Super Start SPSS3-CA User manual

0099001461-00
OWNERS MANUAL
Model: SPSS3-CA
Automatic Battery Charger
PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND READ BEFORE
EACH USE. This manual will explain how to use the battery charger
safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and
precautions carefully.

CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS......................................................3
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS........................................................4
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................4
FEATURES ..................................................................................................5
GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS ..........................5
CONTROL PANEL .......................................................................................6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................6
DISPLAY MESSAGES ...............................................................................10
MAINTENANCE AND CARE......................................................................10
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................... 11
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................12
REPLACEMENT PARTS............................................................................12
BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS.....................................................12
LIMITED WARRANTY................................................................................13
WARRANTY CARD....................................................................................15

• 3 •
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.
BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
FOR THIS REASON, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions and
those published by the manufacturer of the battery and any equipment
you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review the cautionary
markings on these products and on the engine.
WARNING: Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
•Keep out of reach of children.
•Use the battery charger on 6 and 12V LEAD-ACID and AGM-type rechargeable
batteries with recommended rated capacities of 12Ah (6V) and 12-59Ah (12V),
as used in automobiles, trucks, tractors, airplanes, vans, RVs, trolling motors,
etc. This charger is not intended to supply power to low-voltage electrical
systems, other than in a motor-starting application.
WARNING: Do not use battery charger with dry cell batteries that are
commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause
injury or damage to property.
•Use only attachments recommended or sold by the battery charger’s
manufacturer. Use of non-recommended attachments may result in a re,
electric shock, or injury.
•Locate the battery charger’s power cord so it cannot be stepped on, tripped
over, or subjected to damage or stress.
•Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped,
or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to a qualied professional for
inspection and repair.
•Do not disassemble the charger. Take it to a qualied professional when
service or repair is required.
•To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
•Do not use an extension cord.
•Always charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
•Do not set the charger on ammable materials, such as carpeting, upholstery,
paper, cardboard, etc.
•Never smoke or allow sparks or ames in the vicinity of the battery or engine.

• 4 •
WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GAS.
•Operate the charger as far away from the battery as DC charger cables permit.
•Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
•NEVER charge a frozen battery.
•NEVER overcharge a battery.
•NEVER set a battery on top of the charger.
•NEVER place the charger directly above a battery being charged. Gases from
the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
•NEVER touch the battery clips together when the charger is energized.
•When disconnecting the battery charger, pull by the plug, not by the cord. Pulling
on the cord may cause damage to the cord or plug.
•Do not operate the charger with damaged cord or plug.
•NEVER allow battery acid to drip onto the charger.
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•Wear complete eye protection and protective clothing when working near
lead-acid batteries. Always have someone nearby for help.
•Have plenty of fresh water, soap and baking soda nearby for use, in case
battery acid contacts your eyes, skin, or clothing. Wash immediately with soap
and water and seek medical attention.
•If battery acid comes in contact with eyes, ush eyes immediately for a
minimum of 10 minutes and get medical attention.
•Neutralize any acid spills thoroughly with baking soda before attempting to
clean up.
•Remove all personal metal items from your body, such as rings, bracelets,
necklaces and watches. A battery can produce a short circuit current high
enough to weld a ring to metal, causing a severe burn.
•Do not drop a metal tool onto the battery.
•If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always
remove the grounded terminal rst.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.

• 5 •
FEATURES
1. AC Power cord
2. Digital display
3. Display/ON button
4. Charging/Charged/
Maintaining LED indicator
5. Hook attachment
6. Battery clamp
quick-connect
7. 12V accessory plug
quick-connect
8. Ring terminal
quick-connect
1
2345
6
7
8
GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. The electrical
outlet must be properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local
codes and ordinances. The plug pins must t the receptacle (outlet). Do not
use with an ungrounded system.
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.
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 plug of extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as
those of 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 specied below:
Length of cord (feet): 25 50 100 150
AWG* size of cord: 18 18 16 14
*AWG-American Wire Gauge

• 6 •
CONTROL PANEL
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The digital display indicates the status of the battery and charger. See the
Display Messages section for a complete list of messages.
NOTE: During charging, the display will go into sleep mode and will not
display any messages. To turn the display back on, press the display button.
DISPLAY/ON BUTTON
The digital display will show the battery’s voltage and percentage of charge.
Press the display button to show the charge progress.
LED DISPLAY
GREEN LED solid (CHARGING): The charger is charging the battery.
GREEN LED pulsing (CHARGED/MAINTAINING): The battery is fully
charged and the charger is in maintain mode.
GREENLEDashing: The charge has aborted (see Aborted Charge section).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the AC
outlet, or it could damage the charger and your vehicle.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not
be supplied to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The
clamps will not spark if touched together.
CHARGING A BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE
1. Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories.
2. Keep the hood open.
3. Clean the battery terminals.
4. Place the charger on a dry, non-ammable surface, or use the convenient
hook attachment to hang the unit safely outside the work area.
5. Lay the AC/DC cables away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other
moving parts.
6. For a negative-ground vehicle (as in most vehicles), connect the
charger’s POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery
post. Next, connect the charger’s NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to the
vehicle chassis or engine block, away from the battery.

• 7 •
7. For a positive-ground vehicle, connect the charger’s NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clamp to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post. Next, connect the
charger’s POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the vehicle chassis or engine block
away from the battery. NEVER connect any clamps to the carburetor, fuel
lines or sheet-metal body parts.
8. Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
9. When the charger starts, the GREEN LED will be solid, and the display
will show ANALYZING BATTERY while the charger determines that the
battery is properly connected, the condition of the battery, and whether
the battery is 6V or 12V.
10. Monitor the progress of the charge by pressing the display button on the front
of the unit. When the battery is fully charged, the GREEN LED will pulse.
11. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power,
remove the clamps from the vehicle’s chassis, and then remove the clamp
from the battery terminal.
CHARGING A BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE
1. Place battery in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean the battery terminals.
3. Connect a 24-inch long, 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to the
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post (i.e., jumper cable) (not provided).
4. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +)
battery post.
5. Position yourself and the “negative post extension” cable as far away
from the battery as possible, and connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp
to the cable’s free end.
6. Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
7. When the charger starts, the GREEN LED will be solid, and the display
will show ANALYZING BATTERY while the charger determines if the
battery is properly connected, the condition of the battery, and whether
the battery is 6V or 12V.
8. Monitor the progress of the charge by pressing the display button on
the front of the unit. When the battery is fully charged, the GREEN LED
will pulse.
9. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power,
disconnect the negative clamp, and nally the positive clamp.
10. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.

• 8 •
USING THE QUICK-CONNECT CABLE CONNECTORS
Connect any of the three output cable assemblies to the charger in a matter
of seconds.
IMPORTANT: Never connect the clamp and ring terminal connectors together
for use in other applications, such as external battery or other power source
charging, or to extend the output cable length, as reverse polarity and/or
overcharge conditions will occur.
BATTERY CLAMP QUICK-CONNECT
1. Connect the end of the charger output cable to the end of the battery
clamp quick-connect.
2. Follow the steps in previous sections to connect the output clamps
to the battery.
3. After a good electrical connection is made to the battery, plug the power
cord into a grounded 120V AC electrical wall outlet.
RING TERMINAL QUICK-CONNECT
The ring connectors permanently attach to the battery, providing easy access
to quickly connect the charger to your battery. This application is appropriate
for motorcycles, lawn tractors, ATVs and snowmobiles.
1. To permanently attach to a battery, loosen and remove each nut from the
bolt at the battery terminal.
2. Connect the red POSITIVE connector ring to the POSITIVE battery terminal.
3. Connect the black NEGATIVE connector ring to the NEGATIVE battery
terminal.
4. Replace and tighten the nuts to secure.
5. Connect the cable to the end of the charger output cord.
Take care to keep the wires and plug away from metal and moving parts.
6. Plug the charger power cord into a grounded 120V AC electrical wall outlet.
12V ACCESSORY PLUG QUICK-CONNECT
Charge or maintain your battery without lifting the hood.
1. Connect the end of the 12V accessory plug quick-connect to the charger.
2. Insert the 12V accessory plug into the 12V accessory outlet.
3. Route the power cord from the charger through the vehicle’s open window.
4. Plug the charger power cord into a grounded 120V AC electrical wall outlet.
5. If the vehicle’s ignition key has to be on in order for the accessory outlet
to supply/receive power, turn the key, without starting the engine.

• 9 •
AUTOMATIC CHARGING MODE
When an automatic charge is performed, the charger switches to the maintain
mode automatically after the battery is charged.
BATTERY CONNECTION INDICATOR
If the charger does not detect a properly connected battery, charging will not
start and the digital display will show one of two messages. If the display
shows CONNECT CLAMPS, make sure the charger is connected to the
battery and the connection points are clean and making a good connection. If
the display shows WARNING CLAMPS REVERSED, unplug the charger from
the AC outlet and reverse the connections at the battery.
CHARGE COMPLETION AND MAINTAIN MODE
(FLOAT MODE MONITORING)
Charge completion is indicated by the GREEN LED pulsing and the digital
display showing FULLY CHARGED AUTO MAINTAINING. This means that
the charger has stopped charging and has switched to the Maintain Mode of
operation. NOTE: 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
The SPSS3-CA maintains both 6 and 12 volt batteries, keeping them at full
charge. It is not recommended for industrial applications.
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.
DESULFATION MODE
If the battery is left discharged for an extended period of time, it could become
sulfated and not accept a normal charge. If the charger detects a sulfated
battery, the charger will switch to a special mode of operation designed for
such batteries. If successful, normal charging will resume after the battery is
desulfated. Desulfation could take up to 8 hours. If desulfation fails, charging
will abort, the GREEN LED will ash, and the display will show CHARGE
ABORTED-BAD BATTERY.
ABORTED CHARGE
If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging
aborts, the charger’s output is shut off, the GREEN LED will ash, and the
display will show CHARGE ABORTED-BAD BATTERY. To reset after an
aborted charge, unplug the charger from the outlet, wait a few moments and
plug it back in.

• 10 •
DISPLAY MESSAGES
CONNECT CLAMPS (No LED lit) – Plugged into the AC outlet without the
clamps connected to a battery.
WARNING CLAMPS REVERSED (No LED lit) – Plugged into the AC outlet
and the clamps are connected backwards to a 6V or 12V battery.
ANALYZING BATTERY (Green LED lit) – Plugged into the AC outlet, and
when rst connected to a 6V or 12V battery correctly.
CHARGING 12V – XX% (Green LED lit) – Plugged into the AC outlet and
correctly connected to a discharged 12V battery.
CHARGING 6V – XX% (Green LED lit) – Plugged into the AC outlet and
correctly connected to a discharged 6V battery.
FULLY CHARGED AUTO MAINTAINING (Green LED pulsing) –
Plugged into the AC outlet and correctly connected to a fully charged
6V or 12V battery.
CHARGE ABORTED-BAD BATTERY (Green LED ashing) –
Circumstances that could cause an Abort situation during charging:
•The battery is severely sulfated or has a shorted cell and can’t reach
a full charge.
•The battery is too large or there is a bank of batteries and it doesn’t reach full
charge within a set time period.
Circumstances that could cause an Abort situation during maintain:
•The battery is severely sulfated or has a weak cell and will not hold a charge.
•There is a large draw on the battery and the charger has to supply its maximum
maintain current for a 12 hour period to keep the battery at full charge.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.
•Clean the clamps each time you are nished charging. Wipe off any battery
uid 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 nish
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 clipped together, on
or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

• 11 •
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REASON/SOLUTION
Battery clamps do not
spark when touched
together.
The charger is equipped
with an auto-start feature. It
will not supply current to the
battery clamps until a battery
is properly connected. The
clamps will not spark if
touched together.
No problem; this is a
normal condition.
The charger will not
turn on when properly
connected.
AC outlet is dead.
Poor electrical connection.
Check for open fuse or
circuit breaker supplying
AC outlet.
Check power cord and
extension cord for loose
tting plug.
I cannot select a 6V
or 12V setting.
The charger is equipped
with Auto Voltage Detection,
which automatically detects
the voltage and charges the
battery.
No problem; this is
normal.
Green LED is solid
and the display
shows ANALYZING
BATTERY.
The charger needs to
check the condition of the
battery.
The Green LED will be
solid when the charger
is checking the condition
of the battery. This is
normal.
Green LED is ashing
and the display
shows CHARGE
ABORTED-BAD
BATTERY.
The battery is sulfated.
The battery is too large for
the charger.
Reset the charger by
briey unplugging it.
You need a charger with a
higher amp rate.
The display
shows CONNECT
CLAMPS.
The clamps are not making
a good connection.
The fuse is bad.
Check for poor connection
at battery and frame.
Replace the in-line fuse
for the ring connector.

• 12 •
SPECIFICATIONS
Input voltage ................................................................. 120V AC @60Hz, .91A
Output voltage...................................... 6V or 12V, with Auto Voltage Detection
Output current rating ........................................................... 2A @6V; 3A @ 12V
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Battery clamps (quick-connect)......................................................3899002636
Ring connectors (quick-connect) ...................................................2299002042
12V accessory plug (quick-connect) .............................................3899001401
BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS
For troubleshooting info,
contact customer service for assistance:
[email protected]
www.batterychargers.com
or call 1-800-621-5485,
Monday-Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm CST
For REPAIR OR RETURN, contact Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485.
DO NOT SHIP UNIT until you receive a RETURN MERCHANDISE
AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number from Customer Service at Schumacher
Electric Corporation.

• 13 •
LIMITED WARRANTY
WARRANTY NOT VALID IN MEXICO.
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE,
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO
THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) warrants this battery
charger for 5 years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material
or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not
free from defective material or workmanship, Manufacturer’s obligation under this
warranty is solely to repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned unit
at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the
unit, along with proof of purchase and mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer
or its authorized representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur.
Manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this
product that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and
approved for use with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is
misused, subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modied by anyone other
than Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer.
Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express,
implied or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty
of merchantability or implied warranty of tness for a particular purpose. Further,
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage
claims incurred by purchasers, users or others associated with this product, including,
but not limited to, lost prots, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities,
goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any and all such
warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly
disclaimed and excluded. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages or length of implied warranty, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specic legal
rights and it is possible you may have other rights which vary from this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY
AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE
TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT
OTHER THAN THIS WARRANTY.

• 14 •

• 15 •
WARRANTY CARD
5 YEAR LIMITED
WARRANTY PROGRAM
REGISTRATION
MODEL: _____________________ DESCRIPTION: ________________________ This is the only express limited warranty, and the manufacturer neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume or make any other obligation. There is no other warranty, other than what is described in the product owner’s manual.
The warranty card should be submitted within 30 days of purchase. The customer
must keep the ORIGINAL receipt because it will be required for any warranty claims.
This warranty is not transferable. Send warranty card only.
DO NOT SEND UNIT TO THIS ADDRESS FOR REPAIR.
Mail this card to: Schumacher Electric Corporation 801 Business Center Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056-2179 Name______________________________________________________________ Street Address_______________________________________________________ City ________________________________State _________ Zip Code _________ Phone _____________________Email ___________________________________ Store Name Where Purchased ___________________ Date of Purchase _________ Store Location____________________ UPC Number________________________ Serial Number ______________________________________ (SEE PRODUCT)
For faster warranty activation, go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.
SAVE ON POSTAGE! ACTIVATE YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE –
THE QUICK & EASY WAY! Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your
product online. (No internet access? Send in the completed warranty card.)