Recommended cranking assist cycles less then 5 seconds are in place to allow the charger to dissipate the heat generated by the increased power output through the transformer. This rating is a UL standard based on the amperage output of the charger at 7.2 volts for 5 seconds.

Set the selector switch to a regular charge mode for another 10 to 15 minutes before trying to start the engine again. If the engine fails to start within 3 to 5 seconds, stop cranking. Then try to start the engine using the ignition switch. After 15 minutes of charging, set the selector switch to the Engine Start/Cranking Assist position. Charge the battery for 15 minutes before using engine start/cranking assist. See the front panel of your charger for the recommended crank time your charger allows. The engine start/cranking assist feature on your charger is for short duration only (typically 3 to 5 seconds ON and 5 minutes OFF maximum). It is always best (safer) to check the battery with a hydrometer or Schumacher tester before charging. NOTE: Batteries that remain lower than 4 volts state of charge are often defective or just worn out. This will allow the charger to вЂњseeвЂќ a higher initial voltage enabling it to begin the charging sequence. In order to get past this mode, you can вЂњjump startвЂќ the battery so to speak, by momentarily connecting another fully charged battery in parallel. The meter (where used) will remain in the default вЂњ100%вЂќ position. The yellow charging light will also not come on. It will also cancel out the Engine Start function. When a completely discharged battery, or one with less than 4 volts charge remaining, is attached to the charger, the charger never вЂњseesвЂќ this battery and will not begin the charging cycle. The automatic charger needs to вЂњseeвЂќ at least 4 volts in the battery to power up the circuitry. It sounds like you have slacked on maintenance of battery and run all kinds of blowers heaters etc while the alternator overdrives unable to charge through poorly connected dirty battery terminals! All the while the battery gets drained and less charged and is finally too weak, needs jumped and then the alternator is tortured again some more! Is the belt good or cracking up? Every pulley spinning freely? Do not run anything off your car battery without the engine running and make sure your alternator is of correct amperage.An automatic charger is designed to power the transformer when you first plug it into a receptacle. Making the alternator charge a battery will kill that alternator quick. Replace it with the right one, not one you think will work.

A battery that has gone dead twice for any reason is no good. After a jump start (which you should never need or do) you MUST put that battery on a charger for 12 - 24 hours. Alternator is not designed to charge up a battery but only top it off while headlights etc are on. Dirty terminals will greatly hinder charging. Your terminals will stay clean and wet weather will not be an issue anymore. Those pads stop acid that seep though the tiny gap where the terminals protrude from battery. Get two of those felt battery terminal rings, put oil on them then put one on each of your nice clean battery terminals and clamp the cables on tight tight.

Battery charger needle bounces