AutoMeter BVA-230OZR User manual

24
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2650-1954-77 3/20/18
BVA-230OZR
Operator's Manual
Hand Held-Accuracy with a Pulsed 120 Amp Load
The BVA-230OZR is the ultimate hand-held tester. It is the auto
industry's answer to portability in a professionally accurate load
tester and system analyzer.
Auto Meter Products Inc.
350 West Center Street
Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062
Service [phone] ext. 223
Toll Free (866) 883-TEST (8378)
Fax [phone]
www.autometertest.com
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Auto Meter Products Inc.
413 West Elm Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
Toll Free (866)-883-TEST (8378)
www.autometer.com/test

2 23
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have purchased one of Auto Meter's hand-held
Electrical System Analyzers. It is designed to test each
component of a vehicle's electrical charging and starting
system with speed and accuracy. If you should have any
questions about your tester, testing procedures, or service
see the last page of this booklet for contact information.
BVA-230OZR
Load Test Capacity..................120 Amp
Battery sizes ...........................100-1600 CCA
Digital Back-Lit Display ..........1" x 2.5" - 4 line x 16 character
Volt Ranges.............................Digital 0-30
Cooling....................................Vented
Leads ......................................Load Amp-3 1/2 ft., 6 Gauge
Size .........................................5 7/8" x 9 1/2" x 1 7/8"
Memory ...................................Stores the last 150 tests
Internal Battery........................9 Volt Alkaline
Weight.....................................4 lbs.
What to Expect from the BVA-230OZR:
Immediately recognize a bad battery and perform a complete
starting and charging system analysis.The BVA-230OZR is a
portable full-featured menu-driven battery tester, starting, and charging
system analyzer that provides quick, professional load results using Auto
Meter's Digital Pulse Load. The BVA-230OZR is user friendly. It tells you
what to do. Detailed test results are provided and displayed after each
test or can be reviewed and/or printed.
Caution: The BVA-230OZR grill may get hot after repeated use. Be sure
to hold the unit from the side grips only. Keep hands away from the grill.
NOTES

22 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specications -------------------------------------------------------3
Safety -----------------------------------------------------------------4
Cause of Battery Failure -----------------------------------------4
Inspection and Visual Check------------------------------------5
Controls and Functions-------------------------------------------6
Maintenance --------------------------------------------------------7
Clamp/Lead Replacement---------------------------------------7
Battery Replacement ---------------------------------------------8
Sections
1. Hook Up --------------------------------------------------------9
2. Battery Test ----------------------------------------------10-12
3. Starter Test-----------------------------------------------13-16
4. Alternator Test -------------------------------------------17-18
5. Other Menu Items
Review Tests ------------------------------------------- 19
Printing Test Results --------------------------------- 20
Voltmeter ------------------------------------------------21
Setup-----------------------------------------------------21
Contact Information-----------------------------------24
Note: The BVA-230OZR checks and load tests 6 volt and 12
volt Batteries and tests the starting and charging systems on 12
volt and 24 volt systems. The following examples illustrated are
for a 12 volt system. The BVA-230OZR automatically identies
the appropriate voltage and displays the menu selection and
instructions needed for that system.
NOTES

4 21
Scroll Down to Volt Meter then select Volt Meter by pressing Y
Note: If the car is running and the
clamps are attached to the battery
a high ripple (over 50mV) indicates
bad diodes in the alternator.
SETUP
Scroll Down to Setup, Select setup by pressing Y
Select the temperature in Fahrenheit
or Centigrade.
Press (Y Enter)
--VOLT METER--
VOLTS: 12.24V
RIPPLE 00.0mV
>SET TEMPERATURE
SCALE: F.
USE +/-.
'Y' TO SELECT
>SET LANGUAGE:
ENGLISH
USE+/-
'Y' TO SELECT
Choose between English or Spanish
using the + and - keys to change the
language. Press 'Y' to select.
REVIEW/PRINT
>VOLT METER
SETUP
ABOUT
REVIEW/PRINT
VOLT METER
>SETUP
ABOUT
VOLT METER
Carefully read all operating instructions before
using the BVA-230OZR
Wear eye protection when working around
batteries.
Be sure each test is completed before removing
load clamps to prevent arcing and potential
explosion from battery gases. Never remove
load clamps while testing. Keep sparks, ames or
cigarettes away from batteries.
Keep hair, hands, and clothing as well as tester
leads and cords away from moving blades and
belts.
Provide adequate ventilation to remove car exhaust.
In extremely cold temperatures, check for frozen electrolytic uid before applying load.
Do not attempt to Load Test or charge a battery under 20 degrees. Allow the battery to
warm to room temperature before testing or charging.
Warning! Never attach the BVA-230OZR to a battery that is connected to any other
tester or charging unit. Damage may result.
Incorrect Application: Wrong size battery may have inadequate cold cranking rating
for original vehicle specications.
Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold-downs cause excessive vibration, which
can result in damage to the plates.
Improper Maintenance: Low electrolytic uid and corrosion on battery connections
can greatly reduce battery life and affect battery performance.
Age of Battery: If the date code on the battery indicates it is fairly old, the failure may
be due to natural causes.
Overcharging: Overcharging caused by a high voltage regulator setting or incorrect
battery charging can cause excessive gasing, heat and water loss.
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by a faulty charging system or low voltage
regulation can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates
greatly reducing the battery's capacity and ability to be recharged.
SAFETY
CAUSE OF BATTERY FAILURE
Note: Power switch must be ON to
communicate with POSI-160.
TESTING OF HYBRID VEHICLES
DO NOT test the starter, alternator and/or 12 volt starting battery.
DO NOT remove, service or test the hybrid battery pack under any circumstances.
WARNING!

20 5
PRINTING TEST RESULTS
After a test is made with the BVA-230OZR make sure the
results are displayed on the LCD.
Point the BVA-230OZR in the direction of the IR Receiver
(within 15 ft.)
Press the <Print> key and the test results will be printed.
Depending upon the test made the printer will sometimes yield
more information than the LCD.
Point the BVA-230OZR IR Transmitter in the direction of the IR Receiver.
Press (Print). You should be within 15 ft. of the IR Receiver. Wait for the
screen to clear before moving the BVA-230OZR. It takes a moment to
send all the test data.
INSPECTION
Valid automotive electrical system testing depends on
all the components being in good operating condition.
In addition, the battery MUST have sufcient charge
for testing. Carefully perform the following steps
before attempting any electrical diagnosis.
VISUAL CHECK
Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed surface and
fraying. Customer should tighten loose belts.
Inspect Battery for
terminal corrosion, loose
or broken posts, cracks
in the case, loose hold-
downs, moisture, and dirt
around the terminals.
Inspect Starting System. Check starter, solenoid, and regulator for loose
connections, loose mounts and frayed or cracked wires.
Important Note: A damaged battery must be replaced before proceeding.

6 19
5OTHER MENU ITEMS
REVIEW TESTS
Press (Y Enter) to select
Review/Print.
The last test will be displayed.
Press (+Up) or (-Down) key to
select the desired test. Press
(N Esc.) to go to main menu.
Scroll Down to Review/Print
Scroll down to about.
Press Y to select.
REVIEW/PRINT
VOLT METER
SETUP
>ABOUT
ABOUT SCREEN
The about screen shows the
model number. Firmware
revision and the tester
serial number.
Press any key to go back to
the menu.
BVA-230OZR
VERSION 2.12
SER #: 17533
COPYRIGHT 2012
>REVIEW/PRINT
VOLT METER
SETUP
ABOUT
#44 12V ALTER.
VOLT REG PASSED
DIODE PASSED
OUTPUT PASSED
AUTO METER
BVA-230OZR
07/07/10 10:00AM
'Y' TO BEGIN
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
LCD:
Displays menus and test results.
KEYS:
When each key is pressed, a beep sounds
to assure contact has been made.
On/Off Key:
This is the manual on/off key.
Y Enter Key:
This key selects the next menu, the
cursor line item and answers 'yes' to a test
progression.
N Esc Key: This key cancels a test or
progression. It also returns to the previous
menu.
+Up Key:
This key moves the cursor up in order to
select a menu line item and increments
certain displayed values.
-Down Arrow Key:
This key moves the cursor down in order
to select a menu line and decrements
certain displayed values.
Print Key:
Point the BVA-230OZR infrared print light
towards the IR Print Receiver and press
the print key. Continue to point the print
light towards the IR Print Receiver until
printing is completed. Test results will be
printed.
On Menu an Up or Down Arrow
means the are more options than are
displayed.
Infrared Print Light:
When the print button is pressed
infrared data will be transmitted to the
printer IR receiver if pointed in the
appropriate direction (up to 15 ft.).
USB Type Mini B - Used for tethering to
the POSI-160.
Mini B USBInfrared Print Light

18 7
NOTE 1: If the LCD reads " OUTPUT FAILED" it is recommended you run the
test again with the engine at fast idle (2,000 RPM or more.)
If Measured Output is displayed
the output may be low for some
systems.
ALTERNATOR TEST cont.
#43 12V ALTER.
VOLT REG PASSED
DIODE PASSED
OUTPUT FAILED
MAINTENANCE
CHECK OFTEN FOR LOOSE JAWS
OR DAMAGED INTERNAL PLASTIC
SHOULDER INSULATORS
BATTERY CLAMP/LEAD REPLACEMENT
Over time the battery clamps will need to be replaced if any of the following are indicated:
CCA values seem to be way off.
If there is continuity between the copper jaws.
If there is excessive damage or corrosion to the cables or clamps.
Store clamps on posts as shown.
1. Remove protective rubber boot from tester.
3. Remove both volt lead Phillips head screws,
lock washers, and flat washers using a
Phillips screw driver.
4. Remove the 8 mm hex head bolt, lock
washer, and flat washer from the positive side
current lead using an 8 mm socket.
2. Remove battery cover on the back of the
tester by removing the 4 Phillips head screws
using a Phillips screw driver.
Both jaws of each clamp
must rmly engage the
battery terminal. The
copper jaw contains the
smaller gauge wire that
reads the voltage and
the silver jaw contains
the larger conducting
wire that draws the
load in each test. Jaw
insulation is necessary
for accurate readings.
Damaged clamps or
loose wires will affect the
readings. Keep clamps
clean and in good repair.
IMPORTANT:
High Regulation will damage
the system. High Regulation is
likely due to a faulty alternator
and/or voltage regulator.
#43 12V ALTER.
VOLT REG FAILED
DIODES PASSED
'Y' TO CONTINUE

8 17
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When the LCD indicates a low internal battery, the BVA-230OZR will shut
down and not operate until the 9 volt battery is replaced. Remove rubber
insulator boot, then remove the back cover and replace the battery.
ALTERNATOR TEST
This test measures the output of the charging systems under load
conditions. This information provides the basis for further charging system
tests. It also detects the presence of an open or shorted diode that causes
an output loss of several amps and can cause the failure of other diodes.
Symptomatic Check before Proceeding:
Battery should be in good condition and charged before testing the Charging System.
Check warning light indications.
Check belt condition and tension.
Check all cables and connections.
Check the battery for corrosion and dirty terminals.
Does the battery have a low state of charge?
Make sure all electrical items are off.
Check for Alternator noise.
Allow the alternator test to nish.
Test result will appear. The following are examples.
Alternator has GOOD
regulation and GOOD
output.
Bar at the bottom of the screen will
show the tests progress.
The BVA-230OZR will allow the
voltage to stabilize before starting
the test bar at the bottom of the
screen that shows the test progress.
Be patient, it can take up to 30
seconds for the voltage to stabilize.
Some vehicles have a fuel saving
feature that shuts down the alternator.
If the tester detects a low charging
voltage it will prompt you to turn on
the headlights and wait up to two
minutes to allow alternator to come
up to the proper voltage.
Use the (+Up) and (-Down) arrows to
move cursor to the desired test.
#43 12V ALTER.
VOLT REG PASSED
DIODES PASSED
OUTPUT PASSED
TESTING ALTERNATOR
PLEASE WAIT…
ALLOW VOLTAGE
TO STABILIZE
14.43
TURN ON LIGHTS
'Y' TO CONTINUE
BATTERY TEST
STARTER TEST
>ALTERNATOR TEST
REVIEW/PRINT
5. Remove the 10 mm hex head bolt, lock
washer, and flat washer from the negative
side current lead using an 10 mm drive socket.
6. Unthread both cable strain reliefs from the
tester, and pull both cables out of the tester.
7. Remove rubber insert from both threaded
fittings on tester.
8. Cut off the small plastic fingers from both
threaded fittings using a wire cutter.
9. Insert cables through threaded fittings.
Fittings have a slot on the inside to clear
the terminal. Align the terminal with the
slot when inserting the cable through
threaded fitting.
10.Continue installing replacement cable and
clamp assemblies in reverse order of
removal. Note hardware assembly order.
(Fastener, lock washer, then flat washer)
11.Tighten hardware. Recommended torque:
A. 8 mm & 10 mm hex head screws: 22 IN. LBS.
B. Phillips head Volt lead screws: 6 IN. LBS

16 9
1HOOK UP
Press the On/Off button: Connect the clamps as instructed on the LCD.
CONNECTION ERRORS
If the clamps are reversed the Reversed Connection warning will be
displayed on the LCD with an audible beeping.
If one or both of the clamps are not in complete contact (both the copper
and silver jaw) CHECK CONNECTIONS! will ash on the LCD.
If manufacturer's specications are not available the chart
below can be used as a general guideline. The amounts
are in Amps.
There are a few points to consider in testing a starting system on a diesel engine.
The BVA-230OZR is designed to recognize any signicant amount of draw; this
includes glow plugs in small diesel engines. In heavy-duty applications consider
computer and accessory draw.
• Make sure you start the engine quickly. The engine should be warm.
• Turn the ignition on and allow the glow plugs to heat up and click off before you
run the Starting Test.
• Repeat the test in different ways and compare results.
If the results are out of specication do the following:
If "Battery in Vehicle" was selected at the start of the Battery Test the
unit will automatically go to the Alternator Test.
• Inspect the connectors for excessive voltage drop.
• Repair or replace any defective cables or connectors.
• Retest the system.
STARTER TEST cont
If still out of specications: High Amp reading may indicate engine is out of time
or a faulty starter. Some possible causes are shorted windings, bent armature,
broken housing or bad bearings.
STARTING CURRENT DRAW AND DIESEL ENGINES
5 Cyl DsL
Up to 400A
5 Cyl Gas
Up to 250A
650A
AUTO METER
BVA-230OZR
07/07/10 10:45AM
'Y' TO BEGIN
>ENTER BATTERY
TEMP 70F
USE +/-. 12.56V
'Y' TO CONTINUE
Enter the approximate battery
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit then press (Y Enter).
Note: Go to the setup to change temp scale to centigrade. The temperature
request only appears once for each battery tested. If the clamps are
disconnected you will be prompted again to begin a new battery test.
Note! Use the side terminal feature on the clamp to connect
battery side terminals. When testing dual post batteries
always check the post to which the system is attached.
Connect Black
Clamp to Negative
(-) Terminal Connect Red
Clamp to
Positive (+)
Terminal

10 15
BATTERY TEST
If the current is over 250A, the system will need more information to determine if
the starter is good. The next screen will ask what type of engine you are testing.
STARTER TEST cont
WHAT TYPE ENGINE
ARE YOU TESTING?
GAS
>DIESEL
HOW MANY CYLNDRS
DOES ENGINE HAVE
>5 CYLINDERS
6 CYLINDERS
Use the +/- key to choose between
GAS and DIESEL. Press 'Y' to select.
If the engine is diesel the system will
need to know the number of cylin-
ders the engine has. Use the +/- key
to choose either 4, 5, 6 or 8. Press 'Y'
to select.
If battery in vehicle was selected
the BVA-230OZR will automatically
proceed to the alternator test, once
the 'Y' is pressed. Pressing the 'N'
key goes back to the main menu.
The screen to the left will appear
and gives the user 2 seconds
to cancel the alternator test by
pressing the 'N' key.
The chart on page 16 shows the current limits for the different engine types. If
the starter is likely to have a problem the following screen will appear.
#74 12V START.
CURRENT: 680A
- FAILED -
'Y' TO CONTINUE
PREPARING FOR
ALTERNATOR TEST
'N' TO CANCEL
Select Battery Test from the main menu
and then press (Y Enter).
Use the (+ Up) or (-Down) key to
move the cursor. The options are
Super Start, Optima, and Other.
Press 'Y' to select 'N' will go back
to the Temperature Screen.
Super Start
Economy
Extreme
Platinum
Premium
Commercial
Lawn & Garden
Marine
Power Sport
Other
Starting
Commercial
Lawn & Garden
Marine
Power Sport
Optima
Red
Yellow
Blue
Use the (+ Up) or (-Down) key to move
the cursor. Press 'Y' to select. This list
will vary depending on the battery brand
selected.
BATTERY BRAND?
>SUPER START
OPTIMA
OTHER
BATT. CATEGORY?
>ECONOMY
EXTREME
PLATINUM
ENTER BATTERY
TEMP 70F
USE +/- 12.56V
'Y' TO CONTINUE
BATTERY LOCATION
>IN THE VEHICLE
OUT OF VEHICLE
'Y' TO SELECT
>BATTERY TEST
STARTER TEST
ALTERNATOR TEST
REVIEW/PRINT
The test will automatically
proceed when the clamps are
connected.
Note: Enter the approximate battery
temperature.
Press the (+UP) or (-Down) key to
select either "In the Vehicle" or "Out
of the Vehicle". Press 'Y' to select.
CONNECT CLAMPS
TO BATTERY
RED+ BLACK-
'N' TO CANCEL
If any of the tests (battery test or starter test, or alternator test) are selected and
the clamps are not connected to the battery the following screen will appear.
2

14 11
BATTERY TEST (cont.)
If the reading is below 7.2 Volts you will get the following:
Surface charge removed if
detected.
Wait for test results.
Bar at the bottom of the screen will
show the tests progress.
The BVA-230OZR serial number and test number are displayed to help
reference the test to the print out.
Wait for instructions before cranking engine.
If the current draw is between 75A & 250A (for gas powered engines) the starting
system is likely good and the following screen will appear
If the current is under 75A a solenoid connection or corrosion problem is likely and the
following screens appear.
STARTER TEST cont
>START ENGINE
'N' TO CANCEL
#40 12V START.
CURRENT 200A
- PASSED -
'Y' TO CONTINUE
The BVA-230OZR will test the
starting system. A bar at the
bottom of the screen will show the
tests progress.
TESTING STARTER
PLEASE WAIT ...
Press the (-Down) key to dis-
play the next screen. Press Y or
N to go to the main menu.
#73 12V START.
CURRENT 60A
- FAILED -
'Y' TO CONTINUE
TESTING BATTERY
PLEASE WAIT...
S#22010 T#32
IS THIS A 6V
BATTERY?
'N' OR 'Y'
REMOVING SURFACE
CHARGE...
S#22010 T#32
Press the (+Up) or (-Down) key
to increment or decrement to the
rated CCA of the battery. Press
'Y' to enter and start the test.
If you are testing a 6V battery
press 'Y'. If you are testing a 12V
battery press 'N'
If OTHER brand was selected, the
battery rating type is needed. Use the
(+Up) or (-Down) key to move the cursor.
Press 'Y' to select. Depending on the
battery type the choices will vary. The
options are CCA, CA, MCA, and AH.
For some battery
categories the battery
type is needed. Use the
(+Up) or (-Down) key to
move the cursor. Press
'Y' to select. Press 'N' to
go back to the Battery
Category screen.
For marine batteries the battery function
type is needed. Use the (+Up) or (-Down)
key to move the cursor. Press 'Y' to
select. Press 'N' to go back to the Battery
Type screen.
ENTER BATTERY
RATING: 600 CCA
USE +/-
'Y' TO CONTINUE
BATTERY RATING
>MCA
CCA
CA
BATTERY TYPE?
>STANDARD
AGM
'Y' TO SELECT
BATTERY TYPE?
>STD. STARTING
STD. DEEP CYCLE
AGM STARTING

12 13
After the Digital Pulse Load Test is completed results similar
to one of the following sample screens will appear.
Battery passes
testing. Return to
service.
Charge battery and place into
service.
Battery did not have a sufcient
charge for a Digital Pulse Load
Test. Charge and retest battery.
Battery passes testing but is in
last quarter of its life. Battery is
currently okay, but should be
tested periodically.
If battery in vehicle was selected
the BVA-230OZR will automatically
proceed to the starter test. Once
the 'Y' key is pressed. Pressing
the 'N' key goes back to the Main
Menu. The following screen will
appear and gives the user 2
seconds to cancel the starter test
by pressing the 'N' key.
Battery did not have
sufcient remaining
capacity to pass tests.
Battery should be replaced
immediately.
Battery has a bad cell.
Battery should be replaced
immediately.
BATTERY TEST (cont.) 3
#32 12V BATT.
GOOD BATTERY.
'Y' TO CONTINUE
#33 12V BATT.
BAD BATTERY
'Y' TO CONTINUE
#33 12V BATT.
BAD BATTERY
BAD CELL
'Y' TO CONTINUE
#34 12V BATT.
GOOD NEEDS CHRG.
'Y' TO CONTINUE
#35 12V BATT.
CHARGE & TEST
'Y' TO CONTINUE
#36 12V BATT.
GOOD, IN LAST
QUARTER OF LIFE
'Y' TO CONTINUE
PREPARING FOR
STARTER TEST
'N' TO CANCEL
STARTER TEST
The starter test measures the amount of current needed to crank the
engine and provides the initial information to diagnose and/or further test
the starting system if necessary
Symptomatic Check before Proceeding:
Check all cables and connections.
Check the battery for corrosion and dirty terminals.
Check starter/solenoid for visual defects.
Check the ignition switch and any magnetic switches for
loose or bad wiring, loose mounting, or connections and
sticking contacts.
Check for starter/solenoid noise. The type of noise or the
lack thereof can help in diagnosing the problem.
Does the solenoid click, but the starter does not turn? Does
the starter turn, but not engage the ywheel? Is the starter
sluggish?
Note: A remote starter switch (Part No. INN 3630) can be used to
bypass the ignition switch and crank the engine from under
the hood. This way the sounds of the starter can be heard.
STARTER TEST
Press (N Esc.) to return to main menu. Select Starter Test then press (Y
Enter).
Use the (+Up) and (-Down)
to move cursor to the
desired test
Press (Y) and tester prepares
for the starter test. Bar at
the bottom of the screen will
show the progress.
BATTERY TEST
>STARTER TEST
ALTERNATOR TEST
REVIEW/PRINT
PREPARING FOR
STARTER TEST