Schumacher SCI90 Automatic Battery Charger with Engine Start

1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Safety messages in this manual use a signal word (DANGER, WARNING, IMPORTANT) followed by a message and an icon to indicate hazard levels.

• DANGER: Imminent hazard, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Potentially hazardous situation, could result in death or serious injury.
• IMPORTANT: Potentially hazardous situation, could result in equipment or property damage.

WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

• Disconnect the charger by pulling the plug, not the cord.
• This charger is not intended for use by children. Supervise children and persons with reduced capabilities.
• Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug. Have it replaced by a qualified service person.
• Use a properly rated and wired extension cord if necessary (see Section 7.3 for wire size recommendations).
• Do not operate the charger if it has been damaged. Take it to a qualified service person.
• Do not disassemble the charger. Incorrect reassembly can cause fire or electric shock.

Icon Key:

• ? Read manual before using product.
• ? Protect your eyes.
• ? Wear protective clothing.
• ? Risk of explosive gases.
• ⚡ Risk of electric shock.
• ☔ Do not expose to rain or snow.
• ? Never smoke or allow flames and sparks.
• ? Keep out of reach of children.
• ? Disconnect the mains cable before connecting or disconnecting the clamps.
• ? Use in a well-ventilated area.

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Always follow instructions and precautions published by the battery manufacturer and equipment manufacturer.

2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

• Remove metal jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches) when working with batteries to prevent short circuits and burns.
• Be cautious not to drop metal tools onto the battery, which could cause sparks or explosions.
• Use this charger for LEAD-ACID batteries only. Do not use for dry-cell batteries.
• NEVER charge a frozen battery.
• Have someone nearby to assist when working near a battery. Keep soap and water readily available.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If it contacts eyes, flush with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention. If swallowed, drink milk, egg whites, or water and seek immediate medical attention.

3. PREPARING TO CHARGE

WARNING: RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

Battery acid is corrosive sulfuric acid.

• Uncoil all cables before use.
• If removing the battery from a vehicle, remove the grounded terminal first. Turn off vehicle accessories to prevent arcing.
• Clean battery terminals before charging. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. Use baking soda and water to neutralize acid and eliminate corrosion.
• Add distilled water to each cell to the level specified by the battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. Follow manufacturer's instructions for sealed batteries (VRLA).
• Read and follow all instructions for the charger, battery, vehicle, and any equipment used nearby.
• Determine battery voltage from the vehicle owner's manual. This charger has Auto Voltage Detection for 6V or 12V batteries.
• Ensure charger cable clips make tight connections.
• Use the provided cord wrap cleats for cable storage.

4. CHARGER LOCATION

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSION AND CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

• Locate the charger as far from the battery as DC cables permit.
• Never place the charger directly above the battery to prevent corrosion from battery gases.
• Do not set the battery on top of the charger.
• Prevent battery acid from dripping onto the charger.

5. CHARGING WITH BATTERY INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION.

• Position AC and DC cables to avoid damage from hood, doors, or hot engine parts. Ensure cables do not touch metal parts of clips or insulation.
• Stay clear of moving engine parts like fan blades and belts.
• Check battery post polarity: POSITIVE (POS, P, +) is usually larger than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -).
• Identify the grounded battery post (connected to the chassis).
• For negative-grounded vehicles: Connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded battery post. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery (e.g., heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block). Do not connect to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet metal.
• For positive-grounded vehicles: Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded battery post. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery.
• Connect the charger AC supply cord to a properly grounded electrical outlet.
• When disconnecting, disconnect the AC cord first, then the NEGATIVE clip from the chassis, and finally the POSITIVE clip from the battery terminal.

6. CHARGING WITH BATTERY OUTSIDE VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION.

• Check battery post polarity (POS (+) usually larger than NEG (-)).
• Attach at least a 24-inch (61 cm) long, 6-gauge insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
• Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post.
• Position yourself and the free end of the attached cable as far from the battery as possible. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to the free end of the cable.
• Do not face the battery when making the final connection.
• Connect the charger AC supply cord to the electrical outlet.
• Disconnect in the reverse order of connection, breaking the first connection as far from the battery as practical.
• Marine (boat) batteries must be removed and charged on shore. Use equipment specifically designed for marine use when charging onboard.

7. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

• This charger is for use on a nominal 230V, 50Hz circuit. Ensure the plug fits the receptacle. Do not use with ungrounded systems.
• DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug. Have a proper grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician if the provided plug does not fit.
• Extension Cord Recommendations:
  • 100 feet (30.5 meters) or less: 16 gauge (1.31 mm²)
  • Over 100 feet (30.5 meters): 14 gauge (2.08 mm²)

8. CONTROL PANEL

The control panel features:

• Digital Display (1): Shows voltage, charge percentage, or time. Displays battery voltage when not charging.
• Charge Rate Button (2): Selects the maximum charge rate:
  • Maintains small batteries; maintains large batteries.
  • Charges small batteries (garden tractors, snowmobiles, motorcycles). Not for large batteries.
  • Charges automotive, marine, and light truck batteries.
  • Provides high amperage for cranking an engine with a weak battery.
• Battery Type/Mode Button (3): Sets battery type (Ca/Ca, AGM/GEL) or Desulfation Mode.
  • Ca/Ca (Calcium): For calcium-enhanced lead-acid batteries.
  • ADM/GEI (AGM/Gel): For Absorbed Glass Mat or Gel electrolyte batteries.
  • Desulfation Mode: For sulfated batteries.

Startup Defaults:

• Battery Type: AGM/GEL
• Charge Rate: OFF

After 10 minutes without input, the charger defaults to:

• Charge Current: 3 Amps (lowest setting)
• Charge Voltage: 14.7V (for AGM/GEL), 16V (for Ca/Ca), or Desulfation Mode.

Battery Connection Indicator: The CONNECTED LED must be lit for charging to begin.

Automatic Charging Mode: The charger automatically switches to Maintain Mode after the battery is fully charged.

Aborted Charge: If charging fails, the charger shuts off output, turns off LEDs, and displays an error code. Unplug the charger to reset.

Desulfation Mode: Use for sulfated batteries (battery must be removed from the car). If successful, the battery is desulfated and charged. If it fails, the CHARGING LED blinks.

Completion Of Charge: Indicated by the CHARGED LED. The charger switches to Maintain Mode.

Maintain Mode: Keeps the battery fully charged with minimal current. If the charger provides maximum maintain current for 12 continuous hours, it enters Abort Mode (indicating a battery drain or bad battery).

Maintaining a Battery (3A Charge Rate): Suitable for maintaining both 6V and 12V batteries. Not recommended for charging large batteries.

Using the Engine Start feature:

• WARNING: Using ENGINE START without a battery can damage the vehicle's electrical system. Do not use if the battery is very low and the car won't start even after charging.
• Connect charger to battery and chassis (Section 5 or 6).
• Press CHARGE RATE until ENGINE START LED is lit.
• Crank engine for up to 3 seconds. Wait 3 minutes between attempts.
• If the engine doesn't start after repeated attempts, charge the battery for 5 more minutes before cranking again.
• Do not leave the charger in Engine Start Mode for more than ten minutes at a time.
• If the engine cranks but doesn't start, there is another vehicle problem. Stop cranking.

Engine Starting Notes:

• Wait for cranking: Charger waits for engine cranking (display shows 'rd∀'). Resets if not cranked within 15 minutes.
• Cranking: Charger delivers maximum output for up to 3 seconds (display shows countdown).
• Cool Down: Mandatory 3-minute cool down period (display shows countdown).

Using the Battery Voltage Tester:

• Unplug AC cord, connect to battery. Plug in AC cord.
• Press BATTERY TYPE button if needed. Read voltage on display.
• The charger defaults to tester mode. Selecting a charge rate activates the charger. Pressing CHARGE RATE when ENGINE START LED is lit (outside cool down) reactivates the tester.
• If no button is pressed within 10 minutes of power-up, it defaults to charging mode.
• To return to tester mode after charging, press CHARGE RATE until all charge rate LEDs are off.

Using the Alternator Performance Tester:

• Unplug AC cord, connect to battery. Plug in AC cord.
• Start the vehicle and turn on headlights. Read voltage on display.
• A reading between 13.4V and 14.6V indicates a properly working alternator. Readings outside this range require professional inspection.

Fan: The cooling fan operates automatically for efficient performance. Keep the area around the charger clear of obstructions.

10. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

• Unplug and disconnect the charger before maintenance.
• Use a dry cloth to clean battery clips, cords, and charger case.
• Ensure all components are in place and working correctly.
• No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.

11. MOVING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Store the charger unplugged and upright. The cord can still conduct electricity until unplugged.
• Protect cords, clips, and the charger from damage during moving or transport.

12. SPECIFICATIONS

13. TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR CODES

Error Codes

If an error code appears, check connections, settings, or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting

14. LIMITED WARRANTY

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION warrants this battery charger for two (2) years from the date of retail purchase against defects in material or workmanship under normal use. The Manufacturer's obligation is to repair or replace the product with a new or reconditioned unit at their option. The purchaser must return the unit with proof of purchase, prepaid shipping charges, to the Manufacturer or authorized representatives.

This warranty does not cover accessories not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation. The warranty is void if the product is misused, carelessly handled, repaired or modified by unauthorized personnel, or resold through an unauthorized retailer.

Manufacturer disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Manufacturer is not liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages, including lost profits, business interruption, etc. Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranties or consequential damages.

Warranty, Repair Service and Distribution Centers:

• North and South America: Hoopeston, USA - 1-800-621-5485, services@schumacherelectric.com
• Europe: Freightways, Netherlands - +31 714090704, customerservice@freightways.nl

Schumacher® and the Schumacher logo are registered trademarks of Schumacher Electric Corporation.