Special Tools

J 39200 Digital Multimeter

1. Check for obvious damage, such as a cracked or broken case or cover, that could permit the loss of electrolyte. Determine the cause of the damage and correct as needed.

If obvious damage is noted, replace the battery.

Important: Do not load test a frozen battery. Replace the battery instead.

2. Perform a battery load test.

2.1.	Measure the voltage across the terminals using J 39200 . The voltage should be 12 volts or higher with all loads off.

Unless the battery has just been discharged (such as by a load test or by cranking the engine), replace the battery if the voltage is below 12 volts.

2.2.	Leave J 39200 attached and connect a battery load tester across the battery terminals.

2.3.	If the battery has been charging, apply a 300 ampere load for 15 seconds in order to remove the surface charge from the battery. Remove the load.

Do not complete this step if the battery has not been recently charged.

2.4.	Wait 15 seconds in order to let the battery recover. Apply the specified load located on the battery label. Read the voltage after 15 seconds. Remove the load.

2.5.	If the voltage does not drop below the minimum value, the battery is good and should be returned to service. If the voltage drops below the minimum value listed, replace the battery. Refer to Battery Temperature vs. Voltage Drop.

The battery temperature must be estimated by feel and by the temperature the battery has been exposed to for the preceding few hours.