Schumacher Battery Charger SC1363 Manual

The Schumacher SC1363 is a fully automatic battery charger and maintainer designed for 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, and gel cell types. It features microprocessor-controlled charging, a digital display, multiple charging modes (including a 50A engine start function), and safety protections like reverse hook-up protection and spark-proof technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Product Overview 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Charging Procedure 7. Engine Start Function 8. Maintenance Mode 9. Care & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital display, Mode selection buttons, Battery clamps, AC power cord, Charging status indicators.

Feature	Description
Digital Display	Shows battery voltage, charging status, and error codes
Fully Automatic Operation	Microprocessor-controlled charging cycles (Bulk, Absorption, Float)
50A Engine Start	Provides temporary high current to assist in starting vehicles
Multiple Battery Support	Charges standard, AGM, and gel cell batteries
Reverse Polarity Protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Spark-Proof Technology	Ensures safe connection to battery terminals
Maintenance Mode	Automatically maintains battery at full charge during storage
Bad Battery Detection	Alerts if battery cannot accept a charge
Overheat Protection	Reduces charge rate if internal temperature is too high
Compact Design	Portable unit with integrated handle

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Failure to follow may result in injury or damage.

Use only on 12V lead-acid batteries. Do not use on dry-cell or lithium batteries.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Batteries generate explosive gases.
Wear safety glasses and gloves. Avoid contact with battery acid.
Do not charge a frozen battery. Thaw completely before charging.
Disconnect AC power before connecting or disconnecting clamps.

WARNING! Risk of explosion. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from battery. Connect and disconnect clamps in the correct order.

Product Overview

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present and undamaged.

Charger Unit: Main housing with digital display and controls.
Battery Clamps: Red (positive) and black (negative) with insulated handles.
AC Power Cord: Standard 3-prong plug for 120V outlet.
User Manual: This document.

CAUTION! Do not operate if unit is damaged. Contact customer service.

Specifications

Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Output Voltage: 12V DC.
Charging Modes: Automatic, Engine Start (50A), Maintenance.
Battery Compatibility: 12V Lead-Acid (Standard, AGM, Gel Cell).
Battery Capacity Range: 30Ah to 200Ah.
Display: Digital LCD showing voltage and status.
Protections: Reverse polarity, spark-proof, overheat, short-circuit.
Dimensions: Compact portable design.
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C).

Controls and Display

Front Panel: MODE button, ENGINE START button, Digital Display, Status LEDs.

Display Icons: Battery Voltage, Charging Status (Bulk/Absorption/Float), Error Codes, Maintenance Mode indicator.

Modes: Press MODE to cycle between Automatic Charge (default) and Maintenance Mode. Engine Start: Press and hold ENGINE START button for temporary high-current output. Status LEDs: Indicate power on, charging, fault, and complete.

Charging Procedure

For Automatic Charging of a 12V battery.

Ensure battery is in a well-ventilated area and charger is unplugged from AC outlet.
Connect Clamps: Attach RED clamp to battery POSITIVE (+) terminal. Attach BLACK clamp to battery NEGATIVE (-) terminal or a solid, unpainted metal part of the chassis (ground).
Plug charger into a grounded 120V AC outlet. The display will light up.
Select Mode: Press MODE button if needed to select Automatic Charge.
Charging begins automatically. The display will show battery voltage and charging stage.
When charging is complete, the display will indicate "FULL" or "FLOAT".
To disconnect: Unplug AC cord first, then remove BLACK clamp, then RED clamp.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries, the charger may take several hours to complete the cycle.

Engine Start Function

Use only as a temporary aid to start a vehicle with a weak battery.

Connect the charger clamps to the battery as described in the Charging Procedure (Steps 1-2). Ensure vehicle ignition is OFF.
Plug the charger into an AC outlet.
Press and hold the ENGINE START button. The display will show "ENG START".
While holding the button, start the vehicle. Release the button immediately after the engine starts.
Once the vehicle is running, disconnect the charger: Unplug AC cord, then remove clamps (black first).

WARNING! Do not use Engine Start function for more than 5 seconds continuously. Allow charger to cool for 3-5 minutes between attempts. Do not leave charger connected while the vehicle is running.

Maintenance Mode

Automatically maintains a fully charged battery during long-term storage.

Connect the charger to the battery as per the standard procedure.
Plug into AC power.
Press the MODE button until the display shows "MAINT" or the maintenance LED illuminates.
The charger will keep the battery at optimal voltage, switching between float and monitoring states.
Can be left connected indefinitely for seasonal vehicles (boats, RVs, motorcycles).

Care & Storage

Unplug and disconnect from battery before cleaning. Wipe exterior with a dry cloth. Do not use liquids or solvents.

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep clamps clean and free of corrosion.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water or allow liquids inside the unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Canadian ICES-003. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corp. For support, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Display does not light up	No AC power / Faulty outlet	Check AC outlet; ensure plug is fully inserted; try a different outlet.
Error Code "E1" or "REV"	Reverse polarity connection	Disconnect clamps and reconnect correctly (Red to +, Black to -).
Error Code "E2" or "BAD BAT"	Battery cannot accept charge	Battery may be sulfated or damaged. Test battery; replace if necessary.
Charger stops quickly / "FULL" flashes	Battery already charged / Poor connection	Check clamp connections are tight and clean. Battery may be at full voltage.
Engine Start not working	Battery severely discharged / Clamp connection	Ensure clamps have solid contact. Try charging battery normally for 30 minutes first.
Charger gets hot / Overheat Protection	High ambient temperature / Continuous use	Move to a cooler location. Allow to cool down. Do not cover vents.

Reset: Unplug from AC and battery for 2 minutes to reset microprocessor.

Service: 1-800-621-5485; www.schumacherelectric.com