Anyone have experience with old12 v battery chargers with analog displays?

[HereSince1628]

The display says DC Amps. As it charges which way will the meter swing? Bigger numbers or smaller numbers?

I haven't needed to use it in more than a dozen years, and don't remember much about it other than the plug goes in an ac outlet and the clips go on proper poles of the battery.

I know, I know...and it's ok with me if you go ahead and laugh as long as you tell me the correct answer.

[NJmaverick]

1. This is what I know

I assume you are talking about the old fashioned car battery chargers. The amps should start high and gradually go down. If you left your lights on, or some other mistake like that, you should be able to charge up the battery. If you came out and the battery was just dead, for no apparent reason, the batter is probably shot (especially if it's more than 3 years old).

[HereSince1628]

3. Thanks, to both of you...

The battery still cranks the car, the headlights burn bright and don't change in intensity with rpms, but the battery warning light on the dash won't go out.

Tomorrow morning bright and early, when I drive off to the SO's favorite repair shop, about a mile in town with 1 stop sign and 2 stop lights I want to do it with as much charge as possible so we don't end up having to get a tow... and I don't remember anything about what the meaning of the reading on the amp meter (no voltage meter) when the charge is turned on.

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. Amps should decrease to 3-4, Volts should increase to around 14 or so. n/t

[HereSince1628]

4. Thanks, n/t