Electrical System Quick Checks; Battery Test (Open Circuit Test); Charging System Test; Glow Plug System Test - Toro GroundsmasterR 4300-D Service Manual

Electrical System Quick Checks

Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)

Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery voltage.
Set the multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be at a temperature of 60
o
38 C). The ignition switch should be in the OFF position
and all accessories turned off. Connect the positive (+)
multimeter lead to the positive battery post and the neg-
ative (--) multimeter lead to the negative battery post.
Record the battery voltage.
NOTE: This test provides a relative condition of the bat-
tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional
and more accurate information (see Battery Service in
the Service and Repairs section).

Charging System Test

This is a simple test used to determine if a charging sys-
tem is functioning. It will tell you if the charging system
has an output, but not its capacity.
Use a digital multimeter set to DC volts. Connect the
positive (+) multimeter lead to the positive battery post
and the negative (--) multimeter lead to the negative bat-
tery post. Keep the test leads connected to the battery
posts and record the battery voltage.
NOTE: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage
will drop and then should increase once the engine is
running.
NOTE: Depending upon the condition of the battery
charge and battery temperature, the battery voltage will
increase at different rates as the battery charges.

Glow Plug System Test

This is a fast, simple test that can help to determine the
integrity and operation of your Groundsmaster glow
plug system. The test should be run anytime hard start-
ing (cold engine) is encountered on a diesel engine
equipped with a glow plug system.
Use a digital multimeter and/or inductive Ammeter (AC/
DC Current Transducer). Properly connect the ammeter
to the digital multimeter (refer to manufacturers' instruc-
tions) and set the multimeter to the correct scale. With
the ignition switch in the OFF position, place the
Groundsmaster 4300--D
o o o
to 100 F (16 to
Start the engine and run at high idle (3200 RPM). Allow
the battery to charge for at least three (3) minutes. Re-
cord the battery voltage.
After running the engine for at least three (3) minutes,
battery voltage should be at least 0.50 volt higher than
initial battery voltage.
An example of a charging system that is functioning:
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage
Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge
Difference
ammeter pickup around the main glow plug power sup-
ply wire and read the meter prior to activating the glow
plug system. Adjust the meter to read zero (if applica-
ble). Activate the glow plug system by turning the igni-
tion switch to RUN and record the multimeter results.
The Groundsmaster 4300--D glow plug system should
have a reading of approximately 36 amps total (9 amps
per glow plug). If low current reading is observed, one
(or more) glow plugs is faulty.
Page 5 - - 17
Voltage Measured Battery Charge Level
12.68 volts Fully charged (100%)
12.45 volts
12.24 volts
12.06 volts
11.89 volts
75% charged
50% charged
25% charged
0% charged
= 12.30 v
= 12.85 v
= +0.55 v
Electrical System