forum threadpennysave posted Aug 13, 2025 05:57 AM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
forum threadpennysave posted Aug 13, 2025 05:57 AM
$100: Schumacher 150A Electric Manual Battery Charger & Engine Starter
$100
$186
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This unit is rated at 150A @ 12VDC, or 1800W. To meet this rating, you'll need to connect the unit to a 15A house breaker, and hope that the AC to DC converter inside the unit is 100% efficient. In summary, this is BS advertising.
To avoid damage to an old battery that cannot run the starter motor, add distilled water to the correct level. Charge the battery for at least one day between 2-5A @ 12VDC and hope that the battery will hold the charge. Most battery maintainer can deliver this current. No need to spend more on a bigger battery charger.
Modern alternators are not designed to charge a dead battery or maintain a weak battery over a long period of time. Clean the battery posts, battery terminals, ground, and alternator terminals. Replace the battery if the remaining power is less than 40% (free load test at Autozone). A $70 Wal Mart battery is cheap compared to several hundreds for an OEM alternator.
Or is the $79 better for most people?
$79 - Schumacher SC1564 2/6/30/100-Amp 6v/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/854833173
Any feedback or comments greatly appreciated
Or is the $89 - Schumacher SC1281 better for Desulfation Mode to Repair / Recondition weak batteries or is it snake oil
https://business.walmar
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schuma.../784428205
Is this snake oil?
C&P from Google:
Many Schumacher battery chargers include an automatic desulfation mode to recondition weak batteries. This process is controlled by a microprocessor and automatically begins if the unit detects a buildup of sulfate crystals on the battery's lead plates.
How desulfation works on a Schumacher charger
Automatic detection: The charger analyzes the battery's condition after it is connected.
SUL indicator: If sulfation is detected, the display will show "SUL" to indicate that the desulfation process is running.
High-voltage pulses: The charger sends a series of high-frequency or high-voltage pulses to the battery to break down and dissolve the sulfate crystals.
Process timeline: The desulfation process can take several hours, typically up to 10 hours on some models. For more severely sulfated batteries, it may take longer or require multiple cycles.
Abort or continue: If desulfation is successful, the charger will continue with the charging cycle. If it fails after a certain period, it will display an error message and abort.
What to do if your Schumacher charger fails to recondition a battery
If your charger repeatedly fails to desulfate a battery and displays an error (such as F02), the battery may be too old or damaged to be recovered.
In this case, consider these options:
Check for basic issues: Ensure your connections are clean and secure, and that there are no accessories draining power from the battery.
Attempt an alternative method: A non-Schumacher reconditioning method involves using a "dumb" charger with a current-limiting resistor to perform a very long, low-amp charge. This is an advanced technique and should only be performed with caution.
Get professional help: If you're not comfortable with advanced DIY methods, take the battery to an auto professional to be checked or replaced.
Contact Schumacher support: If you believe the charger is malfunctioning and it's still under warranty, you can contact Schumacher for service or a replacement.
Repairing the charger itself
If the charger itself is broken, repairing it involves electrical components and specific procedures.
Safety first: Always unplug the charger and wear safety goggles before beginning any repairs.
Troubleshoot with a multimeter: Use a multimeter to check the power cord, fuse, and other components for continuity and proper function.
Inspect internal components: Open the casing and visually inspect for burnt components, loose connections, or corrosion.
Consult a manual: Refer to your product's owner's manual or a generic repair manual for schematics and guidance.
Seek professional help: If you are not comfortable making internal repairs, contact Schumacher support or a professional electronics repair service.
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