What does F01 code mean on a vector vec1097A smart charger

Vector is a "Smart" charger. And won't charge a completely "dead" battery when old "not-smart" chargers would. How old is the battery?
You could take the battery somewhere and have it checked as to whether it's "good" or not before you blame the charger.

Try "auto.manualsonline.com

f07 - Alternator Voltage
Alternator output voltage is out of typical operation range.

http://servicenet.blackanddecker.com/documents/English/Instruction%20Manual/Vector/VEC1095ABD.pdf

Depend on what kind of batteries, and how often you are going to use the charger, and for what purpose are going to use it.

If your battery accidentally discharge far from your home a Jump Start is a must. But Car batteries are shallow Cycle and need to be fully charged. If you want to Set and Forget Charger, then a Smart Charger takes care on his one for the battery. Automatically adjust the voltage and turns off when the charge is completed. Has the Reconditioning option, can display the battery voltage, and can check the alternator. Destroying a $120 battery is more expensive than a Smart Charger.

I use a Vector Smart Battery Charger - 2/10/20 AMP 12V fully automatic.

Retail $49.95 I bought on sale CLEARANCE: $29.95

If you have cars not driven in daily bases, or go in vacation, a battery Tender is a good option too.

It means the battery charger is your problem. Find an old-style simple battery charger, not one of these new "smart" chargers. The simple ones allowed YOU to decide whether to charge or not. Placed more responsibility on you, but a simple charger would WORK for your battery.

At 9.1V, your battery's DEAD.

http://servicenet.blackanddecker.com/documents/English/Instruction%20Manual/Vector/VEC1089ABD.pdf


F01 - Internal Shorted Cell Battery
If the battery being charged has an internal shorted cell, the F01 will show. We recommend taking your battery to a certified automotive service center for evaluation.

F03 means 1 of 2 things:
INTERNAL OPEN CELL - Bad battery. Battery needs to be replaced or
SULFATED CONDITION - Battery needs to be reconditioned for 24 to 48 hours. See owner's manual.

This is a printout of the fault codes

System Fault indicator is on and all other
front panel indicators are flashing.

Internal UPS fault. One of nine Internal UPS Fault Messages is displayed:
F01 - On-Battery Overload F06 - Relay Welding
F02 - On-Battery Output Short F07 - Temperature
F03 - On-Battery XCap Overload F08 - Fan Fault
F04 - Clamp Short F09 - Internal Fault
F05 - Charger Fault