Connect the "start" switch permanently.
Disconnect the base of the transistor from the output of the IC.
Connect a LED in series with a 1K resistor across the output of the IC and the positive (LED positive will go to positive and negative to the IC o/p)
Now switch ON power and adjust the preset, if the LED switches in response to your adjustments, then everything's alright.
Next, making sure the supply volts is 14, just adjust the preset such that the LEd just lights up.
Your circuit is set, now you can reconnect the transistor base and the switch as before and start the testing procedure with a battery connected for charging.