Step-by-step guide

How to Use an EverStart Maxx Battery Charger

Using an EverStart Maxx battery charger takes about five minutes to set up. The order below works for EverStart and EverStart Maxx chargers like the BC3E, BC4WE and BC50BE. Your model’s manual always comes first, so keep it handy.

The short version

Charger unplugged. Red clamp on the positive (+) post.
Black clamp on bare metal away from the battery, or on the negative (−) post if the battery is out of the car.
Plug in. Pick 12V and the battery type.
Wait until it shows full or switches to maintain.
Unplug first, then remove black, then red.

Before You Start

Charging a lead acid battery can give off hydrogen gas, and a battery holds a lot of current. A minute of prep keeps it safe.

Work in a ventilated space, away from sparks, flames and cigarettes
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and take off rings and watches
Look for cracks, leaks or swelling. Never charge a damaged or frozen battery
Make sure the charger is unplugged before you connect or move the clamps
Clean heavy corrosion off the posts so the clamps make good contact

How to Use an EverStart Battery Charger, Step by Step

These steps are for charging with the battery still in the car, which is how most people do it.

Battery out of the car? Set it on a flat surface in a ventilated spot and clamp black straight to the negative (−) post in step 2.

Connect the red clampClip it to the positive (+) terminal. It’s usually marked with a plus sign or a red cover.
Connect the black clampClip it to bare, unpainted metal on the engine block or chassis, away from the battery. That keeps any spark away from battery gas.
Plug the charger inUse a grounded outlet. Avoid long, thin extension cords.
Pick the settingsChoose 12V (or 6V on the BC3E for older vehicles and small equipment) and the battery type, such as standard, AGM or gel, if your model asks.
Let it chargeSmart chargers switch to maintain when the battery is full. Time depends on charger amps and how flat the battery is.
Disconnect in reverseUnplug the charger first, then remove the black clamp, then the red one.

How Long Does an EverStart Charger Take?

Enter your battery size, how flat it is and your charger’s amps for a rough time.

Battery capacity (Ah) How flat is it? Charger output (amps)

Car batteries are often 40 to 75 Ah, U1 mower batteries about 20 to 30 Ah. If the label doesn't show amp hours, reserve minutes × 0.4 is a rough guide.

How to Use the EverStart Maxx 50 Amp Charger and Jump Starter

Two ways to get a car with a weak battery running: the engine start setting on a garage charger, or a portable jump starter.

Engine start on the BC50BE or 100 amp charger

Connect the clamps the same way as for charging
Charge for a few minutes first if the manual says to
Select engine start, then crank only as long as the manual allows
Let the charger cool down before trying again

Jump starting with the J7CE or J5CPDE

Make sure the pack is charged and switched off
Red clamp to the positive (+) post, black to bare metal on the engine
Turn the pack on and start the car
Once it runs, switch the pack off, remove black then red, and recharge it at home

EverStart Charger Not Charging?

Four common reasons, and what to try.

Battery too flat

Many smart chargers can’t detect a battery that’s almost at zero volts. Check your manual for a manual or force mode.

Clamps reversed

Most smart chargers show a fault and won’t start. Unplug, swap the clamps, and plug in again.

Poor contact

Corrosion or paint under the clamp stops current. Clean the post and move black to bare metal.

Worn-out battery

If it shows full but drops below 12.4 volts by the next day, the battery is likely done. Find a replacement.

EverStart Battery Charger Manual

Your manual came in the box, and the model number, like BC3E or BC50BE, is printed on the charger’s label. Lost it? ManualsLib keeps an archive of EverStart manuals you can search by model number, and the Walmart listing for your charger may include one too.

Find your EverStart manual

EverStart Charger Questions

Do I need to disconnect the battery from the car to charge it?

Usually not. Charging in the car is fine if you clamp black to the chassis as shown above. Check your vehicle manual, since a few cars recommend otherwise.

Can I leave an EverStart Maxx charger on overnight?

Smart models switch to maintain when the battery is full, so overnight is normal. Older manual chargers need to be watched and switched off.

What setting do I use for an AGM battery?

Pick the AGM mode if your charger has one. That’s the right setting for an EverStart Platinum AGM.

How do I know when the battery is fully charged?

The charger’s display or light will show full or maintain. To double check, let the battery rest a few hours and measure about 12.6 volts.