Sears Model 934.716140 Fully Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer

Owner's Manual & Operating and Safety Instructions

Introduction

The Sears model 71614, Starter/Charger/Maintainer, offers features for a wide variety of applications. Its design aims to reduce guesswork in battery charging, improve safety, and lower the risk of overcharging.

Key Features:

How Batteries Charge

A battery charger makes current available, and the battery draws what it needs. A discharged battery draws more current. As the battery charges, the current draw decreases. A fully charged battery may continue to draw a low current, converting it to heat. Manual chargers can overcharge if left connected, potentially damaging the battery. The Sears #71614 is fully automatic, shutting off at full charge and resuming if the battery discharges.

Spark Prevention

? FIRE CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Ensure no sparks or flames are near the battery during charging, as lead-acid batteries produce explosive gases. Read and follow all safety instructions before working near a lead-acid battery.

For more information, contact Battery Council International, 111 East Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 644-6610, and request their publication titled: BATTERY SERVICE MANUAL.

Important Safety Instructions

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!

DO NOT OPERATE UNTIL READING! SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

IMPORTANT! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE this battery charger until you read and understand the following safety instructions, prior to each use of this battery charger, to reduce the risk of DEATH, INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Shock Hazards

Explosion Hazards

⚠️ WARNING! - RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES!

Working near a lead-acid battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation and at higher levels during charging. Igniting these gases can cause the battery to explode, expelling acid. Sparks can ignite these gases. Read and follow instructions carefully before each use.

BATTERY EXPLOSION CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Fire Hazards

? FIRE CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Battery Acid Hazards

BATTERY ACID CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Short Circuit Hazards

ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUITS CAN INJURE!

Moving Parts Hazards

MOVING ENGINE PARTS CAN INJURE!

Charger Location

Provide Required Power

This battery charger requires a nominal 120 volt, 60 Hertz, AC power source. The power source must be fused at an amperage greater than or equal to the charger's INPUT AMPS rating.

The charger is double-insulated and does not require a grounded AC outlet for safe operation.

DO NOT PLUG CHARGER INTO THE AC POWER SOURCE UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO IN THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, never alter the AC powercord or powercord plug. If it does not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

Extension Cords

An extension cord should only be used if absolutely necessary. Select an extension cord suitable for your specific battery charger.

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!

? FIRE CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, never alter the AC powercord or powercord plug, or extension cords/plugs. Ensure the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition. The wire size (American Wire Gauge or AWG) must be large enough for the charger's amperage requirements.

MINIMUM AWG (American Wire Gauge) EXTENSION CORD REQUIREMENTS FOR SEARS BATTERY CHARGER #71614
Length of Extension Cord in Feet 25 Ft. 50 Ft. 100 Ft. 150 Ft.
Gauge of Wire Required 18 Ga. 18 Ga. 16 Ga. 14 Ga.

Preparing the Battery

? BATTERY EXPLOSION CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Never smoke or allow sparks or flames near the battery or engine.

BATTERY ACID CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE!

BATTERY EXPLOSION CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE!

Never attempt to charge a marine (boat) battery on board a boat. Remove the battery and charge it on shore. On-board charging requires special equipment.

Operating Instructions

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE THIS BATTERY CHARGER unless you have read and understand the entire SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS section of this manual.

Connecting to Batteries Installed in Vehicles

  1. Make sure the AC powercord is unplugged from the AC outlet.
  2. Position AC powercord and DC output cord to avoid damage by moving engine parts or vehicle hood and doors. MOVING ENGINE PARTS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY! Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other moving engine parts.
  3. Check the polarity of the battery terminals. POSITIVE is marked POSITIVE, POS, +, or P. NEGATIVE is marked NEGATIVE, NEG, -, or N.
  4. Determine which terminal of the battery is grounded to the vehicle's chassis.
  5. For NEGATIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLES (most common type):
    • Connect the POSITIVE (red) clamp from the battery charger to the POSITIVE, ungrounded terminal of the battery.
    • Connect the NEGATIVE (black) clamp from the battery charger to a heavy gauge metal part of the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. DO NOT connect the NEGATIVE clamp to the NEGATIVE battery terminal, carburetor, fuel lines, or sheetmetal body parts.
  6. For POSITIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLES:
    • Connect the NEGATIVE (black) charger clamp to the NEGATIVE, ungrounded terminal of the battery.
    • Connect the POSITIVE (red) charger clamp to a heavy gauge metal part of the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. DO NOT connect the POSITIVE clamp to the POSITIVE battery terminal, carburetor, fuel lines, or sheetmetal body parts.

Diagram Description (Figure 1): Shows a car battery in an engine bay with the Sears battery charger connected via red and black clamps to the battery terminals.

Diagram Description (Figure 2): Illustrates the connection for a negative-grounded vehicle. The positive (red) clamp is connected to the positive battery terminal. The negative (black) clamp is connected to a metal part of the engine block, away from the battery.

Diagram Description (Figure 3): Illustrates the connection for a positive-grounded vehicle. The negative (black) clamp is connected to the negative battery terminal. The positive (red) clamp is connected to a metal part of the engine block, away from the battery.

DO NOT PLUG CHARGER POWERCORD INTO AC POWER SOURCE OR SET ANY OF THE CHARGER'S CONTROLS UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO IN THE INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW.

Connecting to Batteries Outside a Vehicle

  1. Make sure the AC powercord is unplugged from the AC power source.
  2. Check battery terminal polarity (POSITIVE marked POSITIVE, POS, +, or P; NEGATIVE marked NEGATIVE, NEG, -, or N).
  3. Attach a battery cable, AT LEAST 24" long and #6 AWG, to the NEGATIVE terminal of the battery.
  4. BATTERY EXPLOSION CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE! To reduce risk of battery explosion, NEVER CONNECT BOTH BATTERY CHARGER CLAMPS DIRECTLY TO THE TWO POSTS OF A BATTERY.
  5. Connect the POSITIVE (red) charger clamp to the POSITIVE battery terminal.
  6. Position yourself and the free end of the cable (attached to the NEGATIVE battery terminal) as far away from the battery as the cable will allow. Then, WHILE FACING AWAY FROM THE BATTERY, connect the NEGATIVE charger clamp to the free end of the cable.

Diagram Description (Figure 4): Shows a battery on a table with the Sears battery charger connected. A 24-inch, 6-gauge cable connects the negative terminal to the charger's negative clamp.

Charging Instructions

  1. Set BATTERY TYPE SELECTOR for the battery type.
  2. Set FUNCTION SELECTOR to CHARGE.
  3. Set AMP SELECTOR to the desired charging amps for the battery voltage.
  4. Refer to the CHARGING TIME INSTRUCTIONS section to determine charging duration.
  5. BATTERY EXPLOSION CAN KILL, INJURE, AND CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE! Do not overcharge a lead-acid battery.
  6. Plug the charger's AC powercord into a 120 volt, 60 Hz, AC outlet.

IMPORTANT: Read the CHARGER CONTROLS AND FEATURES section to verify activation and charging. Certain battery conditions may require pre-charge activation.

When disconnecting the charger:

Charging Time Instructions

12 Volt Batteries

The AUTOMATIC CHARGING CIRCUIT prevents overcharging. The output turns off and the green CHARGE COMPLETE INDICATOR lights up when full charge is reached. The charger monitors the battery and resumes charging if it discharges.

For an estimate of charging time, refer to the CHARGING TIME CHART or EQUATIONS.

6 Volt Batteries

The 6 volt setting is MANUAL. The charger must be promptly unplugged and disconnected when a 6 volt battery reaches full charge to prevent overcharging and damage.

Use the CHARGING TIME CHART or EQUATIONS to determine charging duration. ALWAYS set a time-warning device (like an alarm clock) to remind you to discontinue charging.

Determining Time to Charge

  1. Determine the battery's present state of charge using a hydrometer or electronic tester.
  2. Convert hydrometer readings to percent of charge using the following table:
Table 1: Hydrometer Readings to Percent of Charge
SPECIFIC GRAVITY PERCENT OF CHARGE
1.265 100%
1.225 75%
1.190 50%
1.155 25%
1.120 0%

CAUTION - Batteries that are 25% charged or lower can freeze and should be charged at once, but DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT IS ALREADY FROZEN.

To determine charging time from the chart below, find the section for the battery voltage. Follow the row to the right from the amp setting to where it meets the percent-of-charge column closest to the battery's current state of charge.

Table 2: Automotive Battery Charging Times
Battery % Of Charge
75% 50% 25% 0%
6 volt Batteries
Charger Amp 10
2 2/3 5 7 9
12 volt Batteries
Charger Amp 2
6 1/2 12 18 23
12 volt Batteries
Charger Amp 10
1 2/3 3 1/3 5 6 1/2

NOTE: Times are for average-size automotive batteries. For small batteries, use Equation 1.

Table 3: 12-Volt Deep-Cycle Battery Charging Times
Amp-Hour Size of Battery Battery % of Charge
75% 50% 25% 0%
115 Amp/Hr 3.5 Hrs 7 Hrs 10 Hrs 14 Hrs

NOTE: These times are for reference only. Actual times may vary due to battery design and physical condition.

For a more accurate determination of charging time, use Equation 1.

Equation 1: Charging Time Calculation

First, determine the percent-of-charge needed: 100% - (Battery's Present State of Charge) = Percent-Of-Charge-Needed. Convert this to a decimal (e.g., 75% = 0.75).

Equation:

(Amp Hour Rating of Battery / Amp Setting Selected On Charger) x Percent-Of-Charge-Needed x 1.25 = Hours to Charge

Equation 2: Reserve Capacity to Amp-Hours

If the battery is rated in RESERVE CAPACITY:

Amp Hour Rating = (Reserve Capacity / 2) + 15.5

Switch Setting Guide

Visual guides for switch settings:

Deep-Discharged, Lead-Calcium 12-Volt Battery Activation

Charger Controls and Features

AMP SELECTOR: Set to match battery voltage (6 or 12 volts). For 12V, choose 10 amps or 2 amps. The 6V setting is 10 amp manual. The 2 amp setting is for small 12V batteries only; using it for larger batteries may prevent full charge.

Engine Starting: When the AMP SELECTOR is set to 60A ENGINE START, the FUNCTION SELECTOR must be set to START. This provides 60 amps of starting power.

IMPORTANT! The 6 volt setting is NOT automatic. The charger must be manually disconnected when a 6 volt battery reaches full charge to prevent overcharging and battery damage.

Small 12 Volt Batteries: (motorcycles, lawn tractors, snowmobiles) have a maximum charge rate limit. Unless otherwise stated, always charge small 12V batteries on the 2 amp setting to prevent damage.

FUNCTION SELECTOR: Has two positions: CHARGE and START/ACTIVATE. Set to CHARGE for all charging. Use START/ACTIVATE for engine starting or pre-charge activation.

IMPORTANT! If charging is attempted with FUNCTION SELECTOR in START, automatic circuitry is bypassed, and all settings become manual.

BATTERY TYPE SELECTOR: Set for battery type. Use DEEP-CYCLE for deep-cycle batteries or those with a built-in hydrometer "eye" (e.g., Delco Freedom). Use ALL OTHER for all other battery types.

CAUTION - SET SWITCH CORRECTLY!

AUTOMATIC CHARGING CIRCUIT: Controls the two 12 volt settings. Monitors battery state of charge, automatically reducing current as it nears full charge. It may taper to a very low rate. When full charge is reached, output shuts off, and the green CHARGE COMPLETE indicator lights up. The charger continues to monitor and will resume charging if the battery discharges.

NOTE: The 2 amp setting should be selected for SMALL 12 volt batteries only. Using it for larger batteries may prevent full charge.

The automatic charging circuit is temperature compensating.

REVERSE HOOK-UP PROTECTION CIRCUIT: Prevents charging and lights the red REVERSE HOOK-UP indicator if clamps are connected in reverse.

Indicators and Ammeter

CAUTION - DO NOT USE AMMETER TO DETERMINE WHEN FULL CHARGE IS REACHED!

When charging small 12V batteries at 2 amps, or when any battery nears full charge, the ammeter needle will be near zero. For 12V batteries, the automatic circuit controls charging; when full charge is reached, output shuts off and the green CHARGE COMPLETE indicator lights up. For 6V batteries, overcharging can occur if not disconnected at full charge. Follow CHARGING TIME INSTRUCTIONS for 6V batteries. For engine starting, the ammeter needle moves to the "Start" range.

Several battery conditions can cause the ammeter to appear to indicate a battery near full charge prematurely:

COLD BATTERIES (below 32°F / 0°C) start charging at a low rate, which increases as the battery warms up, then decreases normally as it charges.

SULFATED and DEEPLY-DISCHARGED LEAD-CALCIUM BATTERIES require special activation. Refer to PRE-CHARGE ACTIVATION instructions.

SHORTED BATTERIES: If the battery is short-circuited, the ammeter will "pin" to the far right in the "Start" range. If the needle does not move toward lower amperages within 5-10 minutes, unplug the charger. If voltage is below 12.0V (for 12V battery) or 6.0V (for 6V battery), plug back in and resume charging. If the ammeter still fails to move toward lower amperages after another 15-20 minutes, recheck voltage. If voltage has not increased, the battery needs service or replacement.

Pre-Charge Battery Activation (12 Volt Only)

Pre-charge activation is needed when the ammeter reads zero and neither REVERSE HOOK-UP nor CHARGE COMPLETE indicators are lit, or if a known dead battery shows CHARGE COMPLETE after only a few minutes. This is typically for charging sulfated or deeply-discharged lead-calcium batteries.

Pre-charge activation is a two-step process:

Charger Activation

Very low voltage batteries (<1 volt) can trick the automatic circuit into thinking no battery is connected. The automatic circuit must be bypassed until battery voltage rises.

CAUTION - IF "CHARGE COMPLETE" INDICATOR IS LIT, DO NOT ATTEMPT PRE-CHARGE ACTIVATION UNTIL VERIFYING (WITH HYDROMETER OR ELECTRONIC PERCENT OF CHARGE TESTER) THAT THE BATTERY IS DISCHARGED.

  1. Set AMP SELECTOR to desired charge setting, move FUNCTION SELECTOR to ACTIVATE. This bypasses the automatic circuit, putting the charger in manual mode.
  2. Allow the charger to charge for 10 minutes, then move FUNCTION SELECTOR back to CHARGE to return to automatic charging.

The green light and ammeter needle will pulse rapidly, then slow down. When the needle reaches about 2 amps, the green light will go off.

NOTE: If the green light goes out AND the ammeter falls back to zero, repeat steps 1 and 2.

Battery Activation

After activation, the ammeter may show very low amps until the sulfate barrier on the battery plates is broken through. This can take 4 to 8 hours. After the barrier breaks, the ammeter will register higher amps, and charging will progress normally, with the ammeter decreasing as the battery takes charge.

If you estimated charging time, it begins from when the charger breaks through the sulfate barrier. Battery activation time cannot be shortened; it depends on the individual battery and its condition.

CAUTION - DO NOT LEAVE CHARGER UNATTENDED DURING PRE-CHARGE ACTIVATION. OVERCHARGING COULD OCCUR, RESULTING IN BATTERY DAMAGE OR EXPLOSION. RETURN TO THE "CHARGE" FUNCTION WITHIN 10 TO 15 MINUTES.

Charging Batteries with Built-in Hydrometer "Eye"

Maintenance-free lead-calcium batteries and many deep-cycle batteries have a built-in hydrometer "eye" indicating charge state. To ensure the "eye" indicates properly at full charge:

  1. Always charge these batteries with the BATTERY TYPE SELECTOR set to DEEP-CYCLE, regardless of battery type.
  2. After the green CHARGE COMPLETE indicator lights up, it may take over 1 hour for the "eye" to indicate full charge.
  3. Always follow battery manufacturer's instructions. Some recommend tilting or lightly shaking the battery hourly during charging to mix stratified acid.

NOTE: If the green CHARGE COMPLETE indicator is on, the battery is at full charge, even if the "eye" does not indicate it.

More On Electrolyte Stratification

During charging, electrolyte around the plates increases in specific gravity faster than the electrolyte above the plates. The "eye" measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte above the plates.

At full charge (specific gravity 1.265), the electrolyte above the plates may be only 1.190 (50% charge), while the electrolyte around the plates can be as high as 1.300 (110% charge). When these layers mix, the resulting electrolyte has a specific gravity of 1.265 (100% charge).

Since the "eye" reads the upper layer, it may not initially indicate full charge until the layers mix.

Diagram Description: Illustrates two layers of electrolyte in a battery cell: upper layer at 1.190 (50% charge) and lower layer at 1.300 (110% charge). Mixing results in uniform 1.265 (100% charge).

Delco recommends gently shaking "Freedom" batteries hourly to mix stratified electrolyte. With this automatic charger, when the CHARGE COMPLETE indicator lights up, the battery is fully charged. The "eye" may not show full charge immediately but will after the electrolyte mixes (usually 1-2 hours, possibly up to a day).

Non-automatic chargers may achieve "eye" indication through overcharging, causing bubbling and gassing to mix the electrolyte faster. This is not recommended, especially for deep-cycle batteries, as it is harmful over time.

Engine Starting

This charger provides high-current output to help start vehicles with weak batteries. However, some vehicles' on-board computers can be damaged by jump starting.

ALWAYS READ THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL BEFORE AUXILIARY STARTING to determine if jump starting can cause damage. If not, read and follow these instructions.

DO NOT TRY TO BOOST START A VEHICLE WITHOUT A BATTERY IN IT, OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

  1. Connect the battery charger to the vehicle per the OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.
  2. Charge the battery for 5 to 10 minutes at the appropriate rate for its size.
  3. Set the AMP SELECTOR to the 60A ENGINE START setting and the FUNCTION SELECTOR to START.
  4. Try to start the vehicle. If it doesn't start after 2-3 seconds, STOP and wait 3-4 minutes. Repeat until the engine starts.

NOTE: If the engine spins but fails to start after several attempts, there is another problem with the engine. Discontinue cranking until the issue is found and corrected.

CAUTION - Excessive engine starting can damage vehicle starter motors.

NOTE: The charger has an internal thermal protector. If the ammeter shows zero output after repeated starting attempts, wait 3-4 minutes for the charger to cool. The protector will reset automatically.

Trouble Shooting

1. NO AMMETER READING and NO INDICATOR LIGHTS (Charging has not yet started)

2. NO AMMETER READING and NO INDICATOR LIGHTS (Charging has been in process)

3. NO AMMETER READING, REVERSE HOOK-UP INDICATOR IS ON

4. NO AMMETER READING, but CHARGE COMPLETE INDICATOR IS LIT

5. CHARGE COMPLETE INDICATOR IS ON, BUT BATTERY EYE DOES NOT INDICATE FULL CHARGE.

6. CHARGE COMPLETE INDICATOR IS ON, BUT SPECIFIC GRAVITY IS LESS THAN FULL CHARGE.

7. AMMETER AND CHARGE COMPLETE INDICATOR ARE PULSING.

Charger Care and Maintenance

CAUTION - Make sure charger is unplugged from AC outlet before performing any maintenance.

Minimal care keeps the charger working well:

  1. Clean the clamps after each use. Wipe off any battery fluid to prevent corrosion. Battery fluid can be neutralized with a water and baking soda solution.
  2. Coil input and output cables neatly around the cable wrap/handle on the rear of the charger after each use to prevent damage.
  3. If needed, wipe the case clean with a soft cloth.

Any other service must be done by a qualified repair facility. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Service Information

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!

To reduce risk of electric shock, do not perform servicing operations other than those listed in CHARGER CARE AND MAINTENANCE. Any additional service must be performed by qualified service personnel.

For service, contact any Sears Service Center or Sears, Roebuck and Co. store. Provide the model number: 934.716140.

There are no user-serviceable parts, and electronic recalibration is required after servicing. Only Sears Service Centers can properly service this product.

FULL 1-YEAR WARRANTY

If, within 1 year from purchase, this battery charger fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, return it to the nearest Sears store in the United States for repair or replacement, free of charge.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 698/731A, Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60684.

SEARS ROEBUCK AND CO., CHICAGO, IL. 60684 U.S.A.

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