BMK 1617021 Automatic Battery Charger Owner’s Manual

Automatic Battery Charger
OWNERS MANUAL

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE.
This manual will explain how to use the charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
1.2 Keep out of reach of children.
1.3 Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
1.4 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.
1.5 To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
1.6 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:

• The pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug-on charger.
• The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
• The wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.

1.7 Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.
1.8 Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.
1.9 Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
1.10 To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
1.11 WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
a. 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
b. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.

2. PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2.1 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2.2 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
2.3 Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near the battery.
2.4 If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters the eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
2.5 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or engine.
2.6 Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery or other electrical parts that may cause explosion.
2.7 Remove 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.
2.8 Use the charger for charging 6V and 12V LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, or GEL) rechargeable batteries. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use a 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.
2.9 NEVER charge a frozen battery.

3. PREPARING TO CHARGE

3.1 If necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
3.2 Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.
3.3 Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
3.4 Add distilled water in each cell until 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, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
3.5 Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
3.6 Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner’s manual and make sure that output voltage selector switch is set at the correct voltage. If the charger has an adjustable charge rate, charge the battery initially at the lowest rate.

4. CHARGER LOCATION

4.1 Locate charger as far away from battery as DC cables permit.
4.2 Never place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and damage the charger.
4.3 Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading electrolyte specific gravity or filling battery.
4.4 Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
4.5 Do not set a battery on top of the charger.

5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger switches to the “off position and removing the AC cord from the electric outlet. Never allow the clips of the charger to touch each other. Clips may be energized and they may spark.
5.2 Attach clips to battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
6.1 Position AC and DC cords to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door, or moving engine part.
6.2 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
6.3 Check the polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, —) post.
6.4 Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles),
6.5 For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.6 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.7 When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord, remove a clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove a clip from battery terminal.
6.8 See Operating Instructions for the length of charge information.

7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE

WARNING: 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 battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, —) post.
7.2 Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, —) battery post.
7.3 Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
7.4 Position yourself and a free end of cable as far away from battery as possible — then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
7.5 Do not face battery when making the final connection.
7.6 When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far away from battery as practical.
7.7 A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

8. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

8.1 This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and has a grounded plug. The charger must be grounded, to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not use with an ungrounded system.
8.2 DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided — if it does not fit the outlet, have a proper grounded 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.
8.3 USING AN EXTENSION CORD
The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, follow these guidelines.

• Pins on the plug of the extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug-on charger.
• Ensure that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
• Wire size must be large enough for the AC ampere rating of charger, as specified:

*AWG-American Wire Gauge

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

9.1 It is important to fully assemble your charger before use. Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger. Follow these instructions for assembly.

(4) 1/4 – 20 x .75″ screws (2) Wheels
(1)Axle (2) Axle caps
(2)Feet (2) Spacers| Hammer Flathead screwdriver

9.2 Attach the feet: Remove the charger from the packing materials and place it back down on a flat surface. Attach the feet and secure them with the four 1/4-20 x 3/4″ screws provided.
9.3 Assemble the wheels, spacers, and axle: Slide one wheel and one spacer onto the axle, as shown. Slide the axle through the center holes of the feet. Place the charger on its other side. Slide the second spacer and the second wheel onto the axle, with recessed hubs facing out, as shown. Make sure to use the center hole. Use a hammer to install the axle caps.
9.4 Extend the handle from the retracted position by pulling it upward until it locks into place. (Press the small silver buttons inward, if necessary.)

**CONTROL PANEL

**

10. ON/OFF SWITCH
    

Use Ma synth to seed Deem the CnergeMartan race. Boost rate and to Engine Stan nude OFF – ‘Atm Me smith 6 in the pot bon (m630, the dere& is turned off
BOOST or CHARGEMAINTAIN – When tying stitch s n the position. the Rate Selecacn button can be set )3 ether the ChargeUaintan or to Boost sang.
ENGINE START – Viton me with s ri this position. Me Rate Semen button can be set to Erre Sun mode.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The Ogtet Dispay gems a dgtal indcaScn choltige. amperage. and battery %. ahmys stns Voltage erode. but  can be switched to a different mode by pressing the Display Men as Moan Mow:
Boost mode: Vciage > OFF > Amperage.
Charge/Maintain mode: Waage> OFF > Battery Percentage > Amperage…
Engine Stan mode: Voltage(No Amperes or Battery Percentage Mode) iI the Wccees snapped any node (by pressing me STARISTOP Wien). the cep/ay sit show ‘OFF.
NOTE: When in Charge/Maintain mode, the display will automatically go into sleep mode (shut-off) after 2 minutes. To turn the display back on, press any push-button.
DISPLAY BUTTON
Use this button to set the function of the digital display to one of the following:
Battery % – The digital display shows an estimated charge percentage of the battery connected to the charger’s battery clamps when charging.
Amps – The display shows the output current, in amps.
Voltage – The Digital Display shows the voltage at the charger battery clamps, in DC volts, while idling. The auto-detection voltage, 6 or 12, will be displayed while boosting/charging.
START/STOP BUTTON
Use this button to start or stop the charging or boosting process, after the battery is properly connected and output or rate has been selected.
RATE SELECTION BUTTON
When in Boost or Charge/Maintain mode, use this button to select one of the following rates:
Boost – For quickly adding energy to a severely discharged or large- capacity battery.
Charge/Maintain – For charging small and large batteries. Not recommended for industrial applications.
When in Engine Start mode, use this button to select:
Engine Start – Provides engine start capabilities for 6V and 12V battery systems.
LED INDICATORS
LEDs light to indicate the following:
Battery % – The Digital Display shows the percentage of the battery.
Amps – The Digital Display shows the output current, in Amps.
Voltage – The Digital Display shows the battery voltage.
Charge/Maintain – The charger is in Charge/Maintain mode.
Boost – The charger is in Boost mode.
Engine Start – The charger is in Engine Start mode.
Charging/Boosting – The charger has detected that a battery is connected, and is performing the selected operation.
Charged/Maintaining – The battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintenance mode.
Reversed Clamps – The connections are reversed.
NOTE: See Operating Instructions for a complete description of the charger modes.
BATTERY TYPE BUTTON
Use this button to select the type of battery.
STD – Used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles, these batteries have vent caps and are often marked “low maintenance” or “maintenance-free”. This type of battery is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines) and has a greater plate count. The plates are thinner and have somewhat different material compositions. Standard batteries should not be used for deep-cycle applications.
AGM – The Absorbed Glass Mat construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plate’s active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. The AGM batteries are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid) batteries. Popular uses include high-performance engine starting, power sports, deep-cycle, solar, and storage batteries.
GEL – The electrolyte in a GEL cell has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than those for other styles of lead-acid batteries. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging. Gel batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle applications and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the wrong battery
the charger is used on a gel cell battery, poor performance and premature failure will result.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CHARGING THE BATTERY
Keep in mind: when charging a battery, the more a battery is discharged, the faster it absorbs charge from the charger. In other words, it takes longer for the battery to absorb the last few percent of charge than the first several percent.
WARNING: When the START button is pressed in either Boost mode, Charge/Maintain mode, or Engine Start mode, the damps are energized and will spark if touched together. A spark near the battery may cause an explosion.
NOTE: A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.

Boost or Charge/Maintain Mode

1. Place battery in a well-ventilated area.

2.  Clean the battery terminals.

3.  Set the switch to the OFF position.

4.  Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.

5.  Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.

6.  With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery of the vehicle, set the switch to the Boost/ Charge/Maintain position.

7. Select the Charge/Maintain rate and the battery type.
   • If the voltage of the battery is under 12.7V, the unit will automatically switch to BOOST mode when the Start button is pressed. When the unit automatically switches to Boost mode, the Boost LED will light. When the automatic Boost mode is completed, the unit will automatically switch to the Charge/Maintain rate and complete the charge.
   • If the unit doesn’t automatically switch to Boost Mode when the Start button is pressed, you can manually put the unit into the Boost mode. Press the Rate Selection button until the Boost LED lights. If the battery is properly connected the Charging/Boosting LED will light solid and the booting process will start. Boost mode will remain energized until the Rate Selection button is pressed or the main ON/OFF switch is set to the OFF position. The unit will not automatically switch to the Charge/Maintain rate to complete the charge.

8. Press the START button.
   • If the unit automatically switches to the Boost, but the Charge/Maintain rate is preferred, press the Rate Selection button (while still boosting) until the Charge/Maintain LED is illuminated.

9. To stop the charging process, press the STOP button, set the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, and disconnect the charger from the AC outlet and battery, as explained in sections 6 and 7.

Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on the age and condition of the battery.
USING THE ENGINE START FEATURE
Your battery charger can be used to jump-start your car if the battery is low.
IMPORTANT: Follow the same safety instructions and precautions as when charging the battery. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area.
WAR N ING: Using the Engine Start feature WITHOUT a battery installed in the vehicle will damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
NOTE: If the engine turns over but never starts, there is not a problem with the starting system; there is a problem somewhere else with the vehicle. STOP cranking the engine until the other problem has been diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE: If you have charged the battery and it still will not start your car, do not use the Engine Start feature, or it could damage the vehicle’s electrical system. Have the battery checked.

Engine Start Mode

1. Set the ON/OFF switch to the OFF (center) position.

2.  Connect the charger to the battery and AC power, as explained in Follow These Steps When Battery Is Installed In-Vehicle.

3. With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery of the vehicle, set the ON/OFF switch to the Engine Start position. If the battery is properly connected, the yellow/orange Engine Start LED will light solid and the display will show the current-voltage of the battery. If the display shows “0.0”, check the battery connections.

4.  Use the Rate Selection button to select the Engine Start rate.

5.  Press the START button to enable the Engine Start output. The display will show “ON”.

6.  When the Digital Display shows “Rdy”, crank the engine until it starts or 5 seconds pass. If the engine does not start within 5 seconds, wait 45 seconds before attempting to crank the engine.
   NOTE: During extremely cold weather, or if the battery is under two volts, first boost the battery in Boost mode for at least several minutes before using the Engine Start feature.
   NOTE: After 3 minutes in Engine Start mode, the charger will allow the charger and the battery to cool down for 180 seconds. If the engine fails to start, use the Boost mode to put energy into the battery for several minutes before attempting to crank the engine again.

7.  After the engine starts, press the STOP button, set the ON/OFF switch to the OFF (center) position, unplug the AC power cord and finally disconnect the battery clamps from the vehicle, as explained in sections 6 and 7.

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

ABORTED CHARGE
If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the charger’s output is shut off, and the display will show “bad bat” and an error code. Do not continue attempting to charge this battery. Have it checked or replaced.
DESULFATION MODE
The display will show “SUL” when a sulfated battery is detected, and the charger will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode and the display will show “bAd / bAt / F02”.
COMPLETION OF CHARGE
Charge completion is indicated by the Charged/Maintaining (green) LED. When lit, the charger has switched to the maintenance mode of operation.
MAINTAIN MODE (FLOAT MODE MONITORING)
When the Charged/Maintaining (green) LED is lit, the charger has started to maintain mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. If the charger has to provide its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12 hour period, it will go into abort mode (see Aborted Charge section). This is usually caused by a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad.
Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.
MAINTAINING A BATTERY
This unit charges and maintains 6V and 12-volt batteries, keeping them at full charge.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology 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 required.
FAN OPERATION
It is normal for the fan to be on all of the time. Keep the area near the charger clear of obstructions to allow the fan to operate efficiently.

12. MAINTENANCE AND CARE

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

• 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.
• Occasionally cleaning the case of the charger with a soft cloth will keep the finish shiny and help prevent corrosion.
• Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.
• Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet in an upright position.
• Store inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the clamps on the handle, clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

13. TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR CODES

Error Codes

CODE

| DESCRIPTION|

REASON/SOLUTION

---|---|---
| The battery voltage is still under 10V (for a 12V battery) or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 hours of charging.| The battery could be bad. Have it checked or replaced.
| The charger has detected a sulfated battery.| The charger will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode.
| The charger cannot desulfate the battery.| The battery could not be desulfated; have it checked or replaced.
| The battery was unable to reach the “full charge” voltage.| May be caused by trying to charge a large battery or bank of batteries on too low of a current setting. Try again with a higher current setting or have the battery checked or replaced.
| The connections to the battery are reversed.| The battery is connected backwards. Unplug the charger and reverse the connections to the battery.
| The charger was unable to keep the battery fully charged in maintain mode.| The battery won’t hold a charge. May be caused by a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.
| The charger detected that the battery may be getting too hot (thermal runaway).| The charger automatically shuts the current off if it detects the battery may be getting too hot. Have the battery checked or replaced.

If you get an error code, check the connections and settings and/or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM| POSSIBLE CAUSE|

SOLUTION

---|---|---
Charger will not turn on when properly connected.| AC outlet is dead. Poor electrical connection. Battery is defective.| Check for open fuse or circuit breaker supplying AC outlet. Check power cord and extension cord for loose fitting plug. Have the battery checked.
Engine start does not work.| Drawing more than the Engine Start rate.

Failure to wait 3 minutes (180 seconds) between cranks.

The charger may be overheated.

Battery may be severely discharged.

| Crank time varies with the amount of current drawn. If cranking draws more than the Engine Start rate, crank time may be less than 5 seconds. When the Engine Start LED blinks, wait 3 minutes of rest time before the next crank. The thermal protector may have tripped and needs a little longer to reset. Make sure the charger vents are not blocked. Wait and try again. On a severely discharged battery, use the Boost rate for 10 to 15 minutes, to help assist in cranking.
| The battery voltage is still below 10V (for a 12V battery) or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 hours of charging.| The battery may be defective. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.
| Desulfation was unsuccessful, after 10 hours.| The battery may be defective. Have battery checked or replaced.
| Lack of progress is detected after 12 hours in Maintain mode.| The battery won’t hold a charge. May be caused by a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

**FCC INFORMATION

**

WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

14. BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS
    For REPAIRS OR RETURNS, visit[ 365rma.com](http://365rma.com)
    Visitbatterychargers.com for Replacement Parts

15. LIMITED WARRANTY
    For information on our one-year limited warranty, please visit[ batterychargers.com](http://batterychargers.com)
    or call 1-800-621-5485 to request a copy. Go to batterychargers.com to register your product online.
    For the manual in Spanish, visit www.batterychargers.com or call 1-800-621-5485. Para obtener el manual en español, visite www.batterychargers.com o llame al 1-800-621-5485.

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