1. Turn off engine, accessories and battery test equipment.
2. Connect negative (black) clamp to the negative (NEG, N,-) battery post. Connect
positive (red) clamp to positive (POS, P, +) battery post. "Rock" clamps back and
forth to insure a good electrical connection. For batteries with side terminals, use the
adapters in clamps.
3. With clamps connected, tester's meter will indicate battery's STATE OF
CHARGE. If state of charge is less then 12.4 (24.8) volts ("V" symbol on meter), the
battery should be recharged before load testing. If recharging does not bring voltage
to 12.4 (24.8), battery is defective. If meter needle is off scale to the left, check for
loose or reversed clamps; otherwise battery is defective.
4. Note battery's rating in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). If the rating is not printed on
the battery, use the following guidelines to estimate battery size. Small (4 cyl) -
300 CCA; Medium (6 cyl) -400 CCA; Large (8 cyl) -500 CCA.
5. Depress load switch for 10 seconds. Left
RED
switch for 12V batteries. Right
WHITE
switch for 24V batteries.
6. Read meter at the end of 10 seconds - with switch depressed. Refer to LOAD
TEST ANALYSIS chart.
COMPENSATING FOR LOW TEMPERATURES
Low temperature has a degrading effect on batteries and will affect test results.
This can be compensated by reading a different scale.
If battery is 50°, read scale 100 CCA less then battery rating.
If battery is 30°, read scale 200 CCA less than battery rating.
If battery is 10°, read scale 300 CCA less than battery rating.
LOAD TEST ANALYSIS
METER ACTION AT END OF 10
SECONDS
BATTERY CONDITION INDICATED
NEEDLE IN TEMPERATURE
CORRECTED GREEN SCALE
BATTERY IS GOOD
LITTLE IF ANY MOVEMENT. NEEDLE IN
TEMPERATURE CORRECTED YELLOW
SCALE
BATTERY QUESTIONABLE.
RECHARGE AND RETEST.
NOTICEABLE METER MOVEMENT
AND/OR NEEDLE IN TEMPERATURE
CORRECTED RED SCALE.
BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE.
REPLACE
NOTE: TOP AND REAR OF TESTER WILL HEAT UP DUE TO LOAD CURRENT. ALLOW
TESTER TO COOL ONE MINUTE BETWEEN LOAD TESTS - MAXIMUM OF 3 LOAD TESTS
IN 15 MINUTE PERIOD. EXCEEDING DUTY CYCLE MAY CAUSE INCORRECT READING,
PROTECTION CIRCUIT TO DISENGAGE BATTERY, AND DAMAGE TO THE UNIT.
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CHARGING VOLTAGE TEST
This test measures the output voltage of the alternator/regulator. Check for under or
overcharging - which leads to poor battery performance and short life.
ENGINE SHOULD BE AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE
1. Connect tester clamps to battery as described in Steps 1-2 under Battery Load
Test.
2. Turn off all lights and accessories. Operate engine at fast idle (approximately
1500 RPM).
3. Do not operate tester's load switch.
4. Read meter voltage. Meter needle should be in Green (OK) area of Charging
System scale. (Note; 12V on left side scale - 24V right side scale).
5. Turn on high beam lights and blower on high. Meter needle should remain in
Green (OK) area.
6. If meter needle goes to the Red (LO or HI) areas, the charging system is not
operating correctly.
Trouble Shooting Hints
LO Voltage - may be caused by loose belt, defective voltage regulator or defective
alternator.
HI Voltage - may be caused by loose or corroded connections or defective voltage
regulator.
STARTER MOTOR TEST
This test identifies excessive starter current draw, which makes starting difficult and
shortens battery life. Perform Battery Load Test - proceed if battery is "Good".
ENGINE MUST BE AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE
1. Connect tester clamps to battery as described in Steps 1-2 under Battery Load
Test.
2. Disable the ignition so the car will not start.
3. Crank the engine and note the voltage reading during cranking.
4. A meter reading of 9 volts or less for 12V systems or 18 volts or less for 24V
systems indicates excessive current draw. This may be due to bad connections
or a failing starter motor; or the battery is too small for the vehicle's requirements.
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