Alternative test method

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NOTE:

This method does not apply to North American dealers.

North American dealers must always follow the Volvo Battery Analyzer 3100/3200 test method.

Follow the steps below:

1. Checking the density of the acid

The density of the acid can be measured using an electrolyte gauge or a refractometer on the battery at room temperature.

Measure the density in all the cells. Check the following:

If the density is above 1.225 g/cm³ in each cell and the difference in density between the cells is less than 0.03 g/cm³ , the battery must be tested for load. See 4. Load check below.
If the density is below 1.225 g/cm³ in each cell and the difference in density between the cells is less than 0.03 g/cm³ , the battery must be charged. See Battery, charging
If the density in two adjacent cells is considerably lower than in other cell (i. e. if the difference is greater than 0.03 g/cm³ , there is probably leakage between the two cells. Discard the battery
If the density is markedly lower in only one cell, the fault is probably a short-circuit. Check the battery acid for discoloration. Discard the battery.

Fig 1: Battery Maintenance Card

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

2. Checking the stand-by voltage

Check the stand-by voltage as follows:

Disconnect the cable from the battery negative terminal
Leave the battery disconnected for at least 2 hours
Measure the stand-by voltage using a digital multimeter. The battery must be recharged immediately if the stand-by voltage is lower than 12.45 V. For information about charging, see Battery, charging
If the car has not been delivered to a customer - update the Battery Maintenance Card, see the illustration
Connect the battery negative terminal.

3. Charging

If the battery is not charged, it must be charged according to Battery, charging .

Check that the battery takes the charge.

If the charge is OK, the battery must be load tested. See 4. Load check below.
The battery may be sulfated if it does not charge. Sulfating means that the battery is damaged due to insufficient charge. Discard the battery.

4. Load check

During a load test, the load current must rise to at least 3 times the battery capacity in amperes (A).

For example: A battery with a capacity of 60 Ah must be loaded with a current of 180 A (= 3 x 60).

Read off the battery voltage after approximately 15 seconds. The voltage must then be 9.6 V. If this voltage is not reached there may be an open-circuit or a short-circuit in the battery.

An open-circuit can be identified, for example, by the voltage dropping rapidly towards 0 V when the battery is loaded, or if the voltmeter does not give a reading when connected to the battery. Discard the battery if there is an open-circuit
A short-circuit is most often evident under load when the short-circuited cell or cells begin to boil. Discard the battery if there is an short-circuit.

5. Self-discharge

If the battery has been checked according to points 1-4 above, but is not showing signs of the above faults, set the battery to self-discharge to check that the self-discharge is normal.

If the battery self-discharges abnormally and does not retain a charge for more than a couple of days, this may be a sign of a potential short-circuit. Discard the battery.