Had a look through my booklet, and found this;
 
 Tests the battery for possible deep discharge or sulphation. If necessary, the OptiMate IIISP automatically engages a special high voltage recovery mode (maximum 22V) with controlled very low fixed current, so as to desulphate very flat batteries, for up to 2 hours, controlled by an internal timer.
 
 Sound like you batteries flat as a pan cake...