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Battery Management Innovation VAS 6161 Vehicle Battery and Electrical Diagnostic Platform For testing 6 and 12-volt automotive batteries and 12- and 24-volt charging systems INSTRUCTION MANUAL...
Contents Contents Chapter 1: Before You Begin ....................7 Starting the tester for the fi rst time ........................7 Safety ...................................7 General Precautions ................................7 Conventions Used in This Manual ........................8 Utilisation in accordance with „intended purpose“ ..................8 Disposal..................................8 Chapter 2: Description ......................9 Connections and Data Ports ..........................9 Connecting the Battery Test Cable .........................
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Contents Chapter 3: Test Preparation ....................16 Inspecting the Battery ............................16 Testing Out-of-Vehicle ............................16 Testing In-Vehicle ..............................16 Connecting the Battery Test Cable ......................... 16 Setting User Preferences ............................ 17 Chapter 4: Battery Testing ....................18 Warranty mode ..............................18 Service mode .................................
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Contents Chapter 8: Utilities ....................... 32 Confi g Tester ................................32 Display ..................................33 Language ................................34 Shop ..................................35 Coupon ..................................35 Edit Coupon ................................36 Format Disk ................................36 Update ..................................36 Battery List (for QC Mode) ..........................36 Chapter 9: Info Menu ......................
Chapter 1: Before You Start Chapter 1: Before You Begin Starting the tester for the fi rst time When the tester is fi rst used the operator is asked to enter a couple of items. Items such as dealer ID and Region are used to set-up specifi c utilities such as date/time stamps and hour indication.
Chapter 1: Before You Start Conventions Used in This Manual To help you learn how to use your analyzer, the manual uses these symbols and typographical conventions: The safety symbol followed by the word WARNING or CAUTION indicates instructions for avoiding hazardous conditions and personal injury. The word CAUTION without the safety symbol indicates instructions for avoiding CAUTION equipment damage.
Chapter 2: Description Chapter 2: Description Connections and Data Ports Integrated thermal printer Release lever for door to paper compartment Paper slot LCD screen with Main Menu Control Panel: keypad and power button 6-pin Accessories port connector 6-pin connector for the battery test cable Spring-loaded data card slot for test data storage and software upgrades.
Chapter 2: Description Connecting the Battery Test Cable CAUTION: To prevent damage to the analyzer’s circuitry, do not connect the analyzer to a voltage source greater than 30 Vdc. To connect the battery test cable to the analyzer align the arrow on the cable connector with the arrows on the analyzer’s housing.
Chapter 2: Description Display and Keypad The keypad and display work together to help you quickly fi nd and use the right tools at the right time. The display also keeps you on track with on-screen navigation aids, directions and messages. POWER Key Press the POWER button to turn the analyzer on and off .
Chapter 2: Description Data Entry Methods To perform a particular test or function, the tester will ask for diff erent types of information. This means that the methods you use to enter information will change depending on the type of information requested. The four types of entry methods are described below.
Chapter 2: Description Menu Maps This section will help you get to your destination while letting you know what test leads you may need when you arrive. The test leads are represented by symbols for their connectors. Main Menu The Main Menu is the starting point for all tools and utilities, which are depicted as icons. Some icons lead directly to the function they represent, while others are menu icons that lead to two or more functions.
Chapter 2: Description Info Menu REPORTS An optional IR software Displays the software ver- Displays the total number and hardware package en- sion, total tests from fi rst of Tests performed since ables you to transfer test use, and the serial num- the tester was fi rst used.
Chapter 2: Description Utilities Menu The Utilities Menu lets you customize your analyzer to suit your needs. SETUP (Screen 1) Sets the language of the Configur the tester by Settings to adjust the display and printouts. selecting several specifi c screen contrast and back- functions light time.
Chapter 3: Test Preparation Chapter 3: 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. Repair or replace them as needed. •...
Chapter 3: Test Preparation If you connect the clamps in the wrong polarity (positive to negative or negative to positive), the tester displays CLAMPS REVERSED! Reconnect the clamps correctly. 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 tester will display the message CHECK CONNECTION.
Chapter 4: Battery Test Chapter 4: Battery Testing The tester will guide you through the steps of selecting your battery test parameters and interpreting the results. Before you start the test, review the instructions in Chapter 3: Test Preparation. Warranty mode This test mode is specifi cally designed for warranty claims.
Chapter 4: Battery Test Service mode This test mode is specifi cally designed for vehicles that are in service. Select the TEST LOCATION TOP POST JUMP START POST Press the NEXT soft key to continue. Select the VEHICLE (JUMP START POST) TOUAREG TOUAREG V10 TDI By selecting a vehicle the tester will use a pre-defi ned compensation factor to overcome the extra...
Chapter 4: Battery Test Maintenance mode This test mode is specifi cally designed for new vehicles that are stored on a compound, in a port or at the dealer storage before delivery to the customer. POWERING UP SCANNER..Scan the VIN bar code When it’s impossible to scan the VIN code press the NEXT soft key to enter it manually.
Chapter 4: Battery Test Additional tester messages Surface Charge The battery can hold a surface charge if the engine has been running or after the battery has been charged. The tester may prompt you to remove the surface charge before it displays a test result. 1.
Chapter 4: Battery Test Battery Test Results for Warranty test and Service Mode After the test the tester will display the battery decisions with the complete results in a series of screens. Use the UP/DOWN ARROW keys to scroll through each result. To print the results press the PRINT soft key. To return to the Main Menu, press the END soft key.
Chapter 5: Dynamic Reponse Test Chapter 5: Dynamic Response Test This test is an in-vehicle test in which a deeply-discharged battery can be diagnosed in minutes instead of the hours needed to charge it. The tester displays the option to perform the test after a deep scan and before it arrives at the battery decision.
Chapter 6: System Test Chapter 6: 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 System Test includes 3 tests that provide a complete diagnosis of the vehicle’s electrical system: •...
Chapter 6: System Test Starter decision Average cranking voltage Cranking time in milliseconds X axis = time Alternator Test ANALYZING CHARGING SYSTEM DATA: After you press the NEXT soft key to begin the alternator test, the Tester will immediately begin testing for alternator voltage. TURN ALL VEHICLE LOADS OFF, IDLE ENGINE: Turn off vehicle loads (blowers, interior light, radio, etc.) and idle the engine.
Chapter 6: System Test IMPORTANT: Turn on the high-beam headlights, the blower to high and the rear defogger. Don’t use cyclical loads such as air conditioning or windshield wipers. TESTING ALTERNATOR AT IDLE, LOADS ON: The analyzer will determine if the charging system is able to provide sufficient current for the demands of the vehicle’s electrical system.
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Chapter 6: System Test Table 3: Alternator Decisions and Recommendations Decision Action NO PROBLEMS The system is showing normal output from the alternator. No problem detected. NO OUTPUT The alternator is not providing charging current to the battery. √ Check the belts to ensure the alternator is rotating with the engine running. Replace broken or slipping belts and retest.
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Chapter 6: System Test Table 4: Diode Decisions and Recommendations Decision Action EXCESSIVE RIPPLE One or more diodes in the alternator aren’t functioning or there’s stator damage, which is shown by an excessive amount of AC ripple current supplied to the battery. √...
Chapter 7: QC Test Chapter 7: QC Test The tester has the ability to test multiple batteries one after the other without having to input the battery rating / settings. There are two types of QC tests: the STOCK CONTROL or the COMPOUND TEST. STOCK CONTROL is meant for batteries standing in a warehouse or on a pallet where as COMPOUND TESTING is done when the battery is in the vehicle.
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Chapter 7: QC Test COMPOUND MODE The first screen shows you the amount of tests performed. Once you press both the arrow keys you reset the test counter. At the same time you have the possibility to enter a batch name for the coming measurements.
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Chapter 7: QC Test Press the UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select the battery rating or in the case of JIS, the part number. Press the NEXT soft key to start the test. Enter the minimum voltage. Select the TEMPERATURE. Aim the tester 2 inches (5 cm) from the sides or top of the battery case. As soon as the temperature reading is stable the operator can press NEXT The tester will now test the battery.
Chapter 8: Utilities Chapter 8: Utilities The Utility Menu allows you to easily set up your analyzer: Confi g Tester TIME : 15:23 MODE : 24 HOUR DATE : M23/02/2009 FORMAT : 6/17/DDDD/MM/YYYY TEMP. UNITS WRITE FAIL BARCODE READER REGION OTHER DEALER-ID 12345678...
Chapter 8: Utilities Temp. units Use the LEFT/RIGHT ARROWS to select either Celsius or Fahrenheit as temperature indication. Write fail After each measurement the test results are stored on the data card. In case the data cannot be stored on to the card you can select the way this is notifi ed to the operator.
Chapter 8: Utilities Backlight Time Backlight time is from 0 to 60 seconds. To change it: Press the UP or DOWN ARROW to highlight the option. CONTRAST LEVEL BACKLIGHT TIME Press the LEFT/RIGHT ARROW key to display the option’s numerical scroll box. Press the UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select your preference.
Chapter 8: Utilities Shop The SHOP INFO utility enables you to create a header for your printed test results showing your business location information. Its two information screens contain eight lines of text with up to 16 characters on each line.
SD card. The use of a special formatted disk is required for this action. FIRMWARE (use this option when new software becomes available from Midtronics) SAVE CONFIG (the tester will store the workshop address to the data card, file name is CONFIG.CSV)
Chapter 9: Info Menu Chapter 9: Info Menu The Info Menu has 3 utilities to help you manage your test data and track the usage and history of your analyzer. Totals The TOTALS report displays the total number of battery tests by decision performed since the Tester was fi rst used.
Chapter 10: Print/View Chapter 10: Print/View The Print/View Menu enables you to view and print the results of the tests performed before you perform another test and overwrite the results in memory. View Test VIEW TEST gives you the option of viewing and printing all available test results. To return to the Main Menu, press the END key.
Chapter 11: Troubleshooting Chapter 11: Troubleshooting If you have problems with the display or printer try these troubleshooting suggestions: Problems with the display The display does not turn on: • Check the connection to the battery. • The analyzer’s internal batteries may need to be replaced. The display fl ickers or is dim: •...
Chapter 12: Tester Internal Batteries Chapter 12: Tester Internal Batteries The Tester uses 6 AA, 1.5-volt batteries (alkaline recommended) to allow testing of batteries down to 1 volt and supply power while the menu is active. The analyzer can test batteries down to 5.5 volts when the internal batteries are not functioning.
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This analyzer is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. Midtronics will, at our option, repair or replace the unit with a remanufactured unit. This limited warranty applies only to the analyzer, and does not cover any other equipment, static damage, water damage, overvoltage damage, dropping the unit, or damage resulting from extraneous causes including owner misuse.