9
The times shown in the table above are approximate and refer to a 50 Ah automotive
battery. For example, a 50 Ah (12 volt) battery is discharged (50%). How long
should it be charged at the 10 amp rate? See the chart above under “50%” and “at
10 amp rate.”
In most cases, battery charging times will vary depending on the size, age and
condition of the battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at a lower rate (4 amps)
and an extra hour added to charge time.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
With proper care and minimal maintenance, the
4/10/20/50 Amp 12 Volt
Smart Battery Charger
will provide years of dependable service. For maximum
performance, manufacturer recommends:
• After each use, clean the battery charger clamps — be sure to remove any battery
fluid that will cause corrosion of the copper clamps.
• Clean the outside case of the charger with a soft cloth and, if necessary, mild soap
solution.
• Do not allow liquid to enter the charger. Do not operate when charger is wet.
• Keep the charger cords loosely coiled during storage to prevent damage to the
cords.
WARNINGS
• Do not use charger if cords or clamps have been damaged in any
way — call Technical Support toll-free at (866) 584-5504.
• There are no user-serviceable parts in this unit.
• Do not open the unit. In the event of malfunction, it must be returned
to manufacturer for professional testing and repair. OPENING THE
UNIT WILL VOID THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Display Indications/Common Problems/Possible Solutions
No Functions
• Check and make sure the charger is plugged into a live 110/120 volt AC outlet.
• Follow the steps outlined in the Operating Instructions section.
F01 — Internal Shorted Cell Battery
If the battery being charged has an internal shorted cell, the F01 will show. We
recommend taking your battery to a certified automotive service center for evaluation.
F02 — Bad Battery Connection or Battery Voltage Too Low to Accept
Charge
When F02 appears, the most common cause is poor connection to battery.
• Follow the steps outlined in “Important Safety Instructions” at the front of this manual
to disconnect AC cord and clamps, clean battery terminal and reconnect.
• If the situation persists, we recommend taking your battery to a certified automotive
service center for evaluation.
8
3. DES appears on the display for 3 seconds, then it changes to three horizontal
moving bars.
4. The process takes 24 hours and stops automatically. The display shows “000”
when complete.
Alternator Check
Part 1
No Load
(Turn OFF all vehicle’s accessories): The battery must be fully charged
before testing the alternator. Run the engine long enough to achieve
normal idle speed and verify there is a no-load voltage.
1. Press Alternator Check to start the check.
2. Alternator Good LED will light to indicate the alternator is good, or
F07 will display to indicate the alternator may need service.
3. Press Alternator Check again to stop the test.
Part 2
Under Load (Accessories on): Next, load the alternator by turning on as many
accessories as possible (except for A/C and DEFROST)
1. Press Alternator Check to start the check.
2. Alternator Good LED will light to indicate the alternator is good, or
F07 will display to indicate the alternator may need service.
3. Press Alternator Check again to stop the test.
If the first alternator check indicates a good alternator and the second indicates the
alternator is bad, the problem could stem from: loose fan belts, an intermittent diode
failure or possibly bad connections between the battery and alternator and/or ground.
NOTE
• BATTERY VOLTAGE button is disabled in Alternator Check mode.
• F07 may display because someone has added a number of accessory
loads on the charging system, thereby increasing current demand from the
alternator. MAKE SURE THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS RATED TO SUPPORT
THE APPLICATION.
• This check may not be accurate for every make, manufacturer and model
of vehicle.
• Check only 12 volt systems.
APPROXIMATE CHARGING TIMES
The
4/10/20/50 Amp 12 Volt Smart Battery Charger
will automatically
adjust the charge rate as the battery becomes charged and stop when the battery is
fully charged. Deep cycle batteries may require longer charging time.
For estimates of the time it takes to charge a battery, refer to the following table.
Percent of charge
in battery
75%
50%
25%
0%
at 4 Amp rate
3.5 HRS
7 HRS
10.5 HRS
14 HRS
at 10 amp rate
1.4 HRS
2.8 HRS
4.2 HRS
5.5 HRS
at 20 Amp rate
1 HR
1.5 HRS
2.1 HRS
2.8 HRS
at 50 amp rate
NR*
NR*
NR*
NR*
* Not recommended for charging batteries less than 80 Ah
VEC1098A_Manual_022405 2/24/05 6:08 PM Page 8
