Chrysler Stratus RHD 1997 Interactive Electronic Service Manual page 279

8A - 6 BATTERY
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(2) Use a suitable Volt/Ammeter/Load tester con-
nected between remote battery terminals (Fig. 5) and
(Fig. 6). Check the open circuit voltage of the battery.
Voltage should be equal to or greater than 12.4 volts.
If below 12.4 volts charge battery, perform the same
test at the battery. Remove both battery cables the
negative cable first. If the voltage is still below 12.4
perform Battery Charging procedures.
Fig. 5 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester
Fig. 6 Volt-Ammeter-Load Tester Connections
(3) Rotate the load control knob of the carbon pile
rheostat to apply a 260 amp load. Apply this load for
15 seconds to remove the surface charge from the
battery, and return the control knob to off (Fig. 7).
(4) Allow the battery to stabilize for two minutes,
and then verify open circuit voltage.
(5) Rotate the load control knob on the tester to
maintain 50% (260) of the battery cold crank rating
for a minimum 15 seconds (Fig. 8).
(6) After 15 seconds, record the loaded voltage
reading and return the load control to off.
(7) Voltage drop will vary according to battery
temperature at the time of the load test. Battery
temperature can be estimated by the temperature of
exposure over the preceding several hours. If the bat-
INDUCTION POSITIVE CLAMP AMPMETER CLAMP NEGATIVE CLAMP
Fig. 7 Remove Surface Charge from Battery
Fig. 8 Load 50% Cold Crank Rating
tery has been charged, boosted, or loaded a few min-
utes prior to the test, the battery would be slightly
warmer. Refer to Battery Load Test Temperatures
Chart for proper loaded voltage reading.
Battery Load Test Temperatures
Minimum Voltage
9.6 volts
9.5 volts
9.4 volts
9.3 volts
9.1 volts
8.9 volts
8.7 volts
8.5 volts
JA
Temperature
°F °C
70° 21°
and and
above above
60° 16°
50° 10°
40° 4°
30° -1°
20° -7°
10° -12°
0° -18°