Harbor Freight Tools VIKING 59466

The VIKING Wheeled Battery Charger, Engine Starter, and Alternator Tester is a versatile device designed for maintaining, charging, and jump-starting lead-acid batteries, as well as testing vehicle alternators. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for its safe and effective operation, emphasizing the importance of following all safety warnings and precautions.

Function Description:

The device serves three primary functions:

Battery Charging: It charges 6V and 12V flooded lead-acid batteries, including Standard, Gel, and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) types. It offers multiple charge rates: 2A (slow charge), 15A (fast charge), and 50A (quick boost). A unique "REPAIR 12V" mode is available for reconditioning old, idle, stratified, or sulfated 12V lead-acid batteries. The charging process is monitored, and the device automatically transitions to a maintenance mode once the battery is fully charged.
Engine Starting (Starting Assist): This function provides a high-current boost (250A) to assist in starting vehicles with deeply discharged or cold batteries. It is specifically designed for engine start assist and should not be used for charging batteries. The engine start cycle delivers a charge for 10 seconds, followed by a mandatory 120-second cool-down period.
Alternator Testing: The device can test the vehicle's charging system (alternator) to determine if its output voltage is within the normal range (13.4V to 14.4V). It indicates whether the output is "GOOD," "LOW" (below 13.4V), or "HI" (over 14.4V).

Important Technical Specifications:

Input Electrical Rating: 120VAC / 60Hz / 11.5A Maximum continuous, 50A Maximum intermittent.
Output Charge Rates:
- Charge-2A: 6/12VDC, 2A
- Charge-15A: 6/12VDC, 15A
- Boost: 6/12VDC, Duty-cycle operation (50A-120 Seconds, 40A-60 Seconds, 30A-60 Seconds, 20A-60 Seconds, 30A-60 Seconds, 40A-60 Seconds)
Engine Start: 12V-START, 250A (10 Seconds On, 120 Seconds Off)
Battery Types: Flooded lead-acid batteries (Standard, Gel, AGM). Not for dry-cell or non-rechargeable batteries.
Safety Features: Overload device, grounding plug, various error messages (e.g., OVER TEMP, CONN-CLMP, CLMP-REVR, WRG-VOLT, BAD-BATT) for problem diagnosis.

Usage Features:

Control Panel: Features a digital display and buttons for Volt Select (6V/12V), Battery Type (Standard, Gel, AGM), Charge Rate (2A, 15A, 50A Boost, REPAIR 12V), Start/Stop, Engine Start, and Test (for Battery Voltage, Battery %, and Alternator).
LED Indicators: Separate LEDs for CHARGED MAINTENANCE, CHARGING, and ERROR provide visual status updates.
Digital Display Messages: Provides clear messages such as INIT (starting up), REDY (ready to charge), REPR (repair cycle), CHRG (charging in process), ANAL (analyzing battery), and FULL (fully charged). Error messages are also displayed for troubleshooting.
Portability: Equipped with wheels and a retractable handle for easy movement. Includes clip storage and cord wrap panel for organized storage of cables.
Battery Connection: Detailed instructions are provided for connecting to batteries both installed in a vehicle and outside a vehicle, with specific precautions to prevent sparks and explosions.
Repair Mode (REPAIR 12V): A specialized mode for reconditioning 12V lead-acid batteries, which can take up to 8 hours.
Cold Weather Operation: Recommends starting charging at the lowest rate and increasing as the battery warms. Explicitly states not to charge a frozen battery.

Maintenance Features:

Pre-use Inspection: Before each use, inspect the charger for loose hardware, cracked/broken parts, damaged electrical wiring/cable insulation, and any other condition affecting safe operation.
Post-use Cleaning: After use, wipe external surfaces with a clean cloth.
Cord Maintenance: Emphasizes pulling by the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting. Proper extension cord usage is detailed, including wire size requirements based on AC input rating.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive table lists common problems, possible causes, and likely solutions, including error messages displayed on the device.
Qualified Service: Stresses that repairs and internal maintenance should only be performed by qualified technicians. The charger housing should not be opened by the user.
Storage: After use, the charger should be cleaned and stored indoors, out of reach of children.

The manual strongly advises users to read the entire safety information section before setup or use, particularly concerning the risks of explosive gases from lead-acid batteries and the necessity of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. It also highlights the importance of proper grounding and avoiding the use of the device with non-rechargeable or defective batteries.