Battery, testing

WARNING:

Observe Warning and safety measures for lead acid batteries. Refer to Warnings and safety measures for lead-acid batteries .
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.
DO NOT load test batteries which are gassing. Otherwise there is a risk of explosion.
The following notes and procedures must be followed to ensure correct measurements.

NOTE:

In order to better determine a battery's overall condition, it is recommended to always perform the test in conjunction with the electrolyte specific gravity test. Refer to Specific gravity, checking .
Always follow the battery tester operating instructions.
It is not necessary to remove battery from vehicle or disconnect battery terminals.

Special tools and auxiliary items needed

Battery Test Kit Midtronics MCR 340V

CAUTION:

Before beginning repairs on the electrical system

Switch off all electrical consumers.
Switch ignition off and remove ignition key.

Connect tester cable clamps to battery terminal. Refer to MCR 340V Instruction Manual.

Clamps must have a good contact with battery posts/terminals.

Select test mode "IN-VEHICLE" or "OUT-OF-VEHICLE". Refer to MCR 340V Instruction Manual.
Select battery type (AGR. or conventional). Refer to MCR 340V Instruction Manual.
Select test type "Warranty Test". Refer to MCR 340V Instruction Manual.
Perform battery load test by setting load current on tester according to battery (DIN) capacity. Refer to MCR 340V Instruction Manual.

NOTE: Use print function of MCR 340V where test results are required for warranty claims.

Load test results

Battery tester display / print-out	Required action
Good Battery	none
Good - Recharge	Charge battery where necessary1) Refer to Battery, charging
Use inCHARGE	Charge battery1) Refer to Battery, charging
Replace Battery	Replace battery Refer to Battery, removing and installing
Bad Cell - Replace	Replace battery Refer to Battery, removing and installing

1) Repeat battery load test after recharging battery.

A battery is in good condition if the voltage measured by the tester during the test drops gradually and does not fall below a specified value. The rate of decrease varies and depends on the battery capacity and cold cranking amp rating ("cold cranking amps" is the rated ability of the battery to perform at low temperatures and with high loads i.e.: high compression engines).

A battery is either faulty or in a low state of charge if the voltage measured during the test drops quickly and falls below the specified voltage.

After performing the load test, a faulty battery will remain below the specified voltage and may only recover very slowly over a long period of time. The no load voltage (Refer to No-load voltage, checking ) is never reached.

Such batteries no longer have sufficient reserve and load capacity and must be replaced.