Battery System

Battery System Part 1:

Battery System Part2:

The battery, starting, and charging systems in the vehicle operate with one another and must be tested as a single complete system. In order for the engine to start and the battery to charge properly, all of the components that are used in these systems must perform within specifications. It is important that the battery, starting, and charging systems be thoroughly tested and inspected any time a battery needs to be charged or replaced. The cause of abnormal battery discharge, overcharging or early battery failure must be diagnosed and corrected before a battery is replaced and before a vehicle is returned to service.

The diagnostic procedures used for the battery, starting, and charging systems include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, a volt/ohmmeter, a battery charger, a carbon pile rheostat (load tester) and a 12-volt test lamp may be required. All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure it detects.

MICRO 420 BATTERY TESTER
The Micro 420 automotive battery tester is designed to help the dealership technicians diagnose the cause of a defective battery. Follow the instruction manual supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehicle.

ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnormal battery discharging:
1. Corroded or loose battery posts and terminal damps.
2. A loose or worn generator drive belt.
3. Electrical loads that exceed the output of the charging system. This can be due to equipment installed after manufacture, or repeated short trip use.
4. Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or prolonged idling, with high-amperage draw systems in use.
5. A faulty circuit or component causing excessive ignition-off draw.
6. A faulty or incorrect charging system component. Refer to Charging System for the proper charging system diagnosis and testing procedures.
7. A faulty or incorrect starting system component. Refer to Starting System for the proper starting system diagnosis and testing procedures.
8. A faulty or incorrect battery. Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery diagnosis and testing procedures. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the proper specifications.