Test Procedure
Use the arrow keys to select the correct alternative in each menu.
Use the illustration to enter or confirm a selection. Selections will be retained as menu defaults the next time the tester is activated.
1 Check the electrolyte level and top up if necessary (especially on warm climate markets). If the battery has been used for a while with a low electrolyte level, it should be topped up and recharged before the battery test is performed.
Note
If the electrolyte level is top low for long periods, it will cause permanent damage and shorten the service life of the battery.
2 Clean the battery terminals.
3 Connect the red cable clip to the positive terminal (+). (Reversed polarity will not damage the tester. The display on the tester will be blank.)
4 Connect the black cable clip to the negative terminal (-). When both clips are connected, the tester will be activated automatically and a self- test will start. If the tester is defective, the message "INTERNAL ERROR SERVICE REQUIRED".
5 Make sure the cable clips are making good contact.
Note
The battery can also be tested when it is connected to the car's electrical system. The Ignition key must then be removed. If the tester registers any interference from the car's electrical system, the message "SYSTEM NOISE" will be displayed continuously until the source of interference has been removed. If the DICE/ICE control module (applies to 900, 9-3 and 9-5) is active, maxi fuse 2 in the maxi fuse box must be extracted. See also "Fault Diagnosis". On a 9000, remove fuse # 23 before connecting the tester.
6 Under "SELECT TEST", there is the option of selecting whether the battery is connected to the car's electrical system ("IN-VEHICLE") or not ("OUT-OF-VEHICLE").
7 Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is Saab factory-fitted or an Interstate battery ("SAAB BATTERY") or a replacement battery from another manufacturer ("NON-SAAB").
8 Confirm with "SELECT TEST BY SAE(A)" if the battery's cold starting current is specified according to CCA (SAE) standard. For batteries specified according to DIN, select and confirm with "SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)".
Note
CCA(SAE) is always applicable for Saab's factory-fitted batteries and US Saab replacement batteries.
The European DIN standard can be selected when the tester is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to CCA (SAE).
9 Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question (CCA).
On Saab's factory-fitted batteries, this value can be found in large characters on the label on top of the battery from model year 1999 inclusive. The table below indicates the CCA (SAE) values that have been applied to factory-fitted batteries since model year 1994 and should be used when using Battery tester 311 to test the respective battery.
The chart lists cold cranking amp values for Saab Interstate batteries. When testing an Interstate battery, select it as a Saab battery to provide a warranty code needed for claiming purposes.
* Most pre-1994 900 models were fitted with a reversed polarity battery such as 02 50 191 listed in the chart above. During the mid-1980's however, there were cars built on different production lines which may have straight polarity. For this reason, we offer the straight polarity battery 02 51 280.
** Due to their European case size, these batteries must be used in cars equipped with the heat insulating Saab battery cover. Since these covers reduce the affect of underhood heat on the battery, they also help control water loss. It i recommended that these covers remain installed whenever possible. They can also help control water loss on M94- cars as long as a European size Group 47 or 91 battery is installed.
Note
For stocking purposes, these European size batteries will also generally be a better fit for M94- cars than the Group 34 battery.
Note
If the battery specification for cold starting current (CCA) cannot be Identified, the following standard values should be used (i.e, not originally supplied Saab battery or Interstate battery).
After selecting and confirming a value, the actual battery test will start automatically.
The tester may then request more information before presenting the results.
A "BATTERY TEMP"
Under certain circumstances, the tester may require information on whether the temperature of the battery is above or below 0C (32°F) so that it can assess the condition of the battery correctly. This can occur even if the battery is being tested at room temperature. By selecting and confirming the correct value, a new test will be started.
B "SURFACE CHARGE DETECTED"
Under certain circumstances, the charge may be present only on the surface of the battery plates. This produces a high voltage reading but no practical starting energy.
In order to correctly assess the battery on these occasions, the tester will prompt the operator to turn the ignition key to the ON position and turn on the headlamps for a few seconds with the message "TURN KEY ON HEADLAMPS ON". The tester will then indicate when the load can be disconnected with "TURN KEY OFF HEAD-LAMPS OFF". A new battery test will be started automatically once this has been done.
If the tester does not detect that the load has been connected or disconnected, the message 'WARNING" will be displayed and then "LOAD ON NOT DETECTED" or "LOAD OFF NOT DETECTED".
C "SELECT MODE BEFORE CHARGE"
"SELECT MODE AFTER CHARGE"
Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the tester will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.
Note
Make it a practice to also checking the electrolyte level before testing the battery. This is especially important in warm climates. Add distilled water whenever possible as mineral and salt deposits from tap water will cause plate corrosion and shorten battery life.
After answering the question/s, the tester will display the result of the test in one of the following ways:
When the messages "GOOD BATTERY" and "GOOD - RECHARGE" are shown, the display alternates between the message and the degree of charge in steps of 25%, e.g. "STATE OF CHARGE: 0-25%". This value provides a clear indication of the current state of the battery.
If the tester indicates that the battery must be replaced within the warranty period, we recommend performing an additional test with the battery removed from the car. This is to be sure that there is no current draw affecting the test result. The test code from this test should then be attached to the warranty claim (see also Warranty Policy).
Note
Test the replacement battery also with Battery tester 311 before fitting it in the car. If the cold starting current of the replacement battery is not specified according to SAE standard, the test can be performed using the standard values by model in the chart. These are the minimum Factory permitted values by car model.