1. General Information

The condition of a battery can be determined by measuring battery voltage (or electrolyte density) and battery load testing.

Battery voltage or electrolyte density gives information about the charging condition. (Energy stored through electro-chemical transformation.) 100% charging condition with all cells OK corresponds to 12.7 volts or 1.28 g/ml, acid density.

Starting capability of a battery is the characteristic to release stored energy under load. This capability decreases with discharge, eventually sulfating with age.

Battery wear is very high when discharging and charging often (high cyclic load), for instance short distance driving, demonstrator vehicle service or at high ambient temperatures.

General assumption: New Battery = Full Battery. In storage, a battery discharges through self-discharge (up to 1 % of A(h) capacity per day). If the battery is installed in a vehicle, current draw and temperature are additional influences.

Long transportation, handling and parking times of the vehicle are also influencing factors. Measures are taken on all vehicles at the factory to reduce current draw during transportation.

Other influencing conditions are traffic density, speed limits and personal driving habits.



Recharging by the alternator is not always assured with low RPM driving. This can lead to insufficient charging results because of high current draw from vehicle electronics and low charging voltage with short distance driving and stop and go traffic.

A new battery is only a new and full battery if voltage and starting capability is checked. Batteries must be recharged, if necessary, and tested to factory specs before putting in service.

Service and testing of a battery therefore starts when the product is first put into use.

If you do not proceed in a similar manner, we recommend the following procedures, examples and hints.

These measures will ensure that you and your customer have assurance of the condition of the battery. Please use every service department visit for a battery test to ensure top battery performance.

If the battery was disconnected, perform system adaption where applicable.