TROUBLESHOOTING
Test Procedures
2000 FE290 Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance and Service Supplement Page 11-21
11
Voltage Test
1. Place the red (+) probe of a multimeter, set at volts DC, 20-volt range, on the positive (+) post and place
the black (–) probe on the negative (–) post of the battery and take a voltage reading. If it shows less
than 12.4 volts, or if the lowest specific gravity reading from the hydrometer test is less than 1.225,
recharge the battery. If battery voltage is greater than 12.4 volts and specific gravity is greater than
1.225, the problem is not with the battery. If the battery does not reach 12.4 volts, or if the specific
gravity of a cell is still less than 1.225 after charging, replace the battery. See following NOTE.
Load Test
1. Using a 160-ampere load tester, connect the load tester to the battery posts.
2. Turn the switch on the load tester to the ON position.
3. Read the battery voltage after the load tester has been turned on for 15 seconds. Compare the battery
voltage reading with the table below. Make sure you have the correct ambient temperature.
4. If the battery is found to be good, or if the electrical problem continues after the battery has been
replaced with a good one, test the electrical circuits.
TEST PROCEDURE 3 – GROUND STRAPS
Read DANGER and WARNING on page 11-1.
1. Place the neutral lockout cam in the SERVICE position, put the Forward/Reverse handle in the
NEUTRAL position, chock the wheels, and disconnect battery, negative cable first.
2. Check the starter/generator ground strap.
2.1. Set the multimeter to 200
Ω
(ohms). Place the red (+) probe on the A2 terminal of the starter/
generator and place the black (–) probe on the vehicle frame (Figure 11-25, Page 11-22). The
reading should be continuity. If the reading is incorrect, clean and tighten wire connections. If the
connections are good, repair or replace the wire.
• A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY THAT IS IN GOOD CONDITION SHOULD HAVE A SPECIFIC
GRAVITY OF AT LEAST 1.225 IN ALL CELLS, AND THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SPECIFIC
GRAVITY OF ANY TWO CELLS SHOULD BE
LESS THAN 50 POINTS. OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
SHOULD BE AT LEAST 12.4 VOLTS.
If Temperature is
Minimum Voltage Required is
70 °F (20 °C and above)
9.6 V
60 °F (16 °C)
9.5 V
50 °F (10 °C)
9.4 V
40 °F (4 °C)
9.3 V
30 °F (-1 °C)
9.1 V
20 °F (-7 °C)
8.9 V
10 °F (-12 °C)
8.7 V
0 °F (-18 °C)
8.5 V
NOTE