Alternative Test Method
Alternative Test Method
NOTE: This method does not apply to North American dealers. North American dealers must always follow the Volvo Battery Analyser 3100/3200 test method.
Follow the steps below:
1. Checking the density of the acid
The density of the acid can be measured using an electrolyte gauge or a refractometer on the battery at room temperature.
Measure the density in all the cells. Check the following:
- If the density is above 1.225 g/cm3 in each cell and the difference in density between the cells is less than 0.03 g/cm3, the battery must be tested for load.
- If the density is below 1.225 g/cm3 in each cell and the difference in density between the cells is less than 0.03 g/cm3, the battery must be charged.
Charging batteries
- If the density in two adjacent cells is considerably lower than in other cell (i.e. if the difference is greater than 0.03 g/cm3, there is probably leakage between the two cells. Discard the battery
- If the density is markedly lower in only one cell, the fault is probably a short-circuit. Check the battery acid for discoloration. Discard the battery.
2. Checking the stand-by voltage
Check the stand-by voltage as follows:
- Disconnect the cable from the battery negative terminal
- Leave the battery disconnected for at least 2 hours
- Measure the standby voltage using a digital multimeter.
The battery must be recharged immediately if the stand-by voltage is lower than 12.45 V.
- If the car has not been delivered to a customer- update the Battery Maintenance Card.
- Connect the battery negative terminal.
3. Charging
If the battery is not charged, it must be charged according to Charging batteries.
Check that the battery takes the charge.
- If the charge is OK, the battery must be load tested.
- The battery may be sulfated if it does not charge. Sulfating means that the battery is damaged due to insufficient charge. Discard the battery.
4. Load check
During a load test, the load current must rise to at least 3 times the battery capacity in amperes (A).
For example: A battery with a capacity of 60 Ah must be loaded with a current of 180 A (= 3 x 60).
Read off the battery voltage after approximately 15 seconds. The voltage must then be 9.6 V. If this voltage is not reached there may be an open circuit or a short circuit in the battery.
- An open-circuit can be identified, for example, by the voltage dropping rapidly towards 0 V when the battery is loaded, or if the voltmeter does not give a reading when connected to the battery. Discard the battery if there is an open-circuit
- A short-circuit is most often evident under load when the short-circuited cell or cells begin to boil. Discard the battery if there is an shortcircuit.
5. Self discharge
If the battery has been checked according to points 1-4 above, but is not showing signs of the above faults, set the battery to self discharge to check that the self-discharge is normal.
If the battery self discharges abnormally and does not retain a charge for more than a couple of days, this may be a sign of a potential short-circuit. Discard the battery.
Print, view or export
Print, view or export the most recent test result (only Volvo Battery Analyser 3200)
1. Press the PRINT key. Hold the key down until the display shows
2. Choose between "Print", "View" or "Export" and confirm your choice
3. If you choose to print, you must first ensure that the printer is switched on and correctly positioned with the Volvo Battery Analyser 3200
4. If you choose to export, you must first ensure that the printer is switched on and correctly positioned in relation to Volvo Battery Analyser Setting adapted print-outs (only Volvo Battery Analyser 3200)
The print-out can be adapted to include the company name, address and telephone number.
NOTE: Volvo Battery Analyser 3200 must not be connected to the car battery.
Press the PRINT key and hold it down until the display appears.
Use the arrow keys to scroll down to "Setting user address". Press the ENTER button.
Use the arrow keys to move to the required character or letter. Press the ENTER key to confirm your choice. Then proceed until all information has been entered.