GR8 Battery Tester / Charger

GR8 BATTERY TESTER / CHARGER

Always use the Midtronics GR8 Instruction Manual that was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the Instruction Manual is not available the following procedure can be used:

WARNING: Always wear appropriate eye protection and use extreme caution when working with batteries.

BATTERY TESTING

1. If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean the battery terminals with a wire brush before testing, Cleaning. If the battery is equipped with side post terminals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to properly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test readings.
2. If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF, including the ignition. Connect the Midtronics GR8 directly to the battery posts.

NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must have the ground cable disconnected to perform a battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in false battery test readings.

3. Using the ARROW key select in or out of vehicle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
4. If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate battery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will then run its self programmed test of the battery and display the results. Refer to the test result table noted below.
5. While viewing the battery test result, press the CODE button and the tester will prompt you for the last 4 digits of the VIN. Use the UP/DOWN arrow buttons to scroll to the correct character; then press ENTER to select and move to the next digit. Then press the ENTER button to view the SERVICE CODE. Pressing the CODE button a second time will return you to the test results.

NOTE: The SERVICE CODE is required on every warranty claim submitted for battery replacement.

Quick Reference Guide

Inspect the battery for damages and check the electrolyte level. Always use the necessary safety precautions when working with batteries to prevent severe injury or death. Follow all manufacturers' instructions and BCI (Battery Council International) safety recommendations, which include the following precautions:

Main Menu

The Main Menu is the starting point for all tools and utilities, which are depicted as icons. Some icons lead directly to the function they represent, while others are menu icons that lead to two or more options.





Automatically tests, charges, and provides battery decision using the information you select in a series of screens. Start here to generate warranty codes.





Tests the starting and charging systems.





Maintains battery voltage at 13.5 volts to provide uninterrupted reprogramming of ECUs and retain vehicle system settings.





Includes a utility to view and print a test counter, a data transfer utility, the software version and date, the Midtronics GR8 serial number for the control module, and current wireless channel.





The Setup Menu lets you customize options in the Midtronics GR8 to suit your needs.





Provides a list of topics and definitions. Also includes Midtronics Customer Service phone numbers.

Charge/Test Menu





Automatically tests and charges battery, starting, and charging system. Generates a warranty code for Replace and Bad Cell decisions.





Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI): For testing delivered vehicles and lot maintenance. Uses the same inputs as a diagnostic charge.





Dual Battery Charge mode allows the charger to be used with dual battery systems.





Makes high output current available to boost charge an in-vehicle battery and assist in starting the engine.





Provides a timed charge that ranges from 5 to 120 minutes or a continuous charge that ends when you press the STOP key.





In this mode the charger can provide a trickle charge for long term, low amp battery charging.





Generates 15-digit warranty codes for physically defective batteries or customer good will.





1. Control module: Backlit graphical display and keypad for data entry.
2. ON/OFF switch: ON/OFF switch Turns power on and off to the GR8.
3. STATUS light: Lights in conjunction with beeping alarm to indicate transitions and warnings.
4. Data card slot: For future upgrades via a data card. The slot contains a plastic filler card for protection.

Replace Battery Decisions

Battery Decisions





1. Battery Decisions
2. Select Rating
3. Measured capacity
4. Measured voltage
5. Good Range

NOTE: The warranty code screen will only be displayed for REPLACE BATTERY and BAD CELL-REPLACE decisions.

6. Enter this number into wiTech
7. Replace range
8. Replaced AMP Hours
9. Charging Time

Test Results-Charging System

A REPLACE BATTERY or BAD CELL-REPLACE decision gives you the option of generating a warranty code. For Chrysler vehicles model year 2011 or later, enter that warranty code into your wiTECH in the Midtronics warranty code validation routine.





1. Loads-off current at rev if amp clamp is used
2. Loads-off DC voltage at rev
3. Decision
4. Loads-on DC voltage at rev
5. Loads-on current at rev if amp clamp is used
6. Bar graph of DC voltage within normal range (loads on and off)
7. Graph of diode waveform
8. Peak-to-peak AC voltage
9. Normal DC voltage range

Test Results-Starter System





1. Average cranking voltage
2. Average cranking current if amp clamp is used
3. Cranking time in seconds
4. Y axis = System performance: cranking voltage