Battery & Charging System Check

Battery Check

The battery should be checked to see if it has capacity and ability to accept and hold a charge (Section 31-02, Batteries). If the battery is good, then the charging system should be checked to see that it performs the function of keeping the battery charged.

The battery capacity, specific gravity and cell comparison test (non-maintenance free batteries only) will determine the ability of a battery to accept and hold a charge. If the battery cannot meet the specifications, it should be replaced and the new battery fully charged before further diagnosis of other areas of the electrical system.

If the battery is found to meet the required specifications, it should be fully charged before proceeding with the diagnosis of other electrical system components.

Charging System Check

The General Charging System Test should be performed before testing any of the individual charging system components. The road map type of layout should reduce confusion in determining "what to do next" and speed up diagnosis. The components tests will determine the type of component service that is to be made.

The test instruments used in the General Charging System Test are a voltmeter (0-20 or 0-30 volt scale) and an ohmmeter, such as Rotunda Digital Volt/ Ohmmeter 014-00407. Special care should be given when using the ohmmeter near hot circuits. The components to be checked should be disconnected from the circuit or the battery terminals should be disconnected.