Cold Cranking Amperage

The "Cold Cranking Amperage" test is expressed at a battery temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The current rating is the minimum amperage, which must be maintained by the battery for 30 seconds at the specified temperature, while meeting a minimum voltage requirement of 7.2 volts. This rating is a measure of cold cranking capacity.

The battery is not designed to last indefinitely; however, with proper care, it will provide many years of service.

If the battery tests good, but fails to perform satisfactorily in service for no apparent reason, the following are some of the more important factors that may point to the cause of trouble:

1. Vehicle accessories left on overnight.
2. Slow average driving speeds for short periods.
3. The vehicle's electrical load is more than the generator output, particularly with the addition of aftermarket equipment.
4. Defects in the charging system such as electrical shorts, slipping fan belt, faulty generator, or faulty voltage regulator.

5. Battery abuse, including failure to keep the battery cable terminals clean and tight, or loose battery hold-down. See "Service Procedures" for torque specifications.
6. Mechanical problems in the electrical system, such as shorted or pinched wires.


BATTERY CONNECTIONS

FIGURE 3 - ADAPTER CHARGING:

Load testing requires the use of battery side terminal adapters the same as with charging to ensure good connections (see Figure 3).