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Using the Battery Voltage Tester
Overview
This battery charger has a built-in voltmeter to test your battery’s state of charge. A
recently charged battery could have a temporarily high voltage due to what is known
as “surface charge”. The voltage of such a battery will gradually drop during the period
immediately after the charging system is disengaged. Consequently, the tester could
display inconsistent values for such a battery. For a more accurate reading, the surface
charge should be removed by temporarily creating a load on the battery, such as by
turning on lights or other accessories for a couple of minutes before you read the
display. Read it a couple of minutes after you have shut the headlights off.
Testing Sequence:
There are five basic steps required to test the battery state of charge:
With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery
1.
following the instructions given in Sections 6 and 7.
Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.
2.
Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.
3.
Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in
4.
Section 8.
Read the voltage on the voltmeter.
5.
Using the Alternator Performance Tester
Overview
This battery charger has a built-in alternator tester that displays an estimate of the
alternator’s relative output compared to normal alternators. The alternator % values
displayed should be taken as a general reference, not a precise diagnosis. The
alternator tester functions the same as the built-in battery voltage tester (see previous
section for details) with a few differences.
Testing Sequence:
There are five basic steps required to operate this unit as an
alternator tester:
With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery
1.
following the instructions given in Sections 6 and 7.
Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.
2.
Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.
3.
Start the vehicle and turn on the vehicle’s headlights. Read the voltage on the voltmeter.
4.
Using the Battery Load Tester Feature (PSW-3060 only)
Overview
Load testing is the process of putting demand on a system or device and measuring
its response.
Testing Sequence:
There are five basic steps required to load test a battery.
Confirm that the charger is not plugged in.
1.
Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.
2.
Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.
3.
Connect the battery following the precautions listed in Sections 6 and 7.
4.
Press the Load Switch to LOAD ON for 10 seconds while reading the voltmeter.
5.
Green
–
Indicates the battery capacity is OK. The battery may or may not be fully
charged. Check the specific gravity to determine the state of charge. If the specific
gravity shows less than a full charge, check for an electrical drain on the battery or for
possible charging system problems. Recharge the battery to full charge.
Yellow or Red,
but the needle remains steady – Indicates that the battery capacity is
not satisfactory. The battery may be either defective or not fully charged. Check the
specific gravity of the battery to see which condition exists. If charging does not bring the
battery up to a full charge, the battery should be replaced.
Yellow or Red,
but the needle continues to fall – Indicates the battery may be defective
or rundown. Release the load switch, and note the voltmeter reaction. Voltage recovery
into the green or above within seconds indicates a defective battery. A slow recovery
indicates a rundown condition. For best results, check the specific gravity of the battery.