AutoMeter BCT-468 User manual

1
�
BCT-460/468
Operator's Manual
Hand Held-Accuracy with a Pulsed 120 Amp Load Heavy Duty
The BCT Tester is the ultimate hand-held tester. It is the industry's answer to
portability in a professionally accurate load tester and system analyzer.

2
CONGRATULATIONS!
BCT-460/468
Load Test Capacity...............................................120 Amp
Battery sizes.........................................................100-1600 CCA
Display ................................................................7" BCT-460, 8” BCT-468 (1024X600)
Volt Ranges..........................................................Digital 0-30
Cooling.................................................................Vented
Leads ...................................................................Load Amp-4 ft., 6 Gauge
Size ......................................................................19" BCT-460, 20” BCT-468 X 9" X 3"
Internal Battery.....................................................7.4 Volt Lithium Ion
Weight ..................................................................7 lbs.
What to Expect from the BCT-460/468:
The BCT Tester is a portable full-featured menu-driven battery tester, starting, and
charging system analyzer that provides quick, professional load results using Digital Pulse
Load. The BCT Tester is user friendly. It guides you through the test and tells you what to
do next.
Caution: The BCT Testers grill may get hot after repeated use. Be sure to hold the unit
from the side grips only. Keep hands away from the grill. Keep oil and liquids away from
the grill and load coils.
You have purchased one of AutoMeter's hand-held Electrical System Analyzers. It is designed
to test each component of a truck’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.
This appears during the 1st use of your new BCT Tester, and after
any software updates. Touch MORE to continue reading/reviewing the
agreement. Touch ACCEPT to continue to the testers home page. At the
end of the agreement, if you touch DECLINE, there will be a link you can
use to access this user agreement online, and for a printable version.
www.autometer.com/terms-of-use
User Agreement
LED, Wide Viewing Angle

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specications ...................................................................................... 2
User Agreement................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents................................................................................. 3
Safety ................................................................................................. 4
Inspection and Visual Check ............................................................... 5
Wireless Communication..................................................................... 6
Controls and Functions/Review Results/About ................................... 6-8
Set Up ................................................................................................. 9
Tester Conguration/Settings .............................................................. 10
Replacement Parts and Accessories................................................... 11
Hook Up............................................................................................... 12
Heavy Duty PM Test ............................................................................ 13-16
Full System Tests ................................................................................ 17-24
Light Duty PM Test .............................................................................. 25-27
Individual Tests
Battery Test .............................................................................. 28-30
Starter Test ............................................................................... 31-34
Alternator Test .......................................................................... 35-37
Voltmeter .................................................................................. 42
Current Probe`.......................................................................... 42
Voltage Drop Tests
Starter Cable Test..................................................................... 38
Charging Cable Test ................................................................. 39
Generic Cable Test................................................................... 40-41
Magnetic Circuit........................................................................ 41
Voltage Drop Test Results ........................................................ 41
Using the Optional Current Probe ....................................................... 42
AMPNET.............................................................................................. 43
Trouble Shooting ................................................................................. 44-45
Warranty .............................................................................................. 46
Contact Information ............................................................................. 47
Note: The BCT Tester performs a complete electrical system test that checks
the battery pack, starter cable voltage drop, starter test, alternator cable voltage
drop, and alternator test.

4
Carefully read all operating instructions
before using the BCT Tester.
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 vehicle 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 BCT Tester 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
This device is only to be used on 12V and
24V electrical systems. Not for use on high
voltage electrical systems.
WARNING!

5
Valid heavy duty 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.
Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed surface and fraying. Tighten loose belts.
Inspect Battery for terminal corrosion,
loose or broken posts, cracks in the case,
loose hold-downs, low electrolyte level,
moisture, and dirt around the terminals.
If the battery terminals are corroded or
dirty, clean terminals before performing any
tests.
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.
INSPECTION
VISUAL CHECK