AutomobilesCars

Battery - how to check with a multimeter? Car Batteries

The battery pack requires careful handling and generally strict adherence to the operating rules. It is necessary to understand that this is the most important component of the electrochemical structure of the car, on which depends the performance of many units and assemblies. Of particular importance from the point of view of maintenance is the analysis of the condition of the battery. For this purpose, special tools are used, in particular, allowing to estimate the voltage in which the battery operates. How to test a multimeter with this device is the central issue of this article. Despite the external ease of the process, there are a lot of nuances that the auto mechanic should take into account, and even more so the beginning motorist.

Exterior examination of the battery

Before the start of the event, you should evaluate the external condition of the battery. Often important conclusions about the working potential of the device can be done already at this stage. First of all, visual inspection should show whether the block is spoiled and unsuitable for restoration. This may indicate a serious physical deformation of the shell or breach of tightness. In the latter case, the battery should be immediately isolated. "How to check with a multimeter?" - You can proceed to this issue if there were no obvious external damages. However, this does not mean that you can immediately begin the testing operation. The housing and especially the contact areas must be kept clean. You should also make sure that a specific battery is in principle allowed for home testing by testers.

Checking the running unit

The device is put into an active mode, after which it is possible to set the range of values in which the battery will be evaluated. How to check the multimeter battery with the engine running? Connection of the device is carried out in the usual way, with observance of polarities. In this case, the classical configuration of the terminal connection is in effect. As for the readings, the voltage level from 13.5 to 14 V. is considered normal. It can not be said that going beyond this limits indicates a serious breakdown in the power supply, but certain deviations in operation take place.

If the voltage exceeds the value of 14.2 V, then it may be a low charge. That is, initially it will not be superfluous to inquire about what should be the charge at the time of verification. Perhaps its reduction was due to a frosty night, when the electronics automatically consumed energy for heating. In the question of how to check the charging of the battery, it is also important to prepare other components of local electrical equipment. It should initially disconnect all consumers, and then start to stop.

Features of checking the battery in idle state

The measurement mechanics in this case correspond to the model described above. To get the results you need to wait 15 minutes - this depends on the version of the multimeter itself. By the way, the question of how to check the battery for operability, often implies exactly the procedure of this format. And in itself the presence of electrochemical activity in the block does not yet indicate the possibility of its normal operation.

Voltage readings less than 12 often indicate that the unit is completely discharged and is not suitable for use - at least for the time being. The range of normal values for work with a non-working engine is 12.5-13.0 V. Corridor. By the same indications, it is learned what kind of charge the car batteries have at the time of measurement. This technique does not give an accurate idea of this value, but more often it turns out to be correct with a small error. For example, a voltage of 12.9 may indicate that the battery is charged at 90%, and a level of 12.5 indicates the presence of half the charge.

Checking the battery with a load plug

To check the charge, it is also recommended to use a load plug, which is essentially a voltmeter. The connection is made in the same way as in the case of a multimeter with the observance of polarities. But there is an important feature of this measurement. The answer to the question of how to check the battery with a tester-voltmeter presupposes compliance with a short exposure at which the load will be applied. Immediately after the connection, it is necessary to start the countdown of 5 seconds, after which the load stops and the instrument reads the readings. If the tester shows 10 volts or more, then the charge is present and the battery can work. It should be taken into account that the load fork in its interaction with the battery is similar to the starting discharge from the engine. However, it is often harmful for the battery to carry out such tests.

Checking the battery's density

Often, experienced car owners check the battery and the density of the electrolyte. This procedure allows not only to learn about the status of the active substance, but also to estimate the level of the same charge. To perform this operation, use a tester-hydrometer. Although some models of multimeters support this function. Anyway, the result of the measurement will be presented in the form of the ratio of grams and cubic centimeters (g / cm 3 ). For example, auto-accumulators with density readings of 1.24 g / cm 3 are considered to be optimally charged, serviceable and ready for operation. Conversely, a reduced density of electrolyte at a level of 0.08 g / cm 3 indicates that the unit has a charge less than half.

Can I check the battery without a special tool?

There are also situations when there is no measuring electrical equipment available, but it is important to have an idea of the state of the battery. How to check the car battery in this case? Actually, the charge can be roughly estimated by experience. Practice check with the help of automotive optics. Initially, having combined the total load required for the operation of lamps, you can experience how the battery will provide it.

How to choose the right multimeter for batteries?

For the car you need to have at hand a small, but functional device. It is desirable that the device work with such indicators as capacity, voltage, frequency and temperature. This set is enough to allow the user to comprehensively check any battery. "How to test a multimeter with a block that requires a different bit capacity?" - this is also a common question, which should be considered at the stage of purchase of the device. The more expensive and more complex the multimeter is, the higher the number of digits, that is, with a deeper resolution, it works, so it's also not worth saving on this advantage.

Conclusion

Conscientious adherence to the instructions of the operating instructions for the battery pack, it would seem, should save the user from frequent testing of the device for various indications. Nevertheless, questions about how to test the battery with a tester are quite justified in such situations. Knowing the current characteristics of the power supply will help to use its resources more efficiently, selecting more suitable charging parameters. The very procedure of testing is not very difficult, if you follow the correct connection to the contacts and correctly read the values.

Similar articles

 

 

 

 

Trending Now

 

 

 

 

Newest

Copyright © 2018 en.birmiss.com. Theme powered by WordPress.