OWNERS MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
GUIDE D’UTILISATION
Model / Modelo / Modèle : 85-300A Automatic Battery Charger / Maintainer Cargador de batería automático / Mantenedor
Chargeur de batterie automatique á charge d’entretien
Voltage / Tensión / Tension : 12 Amperage / Amperaje / Ampérage : 1.5
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS 
PRODUCT. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
LEA EL MANUAL COMPLETO ANTES DE UTILIZAR ESTE 
PRODUCTO. CUALQUIER FALLA PODRÍA RESULTAR EN
SERIAS LESIONES O PODRÍA SER MORTAL.
LIRE ENTIÈREMENT LE GUIDE AVANT D’UTILISER CE 
PRODUIT. L’ÉCHEC DE FAIRE AINSI PEUT S’ENSUIVRE
DANS LA BLESSURE SÉRIEUSE OU LA MORT.
0099001261-01
IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual will show you how to use your charger safely and effectively. Please read, understand and follow these instructions and precautions carefully, as this manual contains important safety and operating instructions. The safety messages used throughout this manual contain a signal word, a message and an icon.
The signal word indicates the level of the hazard in a situation.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not 
avoided, could result in death or serious injury to the
operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in moderate or minor injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in damage to the equipment, vehicle or property.
Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
1.IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
1.1Keep out of reach of children.
1.2Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
1.3Use only recommended attachments.
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 or damage to property.
• 2 •
1.4To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug or cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
1.5Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. Make sure:
•That the pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
•That the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
•That the wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.
1.6To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Simply turning off the controls will not reduce this risk.
1.7Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; have the cord or plug replaced immediately by a qualified service person.
1.8Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified service person.
1.9Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
1.10 WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEADACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
1.11To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review the cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.
1.12This charger employs parts, such as circuit breakers, that tend to produce arcs and sparks. If used in a garage, locate this charger 18 inches (46 cm) or more above floor level.
•3 •
2.PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
2.1NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.
2.2Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a
short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
2.3Be extra cautious, to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
2.4Use this charger for charging 12V LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use this battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used
with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage to property.
2.5NEVER charge a frozen battery.
2.6Consider having someone nearby to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2.7Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby, in case battery acid contacts your skin, clothing or eyes.
2.8Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
2.9If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.
2.10If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs or water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
•4 •
3.PREPARING TO CHARGE
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.
BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.
3.1 If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal first. Make sure all of
the accessories in the vehicle are off to prevent arcing.
3.2Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.
3.3Clean the battery terminals before charging the battery. During cleaning, keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth. Use baking soda and water to neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne corrosion. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3.4Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specified by the battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
3.5Read, understand and follow all instructions for the charger, battery, vehicle and any equipment used near the battery and charger. Study all of the battery manufacturer’s specific
precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
3.6Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and make sure that the output voltage is correct for your battery.
3.7Make sure that the charger cable clips make tight connections.
4.CHARGER LOCATION
RISK OF EXPLOSION AND CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.
4.1 Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the DC cables permit.
4.2When mounting the charger to the fender well, locate the charger as far away from the battery as the DC cables permit.
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4.3Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged; gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
4.4With the exception of the charger mounting bracket, do not set the battery on top of the charger.
4.5Never allow battery acid to drip onto the charger when reading the electrolyte specific gravity or filling the battery.
4.6Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict the ventilation in any way.
5.DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
5.1Connect and disconnect the DC output ring terminals only after removing the AC plug from the electric outlet.
5.2Attach the ring terminals to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.
6.FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
6.1 Position the AC and DC cables to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door and moving or hot engine parts. NOTE: If it is necessary to close the hood during the charging process, ensure that the hood does not touch the metal part of the ring terminals or cut the insulation of the cables.
6.2Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can cause injury.
6.3Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
6.4Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If the negative post is grounded to the chassis (as in most vehicles), see step 6.5. If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see step 6.6.
6.5For a negative-grounded vehicle: You should disconnect both battery cables from the battery before connecting the charger
•6 •
cables. The output leads of the charger are terminated with 3/8" (9.5 mm) dia. ring terminals. Remove the bolt from the battery post connector, insert the bolt through the ring terminal then place the bolt back in the battery connector and tighten. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) ring terminal from the battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) ring terminal to the vehicle chassis
or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the ring terminal to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.6For positive-grounded vehicle: You should disconnect both battery cables from the battery before connecting the charger cables. The output leads of the charger are terminated with 3/8" (9.5 mm) dia. ring terminals. Remove the bolt from the battery post connector, insert the bolt through the ring terminal then place the bolt back in the battery connector and tighten. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) ring terminals from the battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) ring terminals to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the ring terminals to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.7Connect the charger AC supply cord to the electrical outlet.
6.8When disconnecting the charger, disconnect the AC cord, remove the ring terminal from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the ring terminal from the battery terminal.
7.FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE.
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY.
7.1 Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
7.2Attach at least a 24-inch (61 cm) long 6-gauge (AWG) (13 mm2) insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
•7 •
7.3Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger ring terminal to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of the battery.
7.4Position yourself and the free end of the cable you previously attached to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post as far away from the battery as possible – then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger ring terminal to the free end of the cable using a nut and bolt through both ring terminals.
7.5Do not face the battery when making the final connection.
7.6Connect the charger AC supply cord to the electrical outlet.
7.7When disconnecting the charger, always do so in the reverse order of the connecting procedure and break the first connection while as far away from the battery as practical.
7.8A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it onboard requires equipment specially designed for marine use.
8.GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
8.1 This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet).
8.2Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection can result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution. NOTE: Pursuant to Canadian Regulations, use of an adapter plug is not allowed in Canada. Use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and should not be used.
8.3Recommended minimum AWG size for extension cord:
•150 feet (45.7 meters) long or less – use an 18 gauge (0.82 mm2) extension cord.
•8 •
9.MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mounting the charger to the fender well: The charger can be mounted directly to the fender well of your vehicle, as shown. If using the nuts and bolts provided, drill two holes between 3/16" and 1/4" in diameter. (For alignment
of holes use the charger as a template.) If
the backside of the mounting surface is hard to reach, you may consider using two 1/2" long sheet metal screws (not included) instead of the nuts and bolts provided.
Mounting the charger alongside the battery:
The charger can also be mounted alongside your vehicle’s battery using
the bracket provided. If possible, mount the
charger to the side of the battery away from the engine and fan blades. Mount the bracket to the
charger as shown using the nuts and bolts provided. Loosen the battery retaining hardware enough that you can insert the bracket between the bottom of the battery and the battery mounting tray as shown. Position the charger so that it will not rub against the battery or any other part of the vehicle, and then tighten the battery retaining hardware. NOTE: Do not drill or puncture the battery.
Electrical Installation – The output leads of the charger are terminated with 3/8" dia. ring lugs. Route and secure the AC cord and the output wiring away from the gas line, carburetor or other hot, sharp, moving or pinch parts to avoid damage to the insulation. Secure the AC cord using a cable tie or equivalent. If you have difficulty connecting the output leads, consult your local auto supply store, they may assist you in finding a connecting device for your application.
10.ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.
•9 •
11.CONTROL PANEL
LED Indicators
(POWER ON) green LED: The charger is connected to an AC power source and is receiving power.
(CHARGED) red LED: The battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintain mode.
12.OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This battery charger must be properly assembled in accordance with the assembly instructions before it is used.
Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the 120V AC outlet, or it could result in damage to the charger.
The charger does not have an ON/OFF switch. The On and Off commands are controlled by plugging the charger into a 120V AC electrical wall outlet only after the battery connections have been made.
Charging
1.Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition.
2.Connect the battery following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
3.Connect the AC power, following the precautions listed in section 8.
4.The 
(green) LED will light when the AC cord is properly
connected. When the battery is charged, the 
(red) LED will light.
5.To disconnect, reverse the procedure.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not be supplied to the ring terminals until a battery is properly connected. The clips will not spark if touched together.
Automatic Charging Mode
When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the Maintain Mode (see below) automatically after the battery is charged. For a battery with a starting voltage under 1 volt, use a manual charger to pre-charge the battery for five minutes to get additional voltage into the battery.
• 10 •
Completion of Charge
Charge completion is indicated by the 
LED. When lit, the charger has switched to the Maintain Mode of operation.
Maintain Mode (Float Mode Monitoring)
When the 
LED is lit, the charger has started Maintain Mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. If the battery voltage drops below a preset level, the charger will go back into Charge Mode until the battery voltage returns to the full charge level, at which point the charger will return to Maintain Mode.
NOTE: The charger automatically switches between Charge Mode
and Maintain Mode as necessary. The 
LED will cycle on when the battery is at full charge and off when the voltage drops below a
preset level and the charger goes into Charge Mode.This cycle will
continue, and the 
LED will stay on for longer periods of time as the battery becomes more fully charged.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology utilized in this maintainer allows you to safely charge and maintain a healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections or other unanticipated conditions could cause excessive current draws. As such, occasionally monitoring your battery and the charging process is recommended.
13. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
13.1After use and before performing maintenance, unplug and disconnect the battery charger (see sections 6, 7 and 8).
13.2Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil from the battery terminals, cords, and the charger case.
13.3Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition.
13.4Servicing does not require opening the unit, as there are no userserviceable parts.
13.5All other servicing should be performed by qualified service personnel.
•11 •
14. MOVING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
14.1Store the charger unplugged. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.
14.2Store inside, in a cool, dry place.
14.3Do not store the ring terminals, on or around metal, or clipped to cables.
14.4If the charger is moved around the shop or transported to another location, take care to avoid/prevent damage to the cords, ring terminals and charger. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage.
15. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE CAUSE |
REASON/SOLUTION |
Battery ring terminals |
The charger is |
No problem; this is a |
do not spark when |
equipped with an |
normal condition. |
touched together. |
auto-start feature. |
|
|
It will not supply |
|
|
current to the battery |
|
|
ring terminals until |
|
|
a battery is properly |
|
|
connected. Meaning, |
|
|
the ring terminals will |
|
|
not spark if touched |
|
|
together. |
|
• 12 •
PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE CAUSE |
REASON/SOLUTION |
The charger is |
Battery is defective. |
Have the battery |
making an audible |
|
checked. |
clicking sound. |
Shorted battery |
Circuit breaker cycles |
|
||
|
cables or ring |
when current draw is |
|
terminals. |
too high. Check for |
|
|
shorted cables or ring |
|
|
terminals and replace |
|
|
if necessary. |
|
Severely discharged |
The battery may |
|
battery. |
not want to accept |
|
|
a charge due to a |
|
|
run-down state. Allow |
|
|
charging to continue |
|
|
until battery has a |
|
|
chance to recover |
|
|
sufficiently to take a |
|
|
charge. If more than |
|
|
20 minutes, stop |
|
|
charging and have |
|
|
the battery checked. |
|
Reverse connections |
Shut the charger off |
|
at battery. |
and correct the lead |
|
|
connections. |
Charger makes a |
Transformer |
No problem, this is a |
loud buzz or hum. |
laminations vibrate |
normal condition. |
|
(buzz). |
|
|
Shorted Diode |
Have charger |
|
Assembly or Output |
checked by a qualified |
|
Rectifier Assembly |
technician. |
|
(hum). |
|
• 13 •
PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE CAUSE |
REASON/SOLUTION |
POWER ON |
AC outlet is dead. |
Check for open fuse |
(green) LED is not |
|
or circuit breaker |
lit. Charger will not |
|
supplying AC outlet. |
turn on. |
Poor electrical |
Check power cord |
|
||
|
connection. |
and extension cord |
|
|
for loose fitting plug. |
|
Charger is not |
Plug the charger into |
|
plugged in. |
an AC outlet. |
The battery is |
Ring terminals are |
Check for poor |
connected and the |
not making a good |
connection to battery |
charger is on, but is |
connection to the |
and frame. Make sure |
not charging. |
battery. |
connection points are |
|
|
clean. |
|
Connections are |
Unplug the charger |
|
reversed. |
and reverse the |
|
|
battery connections. |
|
Battery is defective |
Have battery |
|
(will not accept a |
checked. |
|
charge). |
|
|
Severely discharged |
The battery must |
|
battery, but otherwise |
measure at least 1 volt |
|
it is a good battery. |
to start the charging |
|
|
process. If it is under 1 |
|
|
volt, you must charge |
|
|
it using a separate |
|
|
charger to get the |
|
|
voltage up to at least |
|
|
1 volt before you can |
|
|
use the charger. |
• 14 •
16. BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS
16.1When a charging problem arises, make certain that the battery is capable of accepting a normal charge. Double check all connections, the AC outlet for a full 120 volts, the charger ring terminals for correct polarity and the quality of the connections
from the cables to the ring terminals and from the ring terminals to the battery system. The ring terminals must be clean.
16.2When a battery is very cold, partially charged or sulfated, it will not draw the full rated amperes from the charger. It is both dangerous and damaging to a battery to force higher amperage into it than it can effectively use in recharging.
16.3When an UNKNOWN OPERATING PROBLEM arises, please read the complete manual and call the customer service number for information. This will usually eliminate the need for return.
If the above solutions do not eliminate the problem, or for more information about troubleshooting, call:
Schumacher Electric Corporation Customer Service 1-800-621-5485
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
Return all products for warranty to your local NAPA Auto Parts Store.
17.LIMITED WARRANTY
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) warrants this battery charger for 2 years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, Manufacturer’s obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned unit at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with proof of purchase and mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur.
•15 •
Manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this product that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modified by anyone other than Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer.
Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express, implied or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Further, Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage claims incurred by purchasers, users or others associated with this product, including, but not limited to, lost profits, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities, goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any and all such warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded. 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 it is possible you may have other rights which vary from this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS WARRANTY.
• 16 •
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