Load testing requires
use of battery side terminal adapters (AC Delco part number ST-1201, GM part
number 12303040 or equivalent) in order to ensure good connections. Do
not load test a frozen battery. Replace it instead refer to
Battery Replacement
.
- Use a voltmeter in order to check voltage across terminals. With
all loads off, and a green dots showing in the hydrometer, voltage should
be 12 volts or higher. If not, replace the battery refer
to
Battery Replacement
.
- With the voltmeter still attached, connect a battery load tester
across the battery terminals.
Important: Do not apply amperage or remove the load if the battery has not been
recently charged.
- If the battery has been on charge, apply a 300 ampere load for
15 seconds in order to remove the surface charge from the battery.
- Remove the load.
- Wait 15 seconds in order to let the battery recover. Apply
the specified load located on the battery labe or refer to
Battery Usage
.
- Read the voltage after 15 seconds, then remove the load.
Important: You must estimate the battery temperature by feel and by temperature
that the battery has been exposed to for the proceeding few hours.
- If voltage does not drop below the minimum, the battery is good and
you can return the battery to service. Refer to
Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot
.
- If the voltage drops below the minimum, replace the battery. Refer
to
Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot
.