8
SLOW RATES OF CHARGE – CONTINUED
• Using a voltmeter, determine the voltage of the battery and if it is under 12 volts, the battery is probably
beyond repair or recharging, and will need to be replaced.
• If the voltage is over 12 volts, reconnect the charger and resume the charging process for another 15-20
minutes. If, after that time, the ammeter still has not moved towards a lower reading, repeat the voltmeter
test. If the reading is still over 12 volts, there is a problem with the battery that requires professional service
or replacement.
AMMETER DISPLAYS A READING, BUT BATTERY IS NOT ACCEPTING CHARGE
• First, make sure that battery is capable of being charged - ensure that it is not sulfated or damaged.
• Refer to Charging Times and Appendix A to ensure that enough time is being allowed to charge the battery.
NO AMMETER READING
• Make sure that the charger is plugged into a "live" 110/120 volt AC outlet.
• Unplug charger and check battery connections - ensure that there is a good connection with the battery
terminal and/or vehicle chassis.
• Check to be sure that the battery is not sulfated.
• Check that the correct charge rate has been selected for the battery being charged.
• Ensure that enough charging time has been allowed for - check Charging Times and Appendix A for
approximate charging times.
• See Pre-charge Battery Activation
APPENDIX A ESTIMATING BATTERY CHARGE TIME - VENT CAP BATTERIES
For batteries with removable vent caps fill the top of each battery cell with distilled water to the level recommended
by the battery manufacturer, but do not overfill. To calculate the approximate charging time required to fully charge
a battery, it is necessary to determine the specific gravity (or percent of battery charge) using a hydrometer. Use this
technique if battery vent caps can be removed. Check each cell. If there is one cell with a very low specific gravity
compared to the other cells, there is probably a shorted cell in the battery. Replace the battery.
The following chart converts hydrometer readings into percent of charge values.
S
PECIFIC
G
RAVITY
P
ERCENT
OF
C
HARGE
P
ERCENT
OF
C
HARGE
N
EEDED
(H
YDROMETER
R
EADING
)
I
N
B
ATTERY
B
Y
B
ATTERY
1.265 ..................................................... 100% ................................. 0%
1.225 ...................................................... 75% ................................. 25%
1.190 ...................................................... 50% ................................. 50%
1.155 ...................................................... 25% ................................. 75%
1.120 ....................................................... 0% ................................. 100%
Refer to the chart below for approximate charging times.
CHARGER SWITCH SETTING % BATTERY CHARGE:
75%
50%
25%
0%
6 AMPS/ 6 VOLTS ..................................3.75 HRS ..... 7 HRS .......... 10 HRS 1 ..... 12.5 HRS
2 AMPS/12 VOLTS .................................6.5 HRS ....... 12 HRS ........ 18 HRS ........ 23 HRS
6 AMPS/12 VOLTS .................................2.3 HRS ....... 4.6 HRS ....... 7 HRS .......... 9 HRS
