Test Preparation; Inspecting The Battery; Testing Out-Of-Vehicle (Battery Test); Testing In-Vehicle (System Test) - Midtronics EXP-803 Instruction Manual

Chapter 2: Overview

Test Preparation

Inspecting the Battery

Before starting the test visually inspect the battery for:
•
Cracked, buckled, or leaking case. If you see any of these
defects, replace the battery.
•
Corroded, loose, or damaged cables and connections. Re-
pair or replace them as needed.
•
Corrosion on the battery terminals, and dirt or acid on the
case top. Clean the case and terminals using a wire brush
and a mixture of water and baking soda.
•
Low electrolyte level. If the electrolyte level is too low, add
distilled water to fill up to ½ above the top of the plates
and fully charge the battery. Do not overfill.
•
Corroded or loose battery tray and hold-down fixture.
Tighten or replace as needed.

Testing Out-of-Vehicle (Battery Test)

The preferred battery test location is in the vehicle. However, if
you plan to test out of the vehicle:
•
Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery
first and reconnect it last.
•
Always use a carry tool or strap to lift and transport the
battery.
Failure to properly install lead terminal
adapters, or using adapters that are dirty or
worn, may cause false test results.
When testing side-post or Group 31 batteries,
always use lead terminal adapters provided with the
tester—do not test at the battery's steel bolts. To avoid
damage, never use a wrench to tighten the adapters
more than ¼ turn.
Midtronics Inc. 7000 Monroe Street Willowbrook, IL 60527

Testing In-Vehicle (System Test)

Before starting the test, inspect the alternator drive belt. A belt
that is glazed or worn, or lacks the proper tension, will prevent
the engine from achieving the RPM levels needed for the test.
The preferred test position is at the battery posts. If you must
test at a remote-post location, it should have both a positive
and negative post. Otherwise, you must remove the battery
and perform a System Test.
At the start of the test, place the vehicle transmission in PARK,
make sure all vehicle accessory loads are off, the key is not in
the ignition, and the doors are closed.

Connecting to the Battery

Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal and the
black clamp to the negative (–) terminal.
If you connect the clamps in the wrong polarity (red to
negative or black to positive), the analyzer displays CLAMPS
REVERSED! Reconnect the clamps.
To make sure both sides of the clamps are gripping the
terminals, rock the each clamp back and forth. A poor
connection will prevent testing, and the analyzer displays the
message CHECK CONNECTION. If the message reappears after
you have correctly reconnected the clamps, clean the terminals
and reconnect.
10
EXP-803
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