How to Use a Battery Charger for a Car

There are few things worse than attempting to turn your car on in the morning only to hear the clicking noise of a dead battery. Luckily, you don't have to buy a new battery every time you hear that sound. Most of the time, batteries can be charged from another car. Occasionally, they will need to charge for a set time with battery charger, but they will usually charge. This tutorial will teach you how to use a battery charger for a car.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Battery charger
• Car battery
• Outlet

1. Read the instructions that came with the battery charger if it's available. Although this tutorial will cover the basics of using a battery charger, not all battery chargers are the same. Check with your instructions to make sure you know how to operate your battery charger.

2. Connect the battery charger to the battery. If the battery is connected to the car, attach the positive, usually red, charging cable to the positive post, usually marked with a plus sign. Then, attach the negative, usually black, charging cable to the engine block. Do not connect the negative cable to the negative post while the battery is in the car.
   If the battery is not connected to the car, attach the positive charging cable to the positive post. Then, attach the negative charging cable to the negative post, usually marked with a minus sign.

3. 

   Turn the "Volt/Amp Selector" for the type of battery and amps that you would like to use to charge it. Also make sure that the correct "Volt" switch is selected for the size of battery.

4. Plug the battery charger into an appropriate outlet. If the cord has a ground, plug it into a grounded outlet. Do not alter the cord in any way.

5. 

   Turn the "Charge Time" to set how long you want to charge the battery. Use the ammeter to measure battery-charging rate. Use the battery test monitor to see if the battery is in working condition.

6. Turn the battery charger off. Unplug the battery charger from the outlet. Then, turn the "Selector" and the "Charge Time" to off. Remove the negative battery charging cable first. Then remove the positive charging cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Always set the negative charging cable away from the battery. Batteries may explode. Always wear eye protection.

Resources

• More on charging your battery

Who Can Help Sponsored

[tuneyfish]

on 11/16/2009 Good article, nice work explaining the steps.