Alternator or battery failure diagnosing and testing if you have a check engine light, connect a code reader to the diagnostic port. As noted on page 32 of the reference book, malfunctions can often be determined by closely observing the battery s physical condition. The sb52 is a variable load battery tester that provides a simplified check for alternator output and starter draw. The single, most common charging system symptom is a dead battery. Diagnosis of charging system problems is typically straightforward. View and download chicago electric 90636 operating instructions manual online. Load test the battery to know if it is reliable if the battery is not fully charged. With batteries at or above 80% soc, test batteries using one of the two methods. There are three main reasons to test battery systems. First, always recharge or replace the battery as needed, then test the charging system. Both the starting system and charging systems depend on a good battery for proper operation and best performance. Energy efficiency battery charger system test procedure epsma.
An incar test is actually better than taking parts off. However, battery charger systems that provide power for portable laboratory testing equipment are included. Bt100 battery load testercharging system analyzer for 6. Battery diagnosis begins with a thorough visual inspection. Test, service and charge batteries automotive training board nsw. Alternator generator output is higher than battery voltage to. This energy is needed to operate the loads in the vehicles electrical system. At this point, the diagnostic choices used to be a bad alternator or wiring. Suppose the system fails the routine volts and amps testsespecially an alternator that wont charge at all. Battery packs are normally subjected to more comprehensive testing to ensure that the electronics are functioning correctly.
Charging system activity 8 battery diagnosis and testing. If a blue haze or smoke is seen in any cells during the test, replace the battery. Also, if you are testing a charging system in a modern vehicle where the computer makes decisions about alternator voltage output depending on load, temperature, battery state of charge and several other factors, consult your vehicle repair manual so that you dont incorrectly blame the alternator for unusual readings. Testing the charging system be sure to follow safety precautions to protect the vehicle and yourself exhaust hoses and fender covers are often neglected.
The troubleshooting flow diagram on the next page lists the most common charging system problems, the possible. How to do a charging system check using simple tests. The charging system converts mechanical energy into electrical energy when the engine is running. During a battery load test, the tester will place a load. I hope this helps people avoid wasting money on parts. Remove vent caps first, then proceed as directed i below. A leadacid battery has certain defined characteristics than make it easy to evaluate the health of the charging system without fancy test gear. Contact with the tester handle bar during test may induce electricshock. For 12volt automotive starting batteries and startingcharging systems. When the charging systems output is greater than that needed by the vehicle, it sends current into the battery to maintain the battery s state of charge. Pdf equipment for testing automotive leadacid batteries under. The battery should be fully charged and connections kept clean and tight. Connect the black or negative voltmeter test lead to your battery negative. The battery is also submitted to short duration charging and discharging pulses of about 2 milliseconds to check that the unit accepts and can deliver charge.
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