explains a few details.

CHARGING: If the charger does not detect a properly connected battery, the CONNECTED (yellow) LED will not light. Charging will not begin unless the CONNECTED LED is on. When charging begins, the CHARGING LED will be lit.

AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF: When the small battery or REGULAR BATTERY charge is selected, the charger is set to perform an automatic charge. When an automatic charge is performed, the charger stops charging automatically after the battery is charged.

ABORTED CHARGE: If charging can’t be completed normally, charging will be aborted. When charging is aborted, the charger’s output is shut off and the digital display blinks on and off. In that state, the charger ignores all buttons. To reset from after an aborted charge, either disconnect the battery or unplug the charger.

DESULFATION MODE: If a battery is left discharged for an extended period, it could become sulfated and not accept a normal charge. If the charger detects a sulfated battery, the charger will switch to a special mode of operation designed for such batteries. Activation of the special desulfation mode is indicated by blinking the CHARGING LED. If successful, normal charging will resume after the battery is desulfated. The CHARGING LED will then stop blinking and light continuously. Desulfation could take up to 10 hours. If desulfation fails, charging will be aborted and the digital display will blink.

CO M PLE T I O N O F CH A RG I N G:

Charge completion is indicated by the CHARGED (green) LED; when lit, the charger has stopped charging and switched to the Maintain Mode of operation, if the deep cycle battery type was selected. For other battery types, the CHARGED LED comes on when the battery is charged enough for normal use.

MAINTAIN MODE: When the CHARGED (green) LED is lit, the charger has started Maintain Mode. This mode of operation is also known as Float-Mode Monitoring. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small amount of current, when necessary. The voltage is maintained at a level determined by the BATTERY TYPE selected.

Note: For battery types other than Deep Cycle, the charged LED might be lit before Maintain Mode is started.

GENERAL CHARGING NOTES:

The charger is designed to control its cooling fan for efficient operation. Consequently, it is normal for the fan to start and stop when maintaining a fully charged battery. The fan does not run in Tester Mode.

If the charge mode is changed after charging has started (by pressing the CHARGE start or BATTERY TYPE button), the charging process will be restarted.

The voltage displayed during charging will usually be higher than the battery’s resting voltage.

The voltage displayed during charging is the battery voltage, not the RMS charging voltage.

chargeR CONTROLs

DIGITAL DISPLAY

DIGITAL DISPLAY BUTTON

Use this button to set the function of the digital display to one of the following.

•BATTERY %: The digital display shows an estimate of the percent of charge of the battery connected to the charger battery clamps.

•VOLTAGE:The digital display shows the voltage at the charger battery clamps in DC volts.

•ALTERNATOR %: The digital display shows an estimated percentage of the output of the vehicle charging system connected to the charger battery clamps as compared to a properly functioning system.

BATTERY TYPE BUTTON

Use this button to set the type of battery to be charged to one of the following.

•12V REGULAR: This is the type of battery usually used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These batteries have vent caps and are often marked “low maintenance” or “maintenance-free”.

•12V DEEP CYCLE: Deep cycle batteries are usually marked as “deep cycle” or “marine”. Deep cycle batteries are usually larger than the other types.

•12V AGM/GEL: AGM and gel cell batteries have sealed cases without vent caps. Such batteries are often smaller than the other types.

•6V REGULAR: This is the type of battery usually used in antique and some specialized vehicles. The 6V REGULAR battery type is not selectable for batteries greater than 8.5V DC.

With the exception of AGM and gel cell batteries, all other battery types may or may not have vent caps. Vent caps are located on top of the battery and provide a means to add distilled water when needed. Batteries should be marked with their type. If charging a battery that is not marked, check the manual of the item that uses the battery. If the battery type is unknown, use the 12V Regular setting. Make sure the battery complies with the safety instructions on page 2.

CHARGE START BUTTON

Use this button to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following.

•SMALL BATTERY: Provides 2A for charging small batteries such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snow mobiles and motorcycles. The 2A rate is not intended to be used as a trickle charger for larger batteries.

•regular battery: Automatically switches between 15 and 40 amps, or provides 15 amps continuous depending on the battery. Use for charging automotive batteries, marine batteries, and deep cycle batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.

•engine start: Provides 125 amps for cranking an engine with a weak or run down battery.Always use in combination with a battery.

•off: Charger returns to tester mode and the SMALL BATTERY, REGULAR BATTERY and ENGINE START LEDs all stay OFF.

Control panel guide

PSC-12500A CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

Digital Display

MODE OF OPERATION

0.0

O O

Initial power-up, battery not detected

0(%) or 0.0(V)

0~100

100

0.0~17.0

0~199

85~130

0~84,131~199

xx(%) or xx.x(V)

100(%) or xx.x(V)

1.0~16.0

5 0

180 0

15(%) or 16(V)

8.8.8 (B)

User selected

User sel.

User selected

selected.

User selected

Empty spaces indicate LEDs that are off. O indicates an LED that is on continuously. B indicates an LED that blinks on and off. x indicates a digit 0 ~ 9. * indicates an LED that is on if 6V Regular is

O O User sel.

User sel.

O O O

O O

Regular Battery (15AŻŹ40A) charge activated

No battery or reversed battery detected

Battery tester activated

Battery tester with charged battery

Battery tester with no battery

Voltage meter activated

Alternator tester activated

Alternator tester on good alternator

Alternator tester on bad alternator

Small Battery (2A) charge activated

Charge complete - Maintain Mode started

Engine Start

Waiting for engine crank

Cranking engine

Cool down after cranking

Desulfation mode activated

Charge aborted

using the built-in BATTERY tester

OVERVIEW

This battery charger has a built-in battery tester that displays either an accurate battery voltage or an estimate of the battery’s relative charge based on the battery voltage and the Battery Council International scale.

TESTING SEQUENCE

There are four basic steps required to use the PSC-12500A as a battery tester.

1.Connect the charger battery clamps to the battery. Be sure to follow all of the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

TESTER WITHOUT TIME LIMIT

If either the DIGITAL Display or Battery Type button is pressed within the first 15 minutes after the PSC-12500A is powered up, it will remain a tester (not a charger) indefinitely, unless a charge rate is selected.

TESTING AFTER CHARGING

After the PSC-12500A has been changed from tester to charger (by selecting a charge rate), it remains a charger. To change the PSC-12500A back to a tester, press the CHARGE START button until all charge rate LEDs are off.

2.Connect the charger power cord to a 120V AC wall outlet. Again, be sure to follow all of the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

3.If necessary, press the Battery Type button until the correct type is indicated.

4.Read the voltage on the digital display or press the digital display button to set the tester to Battery % and read the battery percent.

TESTER AND CHARGER

When first turned on, the PSC-12500A operates only as a tester, not as a charger. To continue to use it as only a tester, avoid pressing the charge start button. Selecting a charge rate activates the battery charger and deactivates the tester. Pressing the CHARGE start button when the engine start LED is lit (except during the 180 second cool down) will shut off the charger and activate the tester.

POWER-UP IDLE TIME LIMIT

If no button is pressed within 15 minutes after the PSC-12500A is first powered up, it will automatically switch from tester to charger, if a battery is connected. In that case, the charger will be set for the small battery charge rate and 12V regular battery type.

TESTER STATUS LEDs

When the PSC-12500A is operating as a battery tester, the status LEDs light under the following conditions:

•The CHARGED (green) LED will light if a charged battery is tested.

•The CHARGING (yellow) LED does not light in the battery test mode.

•TheconnectedLEDlightsifaproperly connected battery is detected.

•When the tester digital display is set to voltage,theCHARGEDandCHARGING LEDs won't light (it could be testing a battery or an alternator).

INITIAL PERCENT CALCULATION

When a battery % is calculated for the first time after connecting a battery, the digital display will show three dashes (“---”) for a period as long as several seconds while the tester analyzes the battery.

NOTES FOR TESTING BATTERY %

A recently charged battery could have a temporarily high voltage due to what is known as “surface charge”. The voltage of such a battery will gradually drop during the period immediately after the charging system is disengaged. Consequently, the tester could display inconsistent values

for such a battery. For a more accurate reading, the surface charge should be removed by temporarily creating a load on the battery, such as by turning on lights or other accessories.

The battery % ranges from 0 to 100.

The battery tester is only designed to test batteries. Testing a device with a rapidly changing voltage could yield unexpected or inaccurate results.

using the built-in alternator tester

This battery charger has a built-in alternator tester that displays either an accurate alternator voltage or an estimate of the alternator’s relative output compared to normal alternators. The Alternator % values displayed should be taken as general reference, not precise diagnosis. The alternator tester functions the same as the battery tester (see previous section of this manual for details) with a few differences.

TESTING SEQUENCE

There are three basic steps required to use the PSC-12500A as an alternator tester.

1.Connect the charger battery clamps to the battery or charging system. Be sure to follow all of the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

2.Connect the charger power cord to a 120V AC wall outlet. Again, be sure to follow all of the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

3.Startthevehicleandturnonthevehicle’s headlights. Read the voltage on the digital display or press the digital display button to set the tester to Alternator % and read the alternator percent.

TESTER STATUS LEDs

When the PSC-12500A is operating as an alternator tester, the status LEDs light under the following conditions.

•The Charged (green) LED will light if the output of the charging system is at the normally desired level.

•The CHARGING (yellow) LED does not light in the alternator test mode.

•The connected LED lights if a voltage is detected.

•When the tester display mode is set to voltage,theCHARGEDandCHARGING LEDs won't light (it could be testing a battery or an alternator).

ALTERNATOR TESTING NOTES

•The alternator percent display can range from 0 to 199.

•The digital display cannot be set to Alternator % during charging.

battery percent and charge time

This charger adjusts the charging time in order to charge the battery completely, efficiently and safely. The microprocessor automatically makes the necessary decisions. However, this section includes guidelines that can be used to estimate charging times.

The duration of the charging process depends on three factors:

1.Battery State – If a battery has only been slightly discharged, it can be charged in less than a few hours. The same battery could take up to 10 hours if very weak. The battery state can be estimated by using the built-in tester (see page 10). The lower the reading the longer charging will take.

2.Battery rating – A higher rated battery will take longer to charge than a lower ratedbatteryunderthesameconditions. A battery is rated in ampere-hours (AH), reserve capacity (RC) and cold cranking amps (CCA). The lower the rating the quicker the battery will be charged.

3.Charge rate – The charge rate is measured in amps. This charger provides charge rates of 2A, 15A and 40A. The 125A rate is for engine start only. The 2A rate is for charging smaller batteries such as those used for motorcycles and garden tractors. Such batteries should not be charged using the REGULAR BATTERY setting. The 15A and 40A rates are for charging larger batteries. In the regular battery mode, the charger begins at the 15A rate and increases the charge rate if it is determined that the battery can accept the 40A rate. All charging modes will decrease the charge rate as the battery approaches maximum charge.

After the charging process has started, the digital display can be used to determine charging progress by selecting the BATTERY % mode.

There are some important facts to keep in mind when charging a battery.

•When the display indicates 77% charged, the battery has been charged enough to start most vehicles and has already been charged as much as by many other battery chargers.

•Whenthedisplayindicates85%charged, the battery has already been charged at least as much as by most other battery chargers.

•The battery % shown in tester mode is an estimate based on the battery voltage and the Battery Council International scale. The battery % shown in charger modeisanestimateoftherelativecharge in the battery compared to the charge it should have if the charging process is allowed to complete.

•The battery % shown in tester mode can be used to estimate the relative charge time. The lower the % shown, the longer the charge time for a given battery.

•The battery % shown in charger mode is an indication of the relative progress of the charging process. The higher the battery % displayed, the less charge time remains.

•The more a battery is discharged, the faster it absorbs charge from a charger. That means that the battery % increases faster at the beginning of the charging process than at the end. In other words, it takes longer for the battery to absorb the last few percent of charge than the first several percent.

charging tips

Read this entire manual before using your charger. The tips below serve only as a guide for specific situations.

If your vehicle won’t start: You don’t need to fully charge a battery to start your vehicle. If the charger won’t start your vehicle using the engine Start rate, try charging the battery using the REGULAR BATTERY rate for 10 or 15 minutes. That should charge the battery enough to allow the engine START rate to start the vehicle. If the vehicle will then be operated continuously for an extended period (such as a long drive), the vehicle could charge the battery back to normal during that period. If the vehicle will only be operated for a short period (short drive), the battery might need to be charged again before it could start the vehicle again.

Reviving your battery: If you only wish to charge your battery enough to operate your vehicle, you don’t need to wait for the entire charging process to be completed. When the charger displays a battery % of 77 or more (see page 12), the battery has usually been charged enough for the vehicle to start and operate normally.

Completing an interrupted charge: If the charging process has been interrupted and restarted after the charger displays a battery % of 85 or more, the charger could go straight to Maintain Mode (see page 7). However, if the original charge was started using the REGULAR BATTERY rate, the charge can often be completed using the small battery setting.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.

1.Clean the clamps each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any battery fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps to prevent corrosion.

2.Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.

3.Occasional cleaning of the case of the charger with a soft cloth will keep the finish shiny.

Troubleshooting

Performance problems often can be corrected by the user. Please read through this chart for a possible solution to common problems.

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
The battery is connected	The charger is in tester	Press the CHARGE
and the charger is on,	mode, not charger mode.	start button to activate
but isn't charging.		charging and select a
		charge rate.
Indicator lights are lit in	You might have acciden-	Make sure nothing is
an erratic manner not	tally activated a special	touching the control
explained in the “Using	diagnostic mode.	panel, then unplug the
Your Battery Charger”		charger and plug it in
section.		again.
	The charger may be	Return to place of pur-
	defective.	chase for replacement.
The DIGITAL DISPLAY	The incorrect battery	Reset the charger by
always flashes before	type may have been	briefly unplugging it or
the battery is completely	selected.	briefly disconnecting the
charged.		negative battery clip. Se-
	This will happen if the	lect the desired charge
	battery did not reach full	rate (small or regu-
	charge within 24 hours.	lar battery) and
	May be due to a very large	battery type again, if
	battery or a bank of batter-	necessary.
	ies requiring more power
	than a 1540 amp
	charger can deliver within
	24 hours. The battery may
	also be faulty.

Engine crank time is less	Starter motor may be	Charge the battery at the
than specified.	drawing more than 125	REGULAR BATTERY
	amps.	rate for 10 to 15 minutes
		then crank the engine.
The green Charged	The battery may be	If the battery is in a ve-
LED lights a few minutes	fully charged or recently	hicle, turn the headlights
after connecting to the	charged, leaving the bat-	on for a few minutes
battery.	tery voltage high enough	to reduce the battery
	to appear to be fully	voltage and try charging
	charged.	again.
	The incorrect battery	Reset the charger by
	type may have been	briefly unplugging it or
	selected.	briefly disconnecting the
		negative battery clip.
		Select the desired charge
		rate (small or regu-
		lar battery) and
		battery type again, if
		necessary.

WARRANTY

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION,

801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE,

MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179

MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT RETAIL OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.

Schumacher Electric Corporation warrants this battery charger for five years from date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship. If such should occur, the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit together with proof of purchase, transportation and/or mailing charges prepaid to the manufacturer or its authorized representative.

This limited warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, or repaired by anyone other than the manufacturer or its authorized representative.

The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and expressly excludes any implied warranty including any warranty for consequential damages.

THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE OF THIS PRODUCT AND EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES SUCH FROM THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LENGTH OF IMPLIED WARRANTY SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

WARRANTY VALIDATION: The enclosed “Warranty Validation Card” must be completed and mailed within 10 days of product purchase to activate this limited warranty.

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