Battery Testing Procedure
- 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 posts faulty?
- YES: Replace the battery.
- NO: Go to Step 3.
- STEP 3. Check the battery case and cover.
- Remove the hold-downs and shields.
- Check for broken/cracked case or cover.
Q: Is the battery case or cover faulty?
- YES: Replace the battery.
- NO: Go to Step 4.
- STEP 4. Check the open circuit voltage.
- Turn headlights on for 15 seconds.
- Turn headlights off for two minutes to allow battery positive voltage to stabilize.
- Disconnect the battery cables.
- Read open circuit voltage.
Q: Is open circuit voltage 12.4 volts or more?
- YES: Go to Step 6.
- NO: Go to Step 5.
- STEP 5. Battery charging
Charge the battery. (See CHARGE RATE CHART )
Q: Is open circuit voltage 12.4 volts or more?
- YES: Go to Step 6.
- NO: Replace the battery.
- STEP 6. Check the load test.
- Connect a load tester to the battery.
- Load the battery at the recommended discharge rate (See LOAD TEST RATE CHART ) for 15 seconds.
- Read voltage after 15 seconds, then remove load.
- Compare the measured value with the minimum voltage (See LOAD TEST CHART ).
Q: Is the voltage higher than minimum voltage?
- YES: The battery is normal.
- NO: Replace the battery.
LOAD TEST RATE CHART
| Load test | Cranking ratio [-18°C (0°F)] | Reserve capacity | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 260 AMPS | 525 amps | 90 minutes | BCI Group size 86 |
| 270 AMPS | 550 amps | 115 minutes | BCI Group size 24 |
LOAD TEST CHART
| TEMPERATURE °C (°F) | 21 (70) AND ABOVE | 16 (60) | 10 (50) | 4 (40) | - 1 (30) | - 7 (20) | - 12 (10) | - 18 (0) |
| Minimum voltage | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.5 |