Battery, Load Testing with Midtronics Diagnostic Conductance Charging Station INC-940

The Midtronics Diagnostic Conductance Charging Station INC-940 (also known as "inCHARGE 940" ) integrates battery conductance and load testing with charging.

By checking a batteries current draw capacity during charging, a decision can be made as to whether a severely discharged battery → Totally Discharged Batteries, Charging can be made usable again by recharging, or if it must be replaced.

CAUTION: Risk of injury from battery acid.

Prior to handling or servicing batteries, read, understand and observe the Warnings and Safety Measures for lead-acid batteries for lead-acid batteries → Safety Precautions !
Wear protective eyewear and clothing → Lead-Acid Battery, Safety Precautions .
On non-maintenance-free batteries, the sealing plugs must be installed tightly.
Provide sufficient ventilation.

If the magic eye has no color or is light yellow, the battery may not be tested or charged. Jump starting must not be used! There is a risk of explosion during testing, charging or jump starting. The battery must be replaced.
DO NOT battery test batteries which are gassing. Otherwise there is a risk of explosion.
Rapid-charging batteries → Battery, Quick Charging .
Dispose of electrolyte (sulfuric acid/water mixture) properly! Waste electrolyte must only be disposed of in appropriate waste disposal sites. Refer to local regulations pertaining to electrolyte disposal.

The following notes and procedures must be followed to ensure correct measurements.

CAUTION: Risk of damaging AGM batteries.

Specific charging procedures are required for AGM batteries.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Battery charging unit VAS 5900

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Midtronics Diagnostic Conductance Charging Station INC-940 (VAS tester illustrated here for reference only)

Prerequisite

Battery temperature must be at least +10 C.

Procedure

CAUTION:

Switch off all electrical consumers.
Switch ignition off and remove ignition key.
Refer to Midtronics Diagnostic Conductance Charging Station INC-940 Instruction Manual.

Perform any model-specific preparations necessary to gain access to battery terminals or battery jump-start terminals. → 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL

Connect tester cable clamps to battery terminals → INC-940 Instruction Manual. Tester leads must be securely fastened and make proper contact with battery posts.

Select charge mode "Automatic" → INC-940 Instruction Manual

Select test mode "IN-VEHICLE" or "OUT-OF-VEHICLE" as appropriate → INC-940 Instruction Manual.

Select battery type (AGM or conventional) → INC-940 Instruction Manual

Set tester to "Warranty Test" → INC-940 Instruction Manual.

Select battery DIN rating value as appropriate → INC-940 Instruction Manual.

NOTE:

Use the "Generate Test Code" function of INC-940 in event test results are required for warranty claims.

Battery load test results:

Battery Tester Display / Printout	Required action
GOOD BATTERY	None (reinstall where necessary)
CHARGING REQUIRED	Analysis finds that the battery has a low state of charge. The inCHARGE 940 will display an approximate charge time and begin fast charging. The accumulated CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) and remaining charging time are displayed and updated at intervals.
REPLACE BATTERY	Replace battery. Electrical Equipment 27 Battery

NOTE:

If battery is replaced, follow disposal regulations → Lead-Acid Battery, Safety Precautions .