Battery Tests - Simplicity 1691682 Service & Repair Manual

5 Electrical Troubleshooting
Battery & Cable Tests
1. CHECKING THE POWER SUPPLY
A. Check Wiring Condition and Tightness
1. Check all wires for cracked or worn insulation.
2. Check all connectors, terminals, and receptacles for
looseness or corrosion. See Figures 1 and 2.
B. Battery Tests
GENERAL
If the battery is producing 12 volts and the battery cables
have continuity, the rest of the cranking system can be
systematically tested. However, a full test of the battery
includes cleaning, testing battery charge (hydrometer
test) and testing its ability to deliver current (heavy load
test).
NOTE: Before testing, check the battery for any damage
such as a loose post or cracks. Damaged batteries must
be replaced.
CHECK ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
1. Remove the battery vent cap/caps and make sure the
breather holes are open.
2. Check that fluid is even with the bottom of the split
rings (see Figure 4). If not, fill with distilled water.
TEST BATTERY VOLTAGE
1. Test the battery voltage: set VOM to VDC.
2. Place one test probe of the VOM on the battery's
positive post and one probe on the negative post.
Note and record the battery voltage as it will be refer-
enced in later tests.
HEAVY LOAD TEST
1. Follow the load tester manufacturer's instructions;
connect the battery tester to the battery.
2. Discharge the battery under a fixed load at three
times the ampere-hour rating for approximately 15
seconds, then read the terminal voltage.
TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING, DIS-
CONNECT AND SECURE THE SPARK PLUG
WIRES BEFORE CONDUCTING ANY ELEC-
TRICAL TESTS.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED, ALL
TESTS MUST BE PERFORMED WITH THE
GROUND SPEED CONTROL LEVER IN NEU-
TRAL, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED, AN
OPERATOR IN THE SEAT, AND THE PTO
SWITCH OFF.
REATTACH COMPONENTS AFTER EACH
TEST.
DO NOT PROBE COMPONENTS UNLESS
SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
TO AVOID A SHORT CIRCUIT AND THE POS-
SIBILITY OF SPARKS, DO NOT TOUCH THE
TERMINALS EXCEPT AS DIRECTED.
BATTERY ACID CAUSES SEVERE BURNS
Figure 4. Battery Location and Checking Electrolyte
Level
5 - 10
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION