Battery Testing Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

STEP 1. Check the battery cables.
Remove the negative cable, then the positive cable. Check for dirty or corroded connections.

Q: Are the battery cables dirty or have corroded connections?

YES : Clean the battery cables. Then go to Step 2.

NO: Go to Step 2.
STEP 2. Check the battery post.
Check for loose battery post.

Q: Are the battery post faulty?

Yes : Replace the battery. Then go to Step 4.

NO: Go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Check the battery case and cover.
1. Remove the hold-downs and shields.
2. Check for broken/cracked case or cover.
Q: Is the battery case or cover faulty?

YES : Replace the battery. Then go to Step 4.

NO: Go to Step 4.
STEP 4. Check the open circuit voltage.
1. Turn the headlights on for 15 seconds.
2. Turn the headlights off for two minutes to allow battery positive voltage to stabilize.
3. Disconnect the battery cables.
4. Read open circuit voltage.
Q: Is open circuit voltage 12.4 volts or more?

NO: Go to Step 6.

YES : Go to Step 5.
STEP 5. Charge the battery.
Q: Charging the battery?

YES : Replace the battery. Then retest the battery, and then go to Step 4.

NO: Charge the battery at 5 amps for 15 hours. Then retest the battery, and then go to Step 4.
STEP 6. Check the load test.
1. Connect a load tester to the battery.
2. Load the battery at the recommended discharge rate (See LOAD TEST RATE CHART ) for 15 seconds.
3. Read voltage after 15 seconds, then remove load.
4. Compare the measured value with the minimum voltage. (See LOAD TEST CHART .)
Q: Is the voltage higher than minimum voltage?

NO: Replace the battery. Then go to Step 4.

YES : The battery is normal.