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Summary of Contents for Auto Meter SB-3
- Page 1 SB-3 Battery Load Tester Instruction Manual Simplified Check Program for Charging Systems The SB-3 is a variable load battery tester that provides a simplified check for the alternator and starter.
- Page 2 The SB-3 model is a simplified approach to test the battery and simplified check of the system. This insures that you will be making only the necessary repairs, resulting in satisfied customers and increased business.
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Page 3: Specifications
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Charging System ------------------------------------------------2 The Charging System ------------------------------------------------2 Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------3 Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------3 Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------4 Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------4 Cause of Battery Failure ---------------------------------------------4 Cause of Battery Failure ---------------------------------------------4 Battery Check and Visual Inspection -----------------------------5 Battery Check and Visual Inspection -----------------------------5 Preliminary Notes ------------------------------------------------------6 Preliminary Notes ------------------------------------------------------6... -
Page 4: Cause Of Battery Failure
SAFETY Carefully read all operating instructions before using the tester Wear eye protection when working around batteries. Be sure each test is completed before removing load clamps to prevent arching and potential explosion from battery gasses. Never remove load clamps while testing. -
Page 5: Battery Inspection
BATTERY INSPECTION Valid automotive electrical system testing depends on all the components being in good operating condition. In addition, the battery MUST have sufficient charge for testing. Carefully perform the following before attempting any electrical diagnosis. VISUAL CHECK Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed surface and fraying. -
Page 6: Battery Rating
PRELIMINARY NOTES 1. MOISTURE If tester has not been used recently, moisture may have condensed between carbon pile discs. This will cause the tester to emit some steam during first or second load application. This is normal and is not a malfunction of the tester. -
Page 7: Battery State Of Charge
BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE The battery must have an adequate state of charge before a valid battery load test can be performed. The state of charge can be measured with a hydrometer (see page 8), or checked on the “state of charge” scale on the voltmeter for sealed batteries. - Page 8 HYDROMETER METHOD Check the electrolyte specific gravity with a hydrometer. If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.
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Page 9: Battery Load Test
BATTERY LOAD TEST 1. Turn load knob to apply a load equal to 1/2 the Cold Crank rating or 3 times the Amp-Hour rating for 15 seconds. (See Battery Rating Page 2. Hold proper load for 15 seconds observe the voltage reading, and then immediately decrease the load until the fan stops and the ammeter reads zero. -
Page 10: Starter Draw Test
STARTER DRAW TEST For proper starter functioning, it is important that all related connections are clean and tight, and that the cable and its insulation are in good condition. On all starter circuit tests, disable ignition circuit by one of the following methods: •... - Page 11 Amounts are in Amps. Keep in mind that the SB-3 reads up to 500 Amps. If the manufacture’s specifications and in the case of 8 Cyl Dsl below exceed...
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Page 12: Alternator Test
ALTERNATOR TEST To charge a battery, the alternator must produce a voltage higher than the battery voltage to cause current to flow into it. Therefore, the voltage must rise to the “OK” test zone of the ALT. & REG. TEST band. Before testing, run the vehicles engine at fast idle with all the accessories off for at least 5 mins. - Page 13 Troubleshooting Alternator (Hypothetical Situation) Problem: Customer returns continually because his battery keeps running down, but all battery and alternator tests pass. Solutions: • If alternator reads in the low end of the OK range, it is working fine. For people driving short distances, however, the battery may not charge fast enough, causing the battery to run down slowly.
- Page 14 STARTER CIRCUIT TEST Disable ignition as indicated in the Starter-Draw Test on page 10. POSITIVE CIRCUIT 1. Connect the tester as shown below with the RED clamp to battery positive and the BLACK clamp to the terminal on the starter, which is connected to the solenoid directly or by cable.
- Page 15 GROUND CIRCUIT 5. To check the ground circuit, connect the RED clamp directly to the starter casing (this may require chipping paint to make a good connection), and the BLACK clamp to the battery negative terminal as shown in example below. BLACK 6.
- Page 16 APPENDIX: SERVICE INFORMATION Warranty claims to Auto Meter must be transportation prepaid and accompanied by dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. Damage incurred during return shipment is not covered under this warranty.
- Page 17 Cardboard load holder for shipping In the event your tester needs to be returned to Auto Meter for Service, it must be properly packaged and protected to avoid damage during ship- ment. Failure to follow these steps will allow the carbon disks to rattle freely during shipment and cause breakage.
- Page 18 APPENDIX BATTERY CHARGING GUIDE (6 and 12 Volt Batteries) Recommended charging rate and time for fully discharged batteries. Par- tially discharged batteries will require less charging time. BATTERY CATEGORY CHARGE BATTERY (RESERVE CAPACITY MINUTES) At either rate and time shown 14 hrs.
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Page 19: Limited Warranty
This warranty is limited to the repair or replace- ment of parts in the tester and the necessary labor by Auto Meter to affect the repair or replacement of the tester. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the tester, nor shall Auto... - Page 20 • To return to this page navigate to last page. • Press ESC to Exit full view. Auto Meter Products Inc. � � � � � � � � � � � � � 350 West Center Street Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 Service (801) 785-0051 ext.
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