Harbor Freight Tools 03418 - Manual (Page 10)

Page 10 SKU 03418 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Operation (continued)
More on charging times.
1. When using a manual mode for charging, you can check the present level of a battery
by using a hydrometer or electronic percent-of-charge tester (not included). Be sure to
read and follow all of the instructions in the manual for these testing tools.
Note: Batteries that are only 25% charged or lower can easily freeze.
2. When you determine the percent of charge needed, you can determine the batteries
needed charging time by using the formula below. First you will need to know the
AMPERE HOURS or RESERVE CAPACITY. If it is not listed on the battery, check with
the manufacturer of the battery.
DEEPLY DISCHARGED LEAD-CALCIUM batteries on many of the newer vehicles may
require an activation period when deeply discharged. This period may last from 4-8 hours. If
you notice that the ammeter needle is at or near zero at the beginning of the charging
process, your battery is less than 25% charged and needs to be activated or pre-charged.
You know it needs pre-charge activation when the ammeter reads zero and neither the Charge
Complete or the Reverse Connect lights are lit. Pre-charge activation is needed if the battery
is already known to be dead and the Charge Complete light is on. If the Charge complete
light is lit, do not attempt pre-charge activation until the battery is tested with a hydrometer
or other testing methods and found to be low or dead. If you determine that the battery
needs pre-charge activation, take it to a qualified service technician.
Troubleshooting
No Ammeter Reading:
1. Make sure the charger is plugged in.
2. Unplug the unit and check all of the connections making sure clean contact is made.
3. Check that the battery isn’t damaged and incapable of being charged.
4. Double check that you have selected the correct settings.
5. Make sure you allow enough charging time.
Amp Setting Selected on Charger
X 1.25 = hours to charge
Example:
Battery state of charge = 25%
Battery needs = 75% or .75
Amp setting on charger = 10
Amp hour rating of battery = 60
60 times .75 divided by 10 = 4.5
4.5 times 1.25 = 5.6 hours needed to charge.
Formula: Amp Hour Rating x Percent of Change Needed