Schumacher 85-5000 User Manual

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9.5  ENGINE START 

The ENGINE START setting provides a high current suitable for crank-assist/starting a vehicle 

that will not start due to a discharged battery. Use the step-by-step instructions of the Quick Refer-

ence Guide or use the following procedure. With the rate selector switch set to a fast charge (not 

boost) setting (30–60 AMP), charge battery for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of charge, select the 

ENGINE START position (50–250 AMP), set the timer to the HOLD position. Attempt to start the 

engine using the ignition key. 

If the engine fails to start within 3 to 5 seconds, stop cranking. Return charger to the fast charge 

setting (30–60 AMP), and charge battery for another 5 minutes. 

If the engine fails to start after a second or third attempt, disconnect the charger. Before replacing 

the battery, use a battery tester to test it.

DO NOT attempt to start a vehicle without the battery properly installed. Damage may result to the 

vehicle’s electrical system.

9.6  OVERLOAD PROTECTION

 

The charger uses an output circuit breaker and a thermal breaker to prevent overheating and 

damage to the charger and the vehicle. If after repeated starting attempts, the charger does not 

indicate any output on its meter, it may be because one of the two breakers has opened. If the 

output breaker opens due to excessive current, a popping noise will be heard. It will automatically 

reset itself in a couple of minutes. If the thermal breaker opens, it will automatically reset itself in 

about 5 to 30 minutes.

0.  The state of charge of refillable-top batteries can be checked by using a hydrometer. A hydrom-

eter is a bulb-type syringe which is used to extract a small quantity of the electrolyte from each 

battery cell. A float in the hydrometer barrel indicates the specific gravity of the electrolyte. This 

specific gravity reading indicates the battery’s state of charge at a given temperature, as shown in 

the table below:

0.2  The state of charge of sealed-top (maintenance-free and recombination-type) batteries must be 

checked with a high resolution voltage tester.

0.3  If uncertain about type of battery you will be charging, or the correct procedure for checking the 

battery’s state of charge, contact the seller or manufacturer of the battery.