Charging the battery

When shipped, the battery is not charged. We recommend you leave the battery on charge for 24 hours before using it for the first time, so that it is fully charged and the state of charge of the cells is equalised. This recommendation also applies if the unit has not been used for a lengthy period of time.

The battery must occasionally be recharged, even if the meter has not been in use. After the battery has been disconnected from the mains power and then reconnected, the battery charge indicator shows 0 %. The correct state of charge is only indicated once it has been charged again.

It makes no difference whether you charge the unit from the mains or in a vehicle.

PLEASE NOTE that it is not possible to use the MFK 16 while it is charging.

Charging from the built-in power supply unit

Open the flap on the rear of the MFK 16 to expose the mains power socket. Insert the mains power cable into the socket and plug the other end into a wall socket. The battery is fully charged when the display of the MFK 16 shows “Trickle Charge”.

Charging in a vehicle (DC vehicle battery charger leads)

The 12 Volt power socket (12 V DC) is on the right-hand side of the unit. Insert the DC vehicle battery charger lead into the socket and plug the other end into the vehicle‘s cigarette lighter. Note that in some vehicles the cigarette lighter only carries power when the ignition is switched on.

Only the supplied vehicle battery charger lead may be used to charge the unit in the vehicle. Using any other cable may damage the meter and void any warranty claim.

The MFK 16 can be left connected to any of the charging sources mentioned for a lengthy period of time in “Trickle Charge” mode without damaging the internal components or the battery.