Battery Testing

Battery Caution Label:

1. Visual Inspection
Check for obvious damage, such as cracked or broken case or a cover that could permit electrolyte loss. When obvious damage is noted, determine and correct the cause of damage, and then replace the battery. When OK, proceed to Step 2.

Built-in Hydrometer:

2. Hydrometer Check
A. Green Dot Visible - Go to Step 3.
B. Dark; Green Dot Not visible - Charge the battery as outlined under Charging Procedure and proceed to Step 3.
C. Clear or Light Yellow - Replace battery; do not test or charge battery.
3. Load Test
Load testing requires use of battery side terminal adapters to insure good connections.
A. Use voltmeter to check voltage across battery terminals. If green dot is visible (see Step 2 -Hydrometer Check), voltage should be 12 volts or above. If not, replace battery.
B. Connect a voltmeter and a battery lead tester across the battery terminals.
C. Apply 300 ampere load for 15 seconds to remove surface charge from the battery. Remove load.
D. Wait 15 seconds to let battery recover, then apply specified load from specifications. Read voltage after 15 seconds, then turn off load.

Minimum Voltage:

E. When voltage does not drop below the minimum listed in Figure above, the battery is good and should be returned to service. When voltage is less than the minimum listed, replace the battery. (The battery temperature must be estimated by feel and by the temperature the battery has been exposed to for the preceding few hours.)