Schumacher 85-716 User Manual

Page 8

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DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

6. All switches should be set in

OFF (O) position and the AC cord should be

disconnected from the electrical outlet before you connect and disconnect

the charger clamps. Never allow the clamps to touch each other.

6.2 Attach clamps to battery posts and twist or rock back and forth several

times to make a good connection. This will tend to prevent the clamps from

slipping off terminals, avoid dangerous sparking, and assure safer and

more efficient charging. Keep the clamps clean.

CAUTION: SETTING SWITCHES TO OFF (O) DOES NOT ALWAYS

DISCONNECT THE CHARGER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FROM THE AC

POWER CORD OR DC CHARGER CLAMPS.

CHARGING BATTERY IN VEHICLE OR EqUIPMENT, OR CONNECTED

TO ENGINE

7.1 Before working on the vehicle, firmly apply the emergency brake and place

the gearshift to

NEUTRAL. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK.

7.2 Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the charger cords

permit, and position the AC and DC cords to avoid stepping on or tripping

over them and to prevent damage by hood, doors, or moving engine parts.

7.3 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and any other parts that can cause

physical injury.

7.4 Turn OFF all vehicle loads, including door lights, and correct any defects in

vehicle’s electrical system that may have caused low battery.

7.5 Check the polarity of battery posts. The

POSITIVE (POS., P, +) post

usually has larger diameter than

NEGATIVE (NEG., N,–) post.

7.6 Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the

chassis. If the negative post is grounded (as in most vehicles), see

paragraph 7.7. If the positive post is grounded, see paragraph 7.8.

7.7 For a negative-grounded vehicle, first connect the

POSITIVE (red) clamp

from the charger to the

POSITIVE (POS., P, +) ungrounded post of battery.

Then connect the

NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine

block away from battery. Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, fuel

lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy-gauge metal part of

the frame or engine block. When disconnecting the charger, turn the switch

OFF (O), disconnect the AC cord, remove the clamp from the vehicle

chassis, and then remove the clamp from the battery terminal.

7.8 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the

NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp

from the charger to the

NEGATIVE (NEG., N, –) ungrounded post of the

battery. Then connect the

POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the vehicle chassis

or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clamp to the

carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy-gauge

metal part of the frame or engine block.