Battery, Load Testing

Battery, Load Testing


CAUTION!
- Be sure to observe the following notes, or else a proper test cannot be guaranteed.
- Always observe all regulations regarding disposal of batteries and battery acid when disposing of battery.


The specific gravity test, in combination with the battery load test, provides precise information about the condition of the battery

Special tools and equipment







- VAS 1979 or VAS 5033 battery tester
- Observe rules for the prevention of accidents and wear protective clothing, such as a protective visor and leather gloves, for example.


NOTE: The load current varies depending on the battery capacity, and has to be adjusted on the tester.


Battery load test







- The battery load test should be carried out using a VAS 1979 or VAS 5033 battery tester.
- The battery must be removed from the vehicle.

Imperative:
- Connect the clips to the battery terminals according to the instructions for the tester. The clips must make good contact with the battery terminals.
- The load current varies depending on the battery capacity, and has to be adjusted on the tester. See battery tester instructions.
- The load current is shown in the table below.
- The minimum voltage (the voltage below which the battery may not fall during the test) can vary, and is also shown in the table below.
- The load current and the minimum voltage vary depending on the battery capacity.







Notes on the battery load test
- The strong load (resistance) during this test (a high current is flowing) reduces the battery voltage. If the battery is in good condition, the voltage drops only to the minimum voltage. This varies depending on the battery capacity and the low-temperature test current. Low temperature test current means the power of the battery during the cold season. Batteries with a large low temperature test current are especially important in vehicles having high-compression engines.
- If the battery is malfunctioning or only weakly charged, then the battery voltage will drop very quickly, or "collapse," to a voltage below 9.0 Volts. After the test has been performed, the voltage will remain at this low value for a long time, and will climb back up only very slowly. A serviceable voltage (open-circuit voltage) will no longer be reached by such a battery.
- It should also be noted that a battery having the malfunctions listed does not have the reserve power that an undamaged battery does.
- A battery having such malfunctions must be disposed of.