Using the Battery Voltage Tester Overview

Using the Battery Voltage Tester

Overview

This battery charger has a built-in voltmeter to test your battery’s state of charge. A recently charged battery could have a temporarily high voltage due to what is known as “surface charge”. The voltage of such a battery will gradually drop during the period immediately after the charging system is disengaged. Consequently, the tester could display inconsistent values for such a battery. For a more accurate reading, the surface charge should be removed by temporarily creating a load on the battery, such as by turning on lights or other accessories for a couple of minutes before you read the display. Read it a couple of minutes after you have shut the headlights off.

Testing Sequence: There are five basic steps required to test the battery state of charge:

1.With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Sections 6 and 7.

2.Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.

3.Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.

4.Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in Section 8.

5.Read the voltage on the voltmeter.

Using the Alternator Performance Tester

Overview

This battery charger has a built-in alternator tester that displays an estimate of the alternator’s relative output compared to normal alternators. The alternator % values displayed should be taken as a general reference, not a precise diagnosis. The alternator tester functions the same as the built-in battery voltage tester (see previous section for details) with a few differences.

Testing Sequence: There are five basic steps required to operate this unit as an alternator tester:

1.With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Sections 6 and 7.

2.Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.

3.Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.

4.Start the vehicle and turn on the vehicle’s headlights. Read the voltage on the voltmeter.

Using the Battery Load Tester Feature (PSW-3060 only) Overview

Load testing is the process of putting demand on a system or device and measuring its response.

Testing Sequence: There are five basic steps required to load test a battery.

1.Confirm that the charger is not plugged in.

2.Select the correct setting of the meter (6V or 12V) to match the battery to be tested.

3.Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.

4.Connect the battery following the precautions listed in Sections 6 and 7.

5.Press the Load Switch to LOAD ON for 10 seconds while reading the voltmeter.

Green – Indicates the battery capacity is OK. The battery may or may not be fully charged. Check the specific gravity to determine the state of charge. If the specific gravity shows less than a full charge, check for an electrical drain on the battery or for possible charging system problems. Recharge the battery to full charge.

Yellow or Red, but the needle remains steady – Indicates that the battery capacity is not satisfactory. The battery may be either defective or not fully charged. Check the specific gravity of the battery to see which condition exists. If charging does not bring the battery up to a full charge, the battery should be replaced.

Yellow or Red, but the needle continues to fall – Indicates the battery may be defective or rundown. Release the load switch, and note the voltmeter reaction. Voltage recovery into the green or above within seconds indicates a defective battery. A slow recovery indicates a rundown condition. For best results, check the specific gravity of the battery.

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