AutoMeter BATTERY EXTENDER 9201-12V User manual

FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS CONTACT: AUTO METER PRODUCTS Inc. 413 W. Elm St. Sycamore, IL 60178 USA [phone]
Email us at [email protected] 2650-772X-10 Rev. D 5/19/09
LIMITED WARRANTY (12 MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE)
Auto Meter warrants to the original retail purchaser that this product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date
of original retail purchase. When Auto Meter determines a product failed due to defects in material or workmanship within this 12 month warranty period, the product
will be repaired or replaced for the original retail purchaser only. This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of parts in the Battery Extender and the necessary
labor by Auto Meter to effect the repair or replacement of the Battery Extender. In no event shall Auto Meter be responsible for special, incidental or consequential
damages or costs incurred due to the failure of this product. Improper use, accident, water damage, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations, but not limited to these
acts, voids this warranty. Auto Meter disclaims any liability or consequential damages due to breach of any written or implied warranty on the Battery Extender, or any
attempted service done by anyone other than Auto Meter.
WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION
Warranty and service claims sent to the Auto Meter service department must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty
applies only to the original retail purchaser and is non-transferable. Damage incurred during return shipments are not covered under this warranty. It is the responsibility
of the shipper (the original retail purchaser returning the Battery Extender) to package the tester properly to prevent any damage during return shipment. Repair costs
for such damages will be charged back to shipper (original retail purchaser returning Battery Extender). Protect the product and add plenty of packing/cushioning such
as crumpled up newspaper.
MOUNTING
Mounting key holes are provided on both end caps of the unit. It is
recommended that you mount the Battery Extender to a wall or other
secure surface. This will keep it out of the way and prevent damage
due to accidents. You may leave the screws slightly loose to allow easy
removal through the key hole slot.
IMPORTANT!
A clean battery and battery terminals insure proper operation of the
Battery Extender and the vehicle charging system. Dirty terminals may
put a constant slow drain on the battery. If your battery and terminals
have a white or blueish crust on them, your charging system may be
having problems. Have the vehicle electrical system checked by a
qualified automotive service technician.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
Always keep your Battery Extender clean and looking like new! Unplug
the Battery Extender, and use a slightly dampened cloth to clean the
housing and lead sets. Use no solvents or soaps.
OVERLOAD AND PROTECTIVE DEVICES
The Battery Extender is equipped with two overload protectors. In the
event of minor overloads, power will be reduced to a safe level to allow
continued use in maintenance mode only. The second protector will
activate in the event of major overload and completely turn the unit
off. The second protector is permanent and must be repaired at the
factory.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BATTERY EXTENDER!
MAXIMIZES BATTERY LIFE
The Battery Extender is designed to maximize the life of a serviceable
lead acid battery. A serviceable battery is a battery that is not defective
or damaged. This means a vehicle battery will not give you the annual
dead battery surprise when it comes out of storage!
PREVENTS PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE
The Battery Extender keeps your battery at full charge on a
continuous basis. Batteries not kept at a full charge become sulfated,
which is the main reason for premature battery failure.
MAINTAINS STORED BATTERIES AT FULL CHARGE
The Battery Extender should be used to charge and maintain all
starting and deep cycle batteries in storage or that don’t receive daily
use. Some examples are: automobiles, boats, race cars, campers,
RV’s, 4 wheelers, motorcycles, personal water craft, farm machinery
(tractors, combines, etc.), heavy equipment, rental equipment (trucks,
compressors, portable signs, bulldozers, stationary pumps, etc.),
and any equipment that receives occasional use or is in storage.
The Battery Extender is also fully compatible with gelled electrolyte
(gel-cell) batteries (sometimes used in place of liquid electrolyte
batteries in many heavy duty applications). (DO NOT USE WITH DRY
CELL, NICKLE CADMIUM, NICKLE METAL HYDRIDE OR SIMILAR
BATTERIES. Refer to the enclosed instructions.)
NOTE: Never use the Battery Extender in a boat or water craft.
Always remove the battery from the boat or water craft and
use the Battery Extender on shore.
VALUABLE PROTECTION
The Battery Extender provides full off-season protection for seasonally
used batteries. It keeps your stored batteries ready for their next use.
This means a serviceable battery will not give the annual dead battery
surprise when it comes out of storage!
PROTECTION FROM COMPUTER DRAIN
Cars are often equipped with computers that require continuous
battery power to maintain data in memory. The Battery Extender’s
superior circuitry automatically delivers the correct charge to
compensate.
LONG LASTING PERFORMANCE
The Battery Extender has been designed and manufactured in America
to provide superior performance from the High Tech housing to the
last internal detail. Quality is built in and assured with circuit burn-in,
computerized testing and inspection. Care in handling and occasional
cleaning of the leads and housing will help keep it looking like new, and
give you many years of satisfaction.
Checks Each Battery’s Condition
The Battery Extender will determine the worst batteries that are
sulfated and that have bad cells. The battery can be replaced without
unnecessary charging.
Battery Warmer
The Battery Extender will keep a battery warm and ready for full use on
cold days.

2650-772X-10 Rev. D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BATTERY EXTENDER™
MODELS 9201-12V, 9202 12-16V
®
1. Before operating your Battery Extender, read and follow all instructions,
cautions, procedures, and warnings shown or printed on:
• Thisinstructionmanual
• YourBatteryExtender
• Thebatterytobechargedormaintained
• TheVehicleorunitabatteryisusedorinstalledin
Consult Auto Meter if you need more information.
2. Use the Battery Extender only on LEAD ACID AND GELLED
ELECTROLYTE (GEL-SELL) BATTERIES that match the voltage
printed on the front label of the Battery Extender. DO NOT attempt
use on other types of batteries (Dry Cell, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel
Metal Hydride, etc.) commonly found in small home appliances.
This may cause the batteries to burst, resulting in damage or injury
to people and property.
3. DO NOT use your Battery Extender on batteries that are in use. Use
it only on batteries or vehicles that are in storage.
4. DO NOT use attachments with your Battery Extender that are not
recommended or sold by Auto Meter. Non-recommended attachments
may result in injury, electric shock, or fire and voids the warranty.
5. To connect or disconnect the Battery Extender from a battery
always use the square 2 pin connector. When disconnecting from
the battery or unplugging from the wall, use the plug to pull on.
Never pull the cord, it may damage the plug or the cord.
6. Place the power cords in a location where they will not be stepped
on, tripped over, or subjected to stress or abuse of any kind.
7. Never operate your Battery Extender if any portion of it’s housing,
cords, or attachments appear to be damaged in any way. Have it
inspected and serviced by Auto Meter.
8. If your Battery Extender has been dropped, received a sharp blow,
or abused in any way, have it inspected and repaired by Auto Meter
if necessary.
9. Use of an extension cord is not recommended. An inadequate
extension cord could result in fire or electric shock. If you must use
one, make sure the following conditions are met:
A.Useathreepronggroundedextensioncord.
B.Thecordendsarewiredcorrectlyandingoodcondition.
C.Thecorditselfisingoodcondition.
D.Insure that all pins on the extension cord are identical in size,
shapeandnumberastheplugontheBatteryExtender.
E.Make sure the extension cord is large enough to carry the AC
amperageratingofyourBatteryExtender.Seechartbelow:
10. NEVER open the housing of the Battery Extender or attempt to
repair it yourself. It must be repaired by Auto Meter. Their are no
user serviceable parts inside. Any tampering or incorrect assembly
may result in fire or electric shock and voids the warranty.
11. To prevent injury during cleaning or maintenance, always:
• UnplugtheBatteryExtenderfromthewalloutletfirst(usingtheplug).
• DisconnecttheBatteryExtenderfromthebattery.
12. ALWAYS disconnect the Battery Extender from a stored vehicle or
battery before operation.
13. NEVER attempt to charge a frozen battery. Allow the battery to
return to room temperature before connection.
14. ALWAYS use the Battery Extender in an open and well ventilated area.
The area should be dry and free of trash, debris, and combustibles.
WARNING: Explosive Hydrogen gas may be present around batteries.
15. DO NOT use the Battery Extender in direct sun light or adverse
weather conditions such as rain or snow.
16. Never place your Battery Extender above or below the battery.
Locate it as far to the side of the battery as the leads permit. This
prevents acid drips and spills from landing on the Battery Extender
during battery filling or specific gravity testing. This also prevents
battery fumes from reaching the Battery Extender.
17. DO NOT place a battery on the Battery Extender.
18. DO NOT touch the charging clips together when the Battery
Extender is plugged in.
19. DO NOT attempt to open or modify the unit. DO NOT insert any
object into ventilation holes. DO NOT cover ventilation holes on
unit.
20. NEVER use the Battery Extender in or on any boat or water craft.
You must remove the battery from the boat or water craft and charge
on dry land. DO NOT use the Battery Extender where it will be
exposed to moisture or inclement weather, or around combustibles
like trash, flammable liquids and vapors.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Wear protective goggles or a full face shield.
2. Wear protective clothing. Leave no exposed skin.
3. Have plenty of fresh water and hand soap available for use if acid
should contact your eyes, skin or clothing.
4. Have someone close by in the event you need emergency
assistance when working with a battery.
5. Remove all metal objects (pens, tools, jewelry etc.) from your body.
These items can create a direct short between the battery terminals
and can cause serious burns.
6. DO NOT carry tools or metal objects in the vicinity of a battery.
These items can fall on the battery terminals creating a high current
short. This could result in a fire, burns, explosion, etc.
7. DO NOT touch your face, eyes or other body parts without first washing
your hands. Battery acid can burn and irritate eye and skin tissue.
8. DO NOT allow any source of ignition in the area of a battery. Keep
all flame and spark producing devices out of the area and NEVER
SMOKE near a battery.
9. Use the one hand rule! Keep one hand in your pocket whenever
you make an electrical connection. This reduces the risk of electric
shock to the user.
10. DO NOT attempt to open or modify the unit. DO NOT insert any
object into ventilation holes. DO NOT cover ventilation holes on
unit.
Length of cord (feet): 25 50 100 150
AWG size of cord: 18 18 18 16
1
Lead acid batteries are dangerous! During use and charging they may generate EXPLOSIVE hydrogen gas. This means
YOU MUST carefully read and follow these instructions before each use of your Battery Extender.
WARNING:
DO NOT use on 6 volt batteries. This instruction applies to 9201 and 9202 only.
IMPORTANT: This product is not a charger. It is designed to maintain a charged battery at full charge during storage.
It is normal for case to be hot to the touch in charge mode. Thermal protective circuitry provides for safe, unattended operation.
NOTE:

Two Pin Connector
BATTERY
Red (+)
Spring
Clip
Larger
Positive (+)
Post
Smaller
Negative (-)
Post
Black (-)
Spring
Clip
For uninstalled batteries we have supplied a lead set with spring clips.
Follow these steps for connection and operation (see illustration to
right):
1. Make sure the Battery Extender is NOT plugged in to an AC outlet
before connecting the clips to the battery.
2. (Model 9202 only.) Set the 12/16 volt switch to the voltage of the
battery you are connecting to.
3. Locate the positive (+) terminal post of the battery, it is usually larger
than the negative (-) terminal post. Connect the RED spring clip to
this battery terminal post. It’s a good idea to wiggle the clip on the
battery post to insure a good connection.
4. Connect the BLACK spring clip to the negative (-) battery terminal post.
5. Double check that the square two pin connector on the lead set is firmly
plugged into the square output connector of the Battery Extender.
6. Make sure the Battery Extender is safely located away from the
battery and in a non hazardous location.
7. Plug the AC cord in to a grounded outlet.
8. (Model 9202 only.) For 16V batteries, the red 16V light should be
ON. If the light is OFF, check that the 12/16V switch is in the correct
position.
FOR USE WITH SPRING CLIPS
2
NOTE: The Battery Extender may switch back into full
charge mode (Amber light ON) as required by
your battery, this is normal.
BATTERY EXTENDER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
No Lights:Means one of the following:
• You reversed the connections by connecting the red spring clip to the
negative (-) battery post and the black spring clip to the positive (+)
batterypost.
•Youhaveapoorconnectionatthebattery.
•ThereisnoACpower.
Check all three!
Amber light (Charge): The Battery Extender is delivering up to a 1 Amp
charge.
Green light (Maintain): The Battery Extender is safely maintaining your
battery at a full charge. Your battery is ready to go when you need it!
Amber Flashing Light = Defective Battery:The Battery Extender is
designed to detect either sulfated battery or dead cell. Make sure that the
battery post and clamp are clean. If the amber light continues to flash the
battery should be replaced.
Your Battery Extender is equipped with sophisticated circuitry that
will safely charge and maintain both 12 and 16 Volt batteries without
MaintainCharge
Auto Meter Products, Inc.
413 W.Elm St., Sycamore, IL 60178
Battery Extender
12V Battery Charger/Maintainer
Extends Battery Life
Model 9201
®
16 Volt
When Lit
Green Light
(Maintenance Mode)
Amber Light
(1 Amp Charge)
overcharging. Make sure you read and follow the “General Safety Rules
for Safe Operation” before proceeding with this operating instruction.
BATTERY EXTENDER INDICATOR LIGHTS
WARNING: Do not close hood, doors, or covers when using spring
clips on installed batteries. This can cause dangerous
high current shorting across the battery terminals.
FOR USE WITH BATTERY CLIPS ON INSTALLED BATTERIES
You may use the spring clip lead set for installed batteries on a
temporary basis. However we do not recommend doing this for long
term connections. The clips can accidentally come in contact with
compartment covers, hoods and other items that may cause dangerous
high current shorts across the battery terminals. To temporarily connect
the spring clips to an installed battery, follow these steps:
1. Check that the Battery Extender is NOT plugged in to an AC outlet
before connecting the spring clips to the battery.
2. (Model 9202 only.) Set the 12/16 volt switch to the voltage rating of
the battery you are connecting to.
3. Locate the positive (+) terminal post of the battery, it is usually larger
than the negative (-) terminal post. Connect the RED (+) spring clip
to this battery terminal post.
4. Connect the BLACK (-) spring clip to a bolt or screw on the chassis
or engine block. These should be heavy steel parts not sheet metal.
Do not connect to fuel lines, carburetor, or moving parts. Make the
connection as far from the battery as the leads allow.
5. Plug in the AC cord, and observe the indicator lights for operation.
6. (Model 9202 only.) For 16V batteries, the red 16V light should be
ON. If the light is OFF, check that the 12/16V switch is in the correct
position.
Red Light
(16 Volt Operation)
Model 9202 only

For batteries installed in vehicles or other equipment we have provided
a lead set with ring terminals. Since many installed batteries are in
space-restricted locations or compartments, these ring terminals (see
illustration to left) have been designed to provide a safe and convenient
connection. Follow these steps for connection and operation:
1. Check that the Battery Extender is NOT plugged in to an AC outlet
before connecting the ring terminals to the battery.
2. (Model 9202 only.) Set the 12/16 volt switch to the voltage rating of
the battery you are connecting to.
3. Locate the positive (+) terminal post of the battery, it is usually larger
than the negative (-) terminal post. Connect the RED (+) ring terminal
to this battery terminal.
4. Connect BLACK (-) ring terminal to negative (-) battery terminal.
5. Double check that the square two pin connector on the lead set
is firmly plugged into the square out put connector of the Battery
Extender (see illustration in “FOR USE WITH SPRING CLIPS”).
6. Secure the lead set out of the way of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and hot
items like exhaust manifolds. Nylon ties work great in this situation.
7. Make sure the Battery Extender is safely located away from the
battery and in a nonhazardous location.
8. Plug the AC cord in to a grounded outlet.
9. (Model 9202 only.) For 16V batteries, the red 16V light should be
ON. If the light is OFF, check that the 12/16V switch is in the correct
position.
BATTERY
SMALL
SCREW
TERMINAL
BATTERY
Red (+)
Ring Terminal
Smaller
Negative (-)
Post
Larger
Positive (+)
Post
Black (-)
Ring Terminal
Red (+)
Battery Cable Black (-)
Battery Cable
3
Red (+)
Ring Terminal
Larger
Positive (+)
Post
Smaller
Negative (-)
Post
Black (-)
Ring Terminal
Red (+)
Battery Cable
Black (-)
Battery Cable
2 Pin Connector
2 Pin Connector
NOTE: Smaller batteries may have screws for terminals (see
illustration to right). You may need to purchase smaller ring
terminals for these applications. Do not connect ring terminals
to anything but the battery. Other locations are hazardous.
WARNING: Do not use in 16V mode on a 12V battery.
Damage to your battery will occur.
FOR USE WITH PERMANENT RING TERMINALS
Connect the Battery Extender to
a grounded 120 Volt AC power
receptacle (left) that is wired in
compliance with local electrical code.
A grounded receptacle will receive a
plug with a round ground pin and two
blade terminals.
PROPER AC POWER CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Do not alter the plug or cord on your Battery Extender. To do
so is a serious safety risk. You must have a proper ground.
If you do not know how to test an outlet for ground, have a
qualified electrician test it for you.
If your outlet will not receive a plug with a
ground pin, you will need a temporary ground
adapter (3 prong adapter, shown to the right). Be
sure the metal ground tab is securely screwed
into the face plate as shown. You may need
a longer screw than the screw in the outlet.
Use this adapter only as a temporary means of
connection. Have a qualified electrician install a
proper receptacle as soon as possible.
Metal
Grounding Tab
3. If you accidentally disconnect
the Battery Extender from
the battery while it is in
operation, it will shut itself off
in approximately one second.
You must complete the
disconnection procedure after
this happens by performing
steps 1 and 2.
PROPER DISCONNECT PROCEDURE
2. a) Disconnect the square
two pin output connector
for the ring terminal lead
set as shown.
b) For the spring clip lead
set, always disconnect
the BLACK (-) spring
clip first and the RED (+)
spring clip second.
1. Always disconnect the
AC extension cord first
(if used). Then unplug
the AC power cord of
the Battery Extender.