Battery - how to check with a multimeter? car batteries

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The battery pack requires careful handling and generally strict adherence to operating rules. It must be understood that this is the most important component of the electrochemical structure of the car, on which the performance of many components and assemblies depends. Of particular importance in terms of maintenance is the analysis of the state of the battery. For this, special tools are used, in particular, they allow to estimate the voltage at which the battery operates. How to check this device with a multimeter is the central question of this article. Despite the outward ease of the process, there are many nuances that an auto mechanic and even a novice car enthusiast should take into account.

External inspection of the battery

Before the start of the event, the external condition of the battery should be assessed. Often, important conclusions about the operating potential of the device can be made already at this stage. First of all, visual inspection should show whether the block is damaged and unsuitable for recovery. This may indicate a serious physical deformation of the case or a violation of the tightness. In the latter case, the battery should be isolated immediately. "Howcheck with a multimeter?" - you can proceed to this question if no obvious external damage was found. However, this does not mean that you can immediately start the testing operation. The housing and especially the contact areas must be in a cleaned state. You should also make sure that that a particular battery instance is in principle allowed for testing at home by testers.

Checking a running block

The device is switched to active mode, after which, if necessary, you can set the range of values in which the battery will be evaluated. How to check the battery with a multimeter when the engine is running? The device is connected in the usual way, observing the polarities. In this case, the classic terminal connection configuration applies. As for the readings, a voltage level of 13.5 to 14 V is considered normal. It cannot be said that going beyond this indicates a serious breakdown in the power supply, but there are certain deviations in operation.

If the voltage exceeds 14.2 V, then it may be a low charge. That is, initially it will not be superfluous to inquire about what the charge should be at the time of the check. Perhaps its decrease was due to a frosty night, when the electronics automatically consumed energy for heating. In the question of how to check the battery charge, the preparation of other components of local electrical engineering is also important. You should initially turn off all consumers, and thenstart measuring.

Features of checking the battery in an idle state

Mechanics of measurement in this case corresponds to the model described above. To get the results, you need to wait 15 minutes - it depends on the version of the multimeter itself. By the way, the question of how to check the battery for performance often implies the execution of a procedure of this format. Moreover, the mere presence of electrochemical activity in the unit does not yet indicate the possibility of its normal operation.

Voltage readings less than 12 most often indicate that the unit is completely discharged and not suitable for use - at least at the moment. The range of normal values for operation when the engine is not running is a corridor of 12.5-13.0 V. According to the same readings, they find out what charge the auto-batteries have at the time of measurement. This technique does not give an accurate idea of \u200b\u200bthis value, but most often it turns out to be correct with a small error. So, for example, a voltage of 12.9 may indicate that the battery is 90% charged, and a level of 12.5 indicates a half 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, observing the polarities. But there is also an important feature of such a measurement. The answer to the question of how to check the battery with a voltmeter tester involves observing a short shutter speed at which the load will be applied. Immediately after connection, a countdown of 5 seconds should begin, after which the load stops and readings are taken from the device. If the tester shows 10 volts or more, then the charge is present and the battery can work. It should be borne in mind that the load plug in its interaction with the battery is similar to the starting discharge from the engine. However, it is often harmful to carry out such tests for the battery.

Checking battery density

Often, experienced car owners check the battery for electrolyte density. This procedure allows not only to learn about the state of the active substance, but also to assess the level of the same charge. To perform this operation, a hydrometer tester is used. Although some models of multimeters support this function. One way or another, the measurement result will be presented as a ratio of grams and cubic centimeters (g/cm³). For example, auto batteries with a density reading of 1.24 g/cm³ are considered to be optimally charged, serviceable and ready to go. Conversely, a reduced electrolyte density of 0.08 g/cm^{3 indicates that the block is less than half charged.}

Can I test a battery without a special tool?

There are also situations when electrical measuring instruments are not available, but it is important to have an idea about the state of the battery. How to checkcar battery in this case? Actually, the charge can be approximately estimated empirically. Checking with the help of automotive optics is practiced. Having initially added up the total load required to operate the lamps, you can test how the battery will provide it.

How to choose the right battery multimeter?

For a car, you need to have a small but functional device on hand. It is desirable that the device work with indicators such as capacitance, voltage, frequency and temperature. This set is enough for the user to comprehensively test any battery. "How to check with a multimeter a block that requires a different bit depth?" - this is also a common question that you should think about at the stage of buying a device. The more expensive and more complex the multimeter, the more bits, that is, with a deeper resolution, it works, so you should not save on this advantage either.

Conclusion

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