Electrical System Quick Checks
Battery Test (Open Circuit Test)
Use a multimeter to measure the voltage between the battery terminals.
Set the multimeter to the DC volts setting. The battery should be at a temperature of 60 to 100 F. The ignition key should be off and all accessories turned off. Connect the positive (+) meter lead to the positive battery post and the negative (±) meter lead the the negative battery post.
NOTE: This test provides a relative condition of the bat- tery. Load testing of the battery will provide additional and more accurate information.
Voltage Measured | Battery Charge Level |
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12.68 V (or higher) | Fully charged (100%) |
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12.45 V | 75% charged |
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12.24 V | 50% charged |
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12.06 V | 25% charged |
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11.89 V | 0% charged |
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Charging System Test
This is a simple test used to determine if a charging sys- tem is functioning. It will tell you if a charging system has an output, but not its capacity.
Tool required: Digital multimeter set to DC volts.
Test instructions: Connect the positive (+) meter lead to the positive battery post, and the negative (±) meter lead to the negative battery post. Leave the test leads con- nected and record the battery voltage.
Note: Upon starting the engine, the battery voltage will drop and then increase once the engine is running.
Note: Depending upon the condition of the battery charge and battery temperature, the charging system voltage will increase at different rates as the battery charges.
Start the engine and run at 3200 RPM. Allow the battery to charge for at least 3 minutes. Record the battery volt- age.
Test results should be (example):
At least 0.50 volt over initial battery voltage.
Initial Battery Voltage | = 12.30v |
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Battery Voltage after 3 Minute Charge | = 12.80v |
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Difference | = +0.50 v |
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Electrical System
Glow Plug System Test
This is a fast, simple test that can help you determine a glow plug system's integrity and operation. The test should be run anytime hard starting (cold) is encoun- tered on a diesel engine equipped with a glow plug sys- tem.
Tool(s) required: Digital multimeter and/or AC/DC current transducer (Hall Effect).
Test instructions: Properly connect the current transduc- er to the digital multimeter (refer to manufacturer's
instructions). Set the multimeter on the volts scale. With the key off (or Glow Switch in the OFF position), place the current transducer around the main glow plug power supply wire(s) and read the meter prior to activating glow plug system. Adjust the transducer to read zero (if applicable). Cycle the glow plug system at least two times (per instructions in Operator's Manual) and record the final results.
The Reelmaster 2300±D glow plug system should have a reading of about 21 Amps.
Reelmaster 2300±D/2600±D | Page 5 ± 15 | Electrical System |
