Tool - Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer
No: TSB-01-00-011 REVDATE: July, 2001
MODEL: All
SUBJECT:
MIDTRONICS MICRO530(TM) BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEM ANALYZER
PURPOSE
This bulletin introduces a new essential tool, the Midtronics Micro530(TM) Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer along with related procedures and information.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Diagnosing battery-related conditions can be difficult, even for experienced technicians. Good batteries are often replaced when simply charging the battery would restore it. The Midtronics Micro530(TM ) Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer will enable dealership technicians to effectively, accurately, and safely test a battery in less than 10 seconds.
The Midtronics Micro530(TM) is a compact, easy-to-use tester, using conductance technology to measure a battery's ability to produce current. Conductance is used to determine the battery's true state and provide an indication of the battery's remaining life.
In addition to battery testing, the Micro530(TM) is capable of starting and charging system analysis.
The Midtronics Micro530(TM) provides technicians with one of five possible decisions on the current health of the battery:
^ Good Battery - The battery is in good condition
^ Good-recharge - Battery is in good condition, but is a low state of charge. Recharge.
^ Charge & Retest - Fast charge the battery and retest. Most batteries can be charged for retesting in as little as 30 minutes.
^ Replace Battery - Replace the battery, battery is not in serviceable condition
^ Bad Cell-Replace - DO NOT charge the battery. It has a damaged cell, or possibly a short.
Knowing the actual condition of the battery can also help determine when and if additional charging system troubleshooting, analysis, diagnosis, and repair are required.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
All
PROCEDURE
Use the BATTERY TEST WORKSHEET form when testing batteries and record all necessary information. A pad of the worksheet forms was shipped with the initial Midtronics Micro530(TM) kit. A copy is also shown.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
If the tested battery is still covered under an MMSA warranty and the test indicates that the battery is "bad" and should be replaced, document the test results on the repair order. The Midtronics Micro530(TM) can output a "Warranty Code" with each battery tested. The Micro530(TM) has software that generates a unique 10-digit encrypted warranty test code when the unit's "CODE" button is pressed while viewing the test results. This alphanumeric warranty test code will be unique every time the tester is used.
Even with the quick results the Micro530(TM) provides, your dealership will still be allowed to claim the 0.2 hour "Battery Test" labor operation time along with the 0.3 hour battery replacement time whenever you encounter a failed warranty-covered battery.
At a future date, the battery test results code will be required for every warranty replaced battery or the claim will be rejected. You will be notified by a Warranty Bulletin when this policy is to go into effect.
If you have questions regarding battery warranty or other vehicle warranty related issues, please contact the Warranty Hotline at 1-800-380-2324 or via e-mail at WarrantyWebHotline@mmsa.com.
TOOL INFORMATION
Midtronics Micro530(TM) Warranty Information
The Midtronics Micro530(TM) Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for 2-years from date of receipt. Midtronics will, at their option, repair the unit or replace the unit with a remanufactured tester. This limited warranty applies only to the Midtronics Micro530(TM) Battery/Starting/Charging System Analyzer and does not cover any other equipment, static damage, water damage, overvoltage, dropping the unit, or damage resulting from extraneous causes including owner misuse. Midtronics is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of this warranty. The warranty is void if the owner attempts to disassemble the unit, or to modify the cable assembly.
Midtronics Micro530(TM) Service Information
To obtain service for the Midtronics Micro530(TM), contact Midtronics for a Return Authorization number, and return the unit to Midtronics, freight prepaid, ATTN. ________ (Return Authorization). Midtronics will service the tester and re-ship the next scheduled business day following receipt, using the same type carrier and service as received. If Midtronics determines that the failure was caused by misuse, alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, your dealership will be billed for the repaired product and it will be returned freight prepaid with freight charges added to the invoice. Battery testers which are beyond the warranty period are subject to the repair charges in effect at that time. Optional remanufacturing service is available to return the tester to like-new condition. Out-of-warranty repairs carry a 3-month warranty. Remanufactured testers purchased from Midtronics are covered by a 6-month warranty. Additional questions can be addressed directly to:
Midtronics Inc.
7000 Monroe Street
Willowbrook, IL 60521
Telephone: (630) 323-2800 TOLL-FREE 1-800-776-1995
FAX: (630) 323-2844