Battery Inspection/Test

Battery Inspection/Test

Tools Required

SA9154Z-A Starting and Charging System Tester

Diagnostic Aids

Important:
* A dead battery is usually a symptom of another problem. Fix the problem, do not just charge or change the battery.

* Failure to properly understand the battery and its function could lead to a misdiagnosis and unneeded repairs. Refer to Battery Description and Operation and Battery Common Causes of Failure for more information.

Follow these instructions in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis because of connections:

* If testing the vehicle with the battery cables still connected, wiggle the SA9154Z-A clips on the terminal. This may cut through any coating or through any oxidation that may be present on the terminal.
Even new terminals contain a protective coating that may insulate or cause a resistance in the test circuit.
* If correct connections to the battery terminals in the vehicle are in doubt, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.

* If the tester displays a "Bad Battery" result for a battery tested in the vehicle with the battery cables connected, perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the positive battery cable.

Test

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Step 8 - Step 9: