Electrical System Quick Checks; Battery Test (Open Circuit Test); Charging System Test; Glow Plug System Test - Toro Groundsmaster 3280-D Service Manual

Electrical System Quick Checks

Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)

Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage.
Set the multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery
should be at a temperature of 60
C). The ignition key should be in the OFF position and
all accessories turned off. Connect the positive (+) multi-
meter lead to the positive battery post and the negative
(−) multimeter lead to the negative battery post. Record
the battery voltage.
NOTE: This test provides a relative condition of the bat-
tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional
and more accurate information.

Charging System Test

This is a simple test used to determine if a charging sys-
tem is functioning. It will tell you if the charging system
has an output, but not its capacity.
Tool required: Digital multimeter set to DC volts.
Test instructions: Connect the positive (+) multimeter
lead to the positive battery post and the negative (−)
multimeter lead to the negative battery post. Keep the
test leads connected to the battery posts and record the
battery voltage.
NOTE: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage
will drop and then should increase once the engine is
running.
Glow Plug System Test (Groundsmaster 3280−D)
This is a fast, simple test that can help to determine the
integrity and operation of the Groundsmaster 3280−D
glow plug system. The test should be run anytime hard
starting (cold engine) is encountered on a diesel engine
equipped with a glow plug system.
Tool(s) required: Digital multimeter and/or inductive
Ammeter (AC/DC Current Transducer).
Test instructions: Properly connect the ammeter to the
digital multimeter (refer to manufacturers' instructions).
Electrical System
o o o o
to 100 F (16 to 38
Page 6 − 8
Voltage Measured
12.68 v (or higher)
12.45 v
12.24 v
12.06 v
11.89 v
NOTE: Depending upon the condition of the battery
charge and battery temperature, the charging system
voltage will increase at different rates as the battery
charges.
Start the engine and run at high idle (3200 RPM). Allow
the battery to charge for at least 3 minutes. Record the
battery voltage.
Test results should be (example):
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage
Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge
Difference
Set the multimeter to the correct scale. With the ignition
switch in the OFF position, place the ammeter pickup
around the main glow plug power supply wire and read
the meter prior to activating the glow plug system. Adjust
the meter to read zero (if applicable). Cycle the glow
plug system at least two times (per instructions in Trac-
tion Unit Operator's Manual) and record the final results.
The Groundsmaster 3280−D glow plug system should
have a reading of approximately 27 Amps. If low current
reading is observed, one (or more) glow plugs is faulty.
Battery Charge Level
Fully charged (100%)
75% charged
50% charged
25% charged
0% charged
= 12.30 v
= 12.85 v
= +0.55 v
Groundsmaster 3280−D/3320