Automotive Technician Training: Practical Worksheets Level 1 by Denton Tom

Author:Denton, Tom
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-317-52824-1
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

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Worksheet 24: Check battery and charge circuit operation for winter usage of vehicle

Procedure

Check the alternator drive belt for condition and tension. Look for frays, cracks, glazing of the drive faces caused by slippage and check that the tension or free play is about 12 mm (½ in).

Check the security of the battery and the condition of the casing. Look for signs of corrosion or other deterioration on the straps/clamps, on and around the battery and on the battery cables at the battery and at where they connect to the body and to the starter system.

Disconnect both battery leads, (earth or ground first), and clean the battery terminals and the cable terminals.

Check the state of charge of the battery with a hydrometer and/or digital voltmeter. Hydrometer readings should be near fully charged (1.28) and the same for all cells. Or, check the built-in hydrometer of maintenance-free batteries, which should be green for a fully charged battery and black if partially charged. A yellow dot indicates that the battery is defective. Voltage readings should be 13 volts for conventional lead acid batteries and 12.8 volts for maintenance-free batteries.

If hydrometer and voltage readings are low, recharge the battery. If the readings are correct, carry out a high rate discharge test. Connect the tester and set the discharge rate to the manufacturer’s recommended setting. Do not exceed 3x the Ah rate (10 hour rate) and 15 second duration.

Reconnect the battery and coat the terminals with petroleum jelly. Check charge circuit cables for condition and that all terminals are clean and tight. Treat with petroleum jelly or water-repellent spray.

Connect a digital voltmeter to the battery terminals and a clamp on ammeter to the alternator output lead.

Start and run the engine at about 2000 rpm and check the voltage and amps readings. Turn on high consumption devices, head lamps, heater blower, heated windscreens, etc. and read volts and amps. Compare readings with manufacturer’s data (volts 14.7, amps 20 +).

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