Test Preparation - OTC Tools 3182 Operating Instructions Manual

Battery Load Tester
The 3182 Digital Battery Load Tester is a hand-held, diagnostic tool used to test 12V
(volt) and 6V lead-acid type automotive batteries. A 10-second test determines the
condition of the battery: Good, Weak or Bad. Further testing will identify possible
problems in the charging and starting systems. Tests can be performed on fully
or partially charged batteries by inspecting the electrolyte or open-circuit voltage
and adjusting the values for temperatures other than 70°F (21.1°C).
•
If the electrolyte is accessible, measure its specific gravity with a hydrometer.
The specific gravity reading should be 1.225 or higher at 70°F (21.1°C). For
every 10°F (5.6°C) above/below 70°F (21.1°C), add/subtract 0.004 to/from the
reading.
•
The open-circuit voltage should be at least 12.45V at 70°F (21.1°C).
The Battery Load Tester contains a four-character LCD (liquid crystal display) to
display battery voltage, a switch to apply the test load and a red LED that is used
to indicate the condition of the alternator. The tester is powered by the battery
under test.
•
Test procedures and information provided in this manual are intended
as general guidelines for engine tune-up and adjustments only. Consult
the applicable vehicle service manuals for all specific tests.
• Before testing, read and follow all safety precautions.
• Do not activate and hold the load switch for more than 15 seconds.
This will overload the tester resulting in damage and void the warranty.

Test Preparation

Multi-Battery Systems
In all multiple battery systems, all batteries must be tested separately. Batteries
may be connected in series, parallel or a combination of both. Only batteries
connected in series may remain connected during test. See Figure 1.
For series connections, all batteries are connected from the negative (-) terminal
of one battery, to the positive (+) terminal of the other. Only the negative terminal
of the first battery and the positive terminal of the last battery are to be connected
to the vehicle. Any number of batteries may be connected in a series. However,
each battery must be tested separately.
For all other connections (parallel or a combination of parallel and series), the
batteries must be disconnected and electrically isolated from each other.
TO VEHICLE POWER
POS
Figure 1 Multi-Battery Test Configuration
NEG POS
CAUTION!
NEG
3
TO VEHICLE GROUND
POS NEG