Electrical System Quick Checks; Battery Test (Open Circuit Test); Charging System Test; Glow Plug System Test - Toro Groundsmaster 360 Service Manual

Electrical System Quick Checks

Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)

Use a multimeter to measure the voltage between the
battery terminals.
Set multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be at a temperature of 60
o
38 C). The ignition key should be off and all accessories
turned off. Connect the positive (+) meter lead to the
positive battery post and the negative (--) meter lead to
the negative battery post. Measure and record the bat-
tery voltage. Use the chart at right to determine charge
level of battery.
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 of this chapter).

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 charging system
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
Electrical System
o o o
to 100 F (16 to
Page 5 - - 20
Voltage Measured
12.68 V (or higher)
12.45 V
12.24 V
12.06 V
11.89 V
Start the engine and run at high idle (3100 to 3150
RPM). Allow the battery to charge for at least three (3)
minutes. Record 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.
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 360 glow plug system should have
a reading of approximately 36 amps total (nine (9) amps
per glow plug). If low current reading is observed, one
(or more) of the glow plugs is faulty.
Battery Charge Level
Fully charged (100%)
75% charged
50% charged
25% charged
0% charged
= 12.30 v
= 12.85 v
= +0.55 v
Groundsmaster 360