How do you recharge jump start system - Stanley Black & Decker Stanley J5c09 500 Amp Jump Starter Compressor

Here is a direct link to the manual:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/217982_7bdf47b4263142a9869d2ea559d0cb64.pdf

The charging system is not very user friendly and the directions are not very clear on how the status indicator works. I have this same model and could never tell if it was charged because the indicator lights do all kinds of random things, especially when you first unplug the charger or if you hold the button down for a few seconds.

I decided to call the customer service line to ask what the light functions are. There is a 1-800 number on a yellow tag wrapped on the handle.

Its actually quite simple the way it works and all of the other quirky light illuminations should merely be ignored.

1) When you plug it in with an AC extension cord - the lights will light up indicating the charge level. If only one or two red lights are lit, the others will light as the unit charges. When the green light comes on leave it plugged in for an hour or two after that. If its already lit when you plug it in then an hour of charge should be fine.

2) After you unplug the charger some of the lights may stay lit for 30 seconds or longer. Ignore this. It means nothing unless they stay lit and don't go out. Pressing the button will tell you the charge level of the batter. If you hold the button too long, some of the lights may stay lit after you let go. Ignore this. It means nothing.


CHARGING INDICATOR LIGHT SUMMARY:

Lights that matter: When you plug an extension cord from an AC outlet to charge, the lights will light telling you the charge level. When the unit is not charging, pressing the button will indicate the charge level.

Lights to ignore: When you unplug the extension cord some of the lights may stay lit. This means nothing. When you press and hold the indicator lights, some of the lights may stay lit when you let go if you hold it for several seconds. This means nothing.

The Stanley jumper packs have a rubber cover on the back that is covering the spot where you plug it into an extension cord and that is how it is recharged. No need for any other cords or power adapters.

Put a battery charger for a car on the + and - leads and this will recharge it if you do not have the correct power pack recharge transformer