Schumacher Battery 3A Charger Review (SP3, SP3-CA, SP1297, SP1356)

[@dronug420]

i set mine up and its starts to charge then after a few mintues it will go back to the battery type to select so i am not sure what is going on i have tried it with both aicd and lithium but it will show its charging only to go back to the main screen do you know whats going on?

[@robnation2475]

Many old Shumacher chargers are AGM compatible using the "conventional" setting ("Old" as in 20 to 30 years old) I have 2 slightly different Schumacher chargers 2/12/75 and 2/10/50 amp. The 10 amp setting works great for my new AGM 65 battery delivering 13.5 to 14 VDC. (which fits perfectly and is going into my old 2004 F150 FX4, 5.4) Simply use a digital multi-meter as you charge to see your progress.

[@Jay_Hall]

I use this unit,,really nice!

[@AlexAutoFun]

It really is and simple to use too, thank you for watching Jay!

[@susiepalmer1977]

I plugged in the electric cord to see if anything lit up before putting everything together. It didn’t com on so I don’t know if that means it will work or not! Please help!!

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Susie! The display on my SP3 only turns on when it is connected to a battery (basically the charger will not turn on if there is no battery connected to the charger, this is normally done to conserve energy and also as a safety to reduce the change of sparking when connecting the charger to the battery), Cheers!

[@Ubaldoisdagame]

Buying this for my Ford Lightning ⚡️, which I only drive on weekends and let sit over the winter, nice terminator 🐍 !

[@AlexAutoFun]

Awesome! yeah man it's a good charger specially for us with weekend toys! thank for watching bud and for noticing the Terminator!

[@thewhodat2314]

It's worth it for a car that sits.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Yep! I fully agree, Cheers Brian!

[@thisguyfromyoutubesaid1537]

Why didnt i get a brand new sv3 when i bought this thing at advance auto yesterday? I got a sv1 for like 55 dollars doesnt chargw 6 volts only 12volts. Hopefully its still good for cars it only shows motorcycles on picturrs

[@justaguy4real]

If unsure if the battery type, would it auto detect whether it's lead acid or lithium ion?

[@AlexAutoFun]

It won't, as far as I can tell its only for lead acid..

[@bucketmouthinc82]

The mode I have lets you choose acid or lithium.

[@mustafaalakooly1189]

Lol i just bought this and was watching your review I bought it for my sonic blue terminator bad ass car bro!!!

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks man appreciate it, the Terminators are truly special cars!

[@stevehenkel354]

Excellent review. I noticed your title mentions both the SP3 and the SP1356. Is there a difference? I'm seeing both online but can't tell the difference.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thank you Steve! ah good eye! They look and operate similarly, however there are some differences including: The SP3-CA is an energy efficient model sold in California, the SP-1356 supports 6V and 12V where the SP-1297 only supports 12V but it supports LiFePO4. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@reneluna249]

I thought it was for a jumó Start. So we can’t hook it up then turn on the car right away when it dies ? Plus how long do you charge the charger for when it’s new ?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Rene! No this is not a jump starter it only charges and maintains batteries. This is more of an overnight charger, here is one that is faster if you have a dead battery you are trying to bring back to life kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn3bYXZji9Jojs0 I'm also reviewing a jump starter, pretty good so far, video is coming but here it is in case you need one amzn.to/2RMEZ0r Hope this helps Rene and thanks for watching!

[@lamboman7544]

Does this charger recognize 6v or 12v? Or do you have to switch it

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Lambo! It automatically detects the battery voltage, no need to manually switch it. Cheers!

[@Robert-rs5yv]

very informative

[@AlexAutoFun]

Appreciate that Robert, thanks for watching!

[@renukaahujs1693]

Is this jump starter also

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi R! Nope, this is battery maintainer charger only. If you need a jump starter here is a good choice kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5bSlqqXlttnaaM Cheers!

[@230tex]

Great battery maintainer ... I have one that I use on my cars that stand for a while ... only complaint is that you have to press the button to start the charge cycle as where the Optimate you just connect.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Tony! oh wow that is interesting, are you using the SP3 or the SP3-CA? supposedly the -CA version meets Energy savings requirements but I couldn't tell what that actual meant in terms of function, mines starts charging as soon as I connect it. I wonder if maybe that is the difference..

[@230tex]

@@AlexAutoFun Hi ... Yes mine is a SPI3 with lithium charging ... Just wish it would remember the last setting and start charging immediately ... other wise a great charger.

[@janinewaters4334]

Thank you for this video. I bought this exact Schumacher charger/maintainer for my riding mower but needed to use today on my car. I bought the charger from Walmart last year for just $19.98. Glad to see this review that I made the right selection.

[@AlexAutoFun]

You got a really good deal on it! Mines are still going after all this years, I imagine yours will too, thanks for watching Janine Waters!

[@bucketmouthinc82]

$20! Holy Batman balls, I just paid $45 at autozone for mine today!!!

[@shostang]

Good video. Is that a Mystic Cobra?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thank you shostang! and good eye spotting my Mystichrome bud!

[@furysactorslounge3956]

Is it supposed to start at a low percentage and then go higher when you connect it. I just had my battery charged at it started at zero percent and is climbing higher? Is this normal ?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi FURY'S ACTORS LOUNGE! that is odd, mine starts in the 90's (with a almost fully charged battery) and eventually goes into maintenance mode (where is just tops off the battery when it needs to). You may want to contact Schumacher for support, they maybe be able to walk you thru some trouble shooting steps. Hope this help, Cheers!

[@furysactorslounge3956]

@@AlexAutoFun I contacted them but they take forever to get back to you. It’s up to 22% and counting I had the auto store do a deep cycle charge in it cause it was sitting in my basement. They said voltage read 11.5

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@furysactorslounge3956 Ah that explains it, sounds like it is discharged (low) 11.5V is usually around 20%-30% SOC (possibly the battery drained naturally or it has developed some internal dead cells). I recommend using charger on batteries this low instead of a maintainer, here is one kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn3bYXZji9Jojs0 Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@furysactorslounge3956]

@@AlexAutoFun ok thank you

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@furysactorslounge3956 You're welcome!

[@stevetdesigns]

The fuse in the pigtail is only for running things off the battery right? It shouldn't matter what fuse I use just for charging it correct? The jumper cables don't have a fuse so for charging purposes it shouldn't matter right? I ask because I lost my pigtail and need to order another one and wasn't sure on the fuse..

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Steve! this maintainer should only be used for maintaining a battery not for running any other 12v device. I would stay with the same fuse amperage as included originally. Hope this helps and thanks for watching bud!

[@miketermaaten26]

You show how the charger starts ..when you first connect it. Wish you would show how the maintainer changes its green light ..when the battery has been fully charged. What does the display say when the battery is fully charged, and is only being maintained ? What does the green light do ? ..Can you start the car with the maintainer still connected? ..what about connected and Plugged in ? Your video ends, at the point, where we all EASILY get to. You needed to cover the stuff i mentioned. TO BE A REALLY HELPFUL VIDEO. not really that great of a video, if you think about it.

[@AlexAutoFun]

The display shows the percentage of charge, the green light only seems to indicate that the unit is on, but you got a point, I will definitely add to my list a video on the actual use of the charger, appreciate the input bud, I will try harder next time!

[@miketermaaten26]

hi. This is so cool. i've rarely commented on vids before. The new unit is the SP1297. The SP3 CA is no longer available. it seems like the green light now ' Pulsates ' ..when fully charged and just maintaining on the new SP1297. when i hit the DISPLAY button ..on my SP1297 ..it says ' Fully Charged ' . the new SP1297 does not give you a percentage ..as the SP3 did. for those outside of California, is the SP3 still available ? Has the SP3 been completely discontinued by the SP1297 ? ..or only for California @@AlexAutoFun Can you answer this ?

[@robnation2475]

Shoo Maa kr, Shoe Ma Ker, etc

[@AlexAutoFun]

LOL, thanks Rob!

[@angelafisher7936]

I have a newer model; no "hook" or Velcro, but I hope it works for my VW battery; thanks for the assembly instructions!

[@angelafisher7936]

I take it back, found the hook on the back. ;0)

[@AlexAutoFun]

You're welcome Angela! glad to hear you found the hook too! 😀

[@angelafisher7936]

How long does this need to be plugged in before it's able to charge?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Angela! this depends on the size of the battery being charged and how low the battery was. Typically this model is using for maintaining a battery, for charging a battery that had been depleted this may be a better option kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn3bYXZji9Jojs0 Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@TaysonPlaysGuitar]

Thank you for the video. Can I start my car with this connected and use it as a jump starter?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi TaysonPlaysGuitar! you're welcome bud! regarding starting the car, not this charger is just a maintainer I wont have enough power to jump start a car.

[@olondadiamond2767]

very helpful

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thank you Robin, glad to hear that!

[@reidtillery2856]

Thank you. This was helpful.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks Reid glad I could help!

[@gonefishin352]

Will this work for a Ford F150?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Higgn Puzl, I believe the F150 has a standard 12V battery, if that is the case, yes this maintainer will work good for for it.

[@gonefishin352]

Thank you.

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@gonefishin352 You're welcome bud!

[@justaguy4real]

4:00 side rubber portion? That's plastic bub

[@AlexAutoFun]

LOL good looking out mikeyb byekim, that is correct, the material is soft PVC, not rubber..

[@pacotrujillp5576]

Can I turn ignition on and work on programming modules will it keep battery up with no problem ?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Paco! this is maintainer and it may not support pulling more power than required to maintain the battery (it will stop maintain the battery if it detects a large load going on) You may want to consider a full size charger like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn3bYXZji9Jojs0 which should provide more than enough power for additional loads beside the battery charging. Hope this helps and thanks for watching bud!

[@pacotrujillp5576]

Would I be able to use it as I’m working on the car or trucks with no problem. I program many modules and often have to have ignition on for long periods of time. and battery must have proper voltage to be successful

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@pacotrujillp5576 Hi Paco! it really depends on the load your are putting on the unit (this will vary from car to car as they all have different current draws in accessory mode) I actually just got a bidirectional scanner as well so I will be testing programming modules, I'll let you know which one works well for me, stay tuned bud!

[@canadaplace2be176]

U only buy this. Of being American we dont have this brand in Canada.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Kevin! I wasn't aware its not sold in Canada, whats the equivalent brand there, are they any good that you recommend?

[@canadaplace2be176]

@@AlexAutoFun we have got a few. Ones for trucks. Stanley's 1. Black and Decker Geico very good one. I just needed a trickle. Not a charge. The sat from 2018 oct to may 2019. Wow good glass batteries..

[@justaguy4real]

Why would 6 Amp be crazy. I use that on my motorcycle so the time.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi mikeyb byekim, correct you could technically use other amperage, the usually only affect battery life so they are recommended to extended how long they last. Thanks for watching bud!

[@Jhoglund218]

Idk how much it would effect a car battery. Alternators charge at a much higher amperage.

[@williamkirkland8582]

Show the sl1315

[@AlexAutoFun]

Ok will add to the list William!

[@4200cg]

Does it work for AGM BATTERY Optima yellow top

[@cesartorres5731]

Yes I have one on my yellow Optima battery ,always fully charged!

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks for confirming Cesar!

[@chenbiaoxinchenbiaoxin6307]

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[@Haitian333]

Does this have to be plugged in while in use?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Fritz! Yes the battery maintainer has to be plugged in for it to be able to maintain the battery. I have another video for another product that is rechargeable and does not need to be plugged in that may interest you, I can let you know when it comes out, stay tuned bud!

[@Haitian333]

@@AlexAutoFun Thanks for the quick response 👌🏾

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@Haitian333 You're welcome Fritz!

[@chenbiaoxinchenbiaoxin6307]

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[@chenbiaoxinchenbiaoxin6307]

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[@mblegend3056]

Can you use this even if I drive my car daily?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi MB Legend, yes you can but the battery likely wont benefit much from it unless your car is having charging problems. I only use it if I park a car for a week or so unused but its easy to plug in if you want to use daily. Thanks for watching!

[@mblegend3056]

AutoFun thanks