Battery: Testing and Inspection

Battery Check







Test procedure
A battery check is to be performed using Battery analyser 311; see also Service Information (TSB) 311-2009

ALLDATA Editor's note: This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) can be found under model year 1999 and 2000 vehicles.

Use the arrow keys to select the correct alternative in each menu.

Use ENTER to confirm a selection. The selections made will remain as menu suggestions the next time the analyser is activated.

1. Switch off all power consumers and turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
2. Check the battery electrolyte level and top up as necessary. If the battery has been used for a period while the battery electrolyte level is low, it should be charged after filling with water but before carrying out the battery check.

IMPORTANT: If the electrolyte level is too low for long periods, it will cause permanent damage and shorten the service life of the battery.

3. Remove maxifuse 2 from the fuse box for maxifuses. Wait at least 20 seconds before connecting the battery tester.







4. Connect the red cable clip to the positive terminal (+). (Reversed polarity will not damage the analyser.)
5. Connect the black cable clip to the negative terminal (-). Make sure that the cable clips make as good contact as possible. Follow the instructions on the analyser display.

NOTE: When both clips are connected, the analyser is activated automatically.

6. Under "SELECT TEST", indicate if the battery is connected to the car electrical system ("IN CAR") or not ("OUTSIDE OF CAR"). Select "IN CAR" since the battery is connected to the car.
7. Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is factory-fitted ("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)".

IMPORTANT: CCA(SAE) is always applicable for Saab's factory-fitted batteries

The DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to SAE.

9. Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question.

IMPORTANT: If the battery specification for cold starting current cannot be identified, the following standard values should be used.

900, 9-3 570 CCA (SAE)

After selecting and confirming a value, the actual battery test will start automatically.

"SELECT MODE BEFORE CHARGE"
"SELECT MODE AFTER CHARGE"

Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the analyser will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.

IMPORTANT: Make a practice of also checking the electrolyte level before testing the battery. This is especially important in warm climates.

Note the test code if the analyser indicates that the battery requires replacement within the warranty period. The test code from this test shall be included on the warranty claim.

10. Fit maxifuse 2.