AutoMeter BVA-350 User manual

28
BVA-350
Operator’s Manual
Hand Held-Accuracy with a 40 Amp Load
The BVA-350 is the a hand-held tester that is the auto industry’s answer
to portability in a professionally accurate battery load tester, charging
system analysis and voltage drop testing.

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27
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have purchased one of Auto Meter's hand-held Battery, Starting and
Charging System Analyzers. It is designed to test each component of a
vehicle's electrical system with speed and accuracy. If you should have
any questions about your tester, testing procedures or service see back
cover for contact information.
BVA 350
Load Test Capacity .................40 Amp
Battery Sizes...........................200-1600 CCA
Digital Display ........................1" x 2.5" - 4 line x 16 character
Volt Ranges.............................Digital 0-30
Cooling....................................Heat Sink Ventilation
Leads ......................................Load Amp-2 1/2 ft., 16 Gauge
Size .........................................3 3/4" x 6 3/4" x 1"
Memory ...................................stores the last 50 tests
Internal Battery........................9 Volt Alkaline
External Lead Sets..................10 ft.
Optional AC-22........................Infrared printer and carrying case
Optional AC-21 .......................Carrying case only
Optional AC-12 ......................PC Interface adapter cord
Weight.....................................1.36 lbs.
What to Expect from the BVA-350:
Immediately determine battery condition and perform a complete
starting and charging system analysis. The BVA-350 is a portable
full-featured menu-driven battery tester and system analyzer that
provides quick, professional load results using Auto Meter's Pulsed Load.
Preliminary quick battery checks will increase charging productivity. The
BVA-350 is user friendly. It tells you what to do. The stator-diode test
automatically indicates open or shorted stator-diodes. It is professionally
accurate. The alternator test has the option of checking the charging
cables at the same time or you can use the Voltage Drop Test to test both
the charging and starting cables. Detailed test results are LCD displayed
after each test and can be reviewed and/or printed from memory.

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3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Specications -------------------------------------------------------2
Safety -----------------------------------------------------------------4
Cause of Battery Failure -----------------------------------------4
Inspection and Visual Check------------------------------------5
Controls and Functions-------------------------------------------6
Maintenance --------------------------------------------------------7
Clamp Replacement ----------------------------------------------7
Internal Battery Replacement-----------------------------------7
Test Sections
1. Hook Up --------------------------------------------------------8
2. Battery Preliminary Check ---------------------------------9
3. Battery Load Test-------------------------------------- 10 -11
4. Starter Draw Test --------------------------------------12 -13
5. Alternator Test------------------------------------------14 -15
Alternator Test Results ------------------------------------16
6. Voltage Drop Test ------------------------------------- 17-18
7. Other Menu Items
Review Tests -------------------------------------------19
Optional Printer with Carrying Case-------------- 19
Printing Test Results --------------------------------- 20
Voltmeter ------------------------------------------------21
Setup----------------------------------------------------- 22
PC Interface --------------------------------------------23
Using Window -----------------------------------------23
Download Test Information -------------------------24
Capturing Text into Microsoft Excel---------------25
About -----------------------------------------------------26
Error Messages --------------------------------------------------26
Warranty Information--------------------------------------------27
Contact Information ---------------------------------------------28
Note: The BVA-350 performs a preliminary check, load tests
6 volt and 12 volt batteries and tests 12 Volt and 24 Volt starting
and charging systems. The following examples illustrated are
for a 12 Volt system. The BVA-350 automatically identies
the appropriate voltage and displays the menu selection and
instructions needed for that system.
Specications -----------------------------------------------------2
Safety ----------------------------------------------------------------4
Cause of Battery Failure ---------------------------------------4
Inspection and Visual Check---------------------------------5
Controls and Functions----------------------------------------6
Maintenance -------------------------------------------------------7
Clamp Replacement---------------------------------------------7
Battery Replacement--------------------------------------------7
Test Sections
1. Hook Up--------------------------------------------------------8
2. Battery Preliminary Check-------------------------------9
3. Battery Load Test ------------------------------------10 -11
4. Starter Draw Test ------------------------------------12 -13
5. Alternator Test ----------------------------------------14 -15
Alternator Test Results ---------------------------------16
6. Voltage Drop Test------------------------------------ 17-18
7. Other Menu Items
Review Tests ------------------------------------------19
Optional Printer --------------------------------------19
Printing Test Results -------------------------------20
Voltmeter -----------------------------------------------21
Setup ----------------------------------------------------22
PC Interface -------------------------------------------23
Download Test Information ----------------------24
Capturing Text into Microsoft Excel ---------- 25
About ----------------------------------------------------26
Error Messages ------------------------------------------------- 26
Warranty Information -----------------------------------------27
Contact Information ------------------------------------------- 28

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25
SAFETY
Carefully read all operating instructions
before using the BVA-350
Wear proper protection when working
around batteries.
Be sure each test is complete before
removing load clamps to prevent
arcing and potential explosion from
battery gases. 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-350 to a battery that is connected
to any other tester or charging unit. Damage may result.
CAUSE OF BATTERY FAILURE
Incorrect Application: Wrong size battery may have inadequate
cold cranking Amp rating for original vehicle specications.
Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold-downs cause excessive
vibration, which can result in damage to the battery 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 old, the
failure may be caused by natural causes.
Overcharging: Overcharging caused by a high voltage regulator
setting or incorrect battery charging can cause excessive gassing,
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 charged.

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5
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 before attempting any electrical diagnosis.
VISUAL CHECK
Inspect Belts and Pulleys 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.
Inspect Starting System. Check starter, solenoid, and regulator for
loose connections, loose mounts and frayed or cracked wires.
Important Note: A known defective battery must be replaced before
proceeding.

AUTO METER
BVA-350
SYSTEM ANALYZER
READY TO CONNECT
VDrop
6
23
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
LCD:
Displays menus and test results.
KEYS:
When pressed, a beep sounds to
assure contact has been made.
On/Off Key:
The display will show “READY TO
CONNECT!” when the unit is turned
on.
Y Enter Key:
Selects the next menu, the cursor
line item and answers ‘yes’ to a test
progression.
+Up Key:
Moves the cursor up in order
to select a menu line item and
increments certain displayed values.
-Down Arrow Key:
Moves the cursor down in order
Cancels a test or progression. It also returns to the
previous menu.
Print Key:
Point the BVA-350 infrared print light towards the
Optional AC-22 infrared printer (up to 40 ft.) receiver
and press the print key.
Infrared Print Light:
Infrared data is transmitted to
the printer
to select a menu line and decrements certain
displayed values.
N Esc Key:
External Leads:
Jacks for external
lead sets.
PC Download Jack:
By removing the boot the
adapter cord AC-12 can be
inserted.

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7
MAINTENANCE
CLAMP MAINTENANCE:
Both jaws of each
clamp must rmly
engage the battery
terminal. The wire
CHECK OFTEN FOR LOOSE JAWS
OR DAMAGED INTERNAL INSULATOR
Over time the battery clamps will need to be replaced if any of the
following are indicated:
CCA values seem extreme.
If there is continuity between the copper insert and the clamps.
If there is excessive damage or corrosion to the cables or
clamps.
CLAMP and BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Remove the screws from the back cover.
Separate top and bottom cover and open like a book leaving the
ribbon in contact with the PC board that will remain with the back
cover.
CLAMPS: Remove the cables and strain relief. With the new
load clamp leads pointing down; insert the new strain relief into
the back cover. Make sure the red clamp wires are attached to
the left two screws of the green screw terminal (labeled POS)
and the black clamp wires are connected to the right two screws
(labeled NEG). It does not matter if either of the two red clamp
wires is switched. The same applies to the two black clamp
wires. Just make sure the red clamp wires are to the left (POS)
and the black clamp wires are to the right. (NEG)
BATTERY: Remove the battery and replace with a 9 Volt battery.
Match the (+) on the new battery with the (+) on the PC board.
Reverse the procedure to assemble the unit.
soldered to the copper insert jaw must be insulated from the
other wire soldered to the opposite handle. This insulation is
required so than one can read the Amps and the other reads the
Volts. Damaged clamps or loose wires will affect readings. Make
sure the copper jaw insert is properly insulated from the clamp
and the clamps are clean and in good repair.

821
1HOOK UP
Press the On/Off button: Connect the clamps as instructed on the LCD.
Enter the approximate battery
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius (seen note) then press (Y
Enter).
Note: Go to the setup to change temp scale to Celsius. 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! Take special care when connecting to battery side terminals.
If necessary use a side post adapter to prevent thread damage. When
testing dual post batteries always connect load clamps to the post to which
the system is attached. If a load test is made from a post connection
and the alternator is mounted to side terminals a battery load test can be
completed, but a continuity problem may still be in the side terminals when
testing the alternator.
CONNECTION ERRORS
If the clamps are reversed the Reversed Connection screen
will ash.
If one or both of the clamps are not in complete contact
(including both jaws) CHECK CONNECTIONS! will ash.
AUTO METER
BVA 350
SYSTEM ANALYZER
READY TO CONNECT
>ENTER BATTERY
TEMP 70F
USE +/-
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE

20 9
2PRELIMINARY CHECK
If connections are proper the following will be displayed:
After the battery check is complete the results will be displayed. The
following are two sample results.
Press (Y Enter) and continue the
load test.
The battery needs charging
before a Load Test can be made.
If you continue to the Load Test on a battery with a low state of charge,
you may be asked the following during the sequence:
Press (Y Enter) if the battery has
been on a charger.
CHECKING BATTERY
PLEASE WAIT…
PRELIM. CHECK
12.24V CHRG 50%
EST. CCA 1100
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE
CHARGE AND RETEST
10.95V CHRG 5%
EST. CCA 300
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE
>HAS BATTERY
BEEN CHARGED?
‘N’ OR ‘Y’

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3BATTERY LOAD TEST
After the Preliminary Check the
following will appear:
You can also select Battery
Test from the main menu and
then press (Y Enter).
Note: Enter the approximate
battery temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit or Celsius (See Note
on page 8). This request will
only appear if the load clamps
have been disconnected since
the preliminary check.
During the test the following will appear.
Wait for test results.
For ease of adjustment the estimated CCA rating from the battery check
will appear unless you have set a default CCA rating in the SETUP
menu. Press (Y Enter) to continue test.
Press the (+Up) or (-Down) key to
increment or decrement to the rated
CCA of the battery.
The down arrow indicate more
menu items
>BATTERY
STARTER
ALTERNATOR
VOLTAGE DROP
>ENTER RATED CCA
600
USE +/-.
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE
>ENTER BATTERY
TEMP 70F
USE +/-.
‘Y’ TO BEGIN
TESTING BATTERY
PLEASE WAIT…

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11
After the Load Test is completed one of the following sample results will
appear.
Ready for service.
If the battery is marginal, it should
be replaced under adverse driving
conditions.
Replace Battery
Charge and place into service.
Battery did not have a sufcient
charge for a complete Load Test.
Charge and retest.
#32 12V BATTERY
GOOD BATTERY.
12.84V CHG 100%
EST CCA 650
#33 12V BATTERY
BAD BATTERY
12.45V CHG 75%
EST CCA 120
#34 12V BATTERY
GOOD NEEDS CHRG..
12.24V CHG 50%
EST CCA 600
#35 12V BATTERY
CHARGE AND RETEST
12.06V CHG 25%
EST CCA 320
#32 12V BATTERY
MARGINAL BATTERY.
12.84V CHG 100%
EST CCA 450

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4STARTER OVERVIEW
The starter draw 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. What may appear to be a major
problem may turn out to be a minor problem. Also, what appears to be a
starter problem may be something more major.
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 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 DRAW TEST
Press (N Esc.) to return to main menu. Select Starter then press (Y
Enter).
You will be prompted to connect
large clamps if disconnected after
previous test. Press (Y Enter) to
continue.
Use (+Up) and (-Down) to move
cursor to the desired test.
Press (Y Enter) and the BVA-350
will do a preliminary check.
BATTERY
>STARTER
ALTERNATOR
VOLTAGE DROP
CHECKING BATTERY
PLEASE WAIT…
>CONNECT LARGE
CLAMPS TO THE
BATTERY.
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE

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13
Wait for instructions before cranking engine.
After a few seconds the test result will appear.
Compare draw reading with
manufactures specications
If manufacturer’s specications are not available the chart below can be
used as a general guideline. The amounts are in Amps.
NOTE: For Truck, bus, and
other heavy-duty engines and
starters, refer to manufacturer’s
specications.
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. Repair or replace
starter as needed.
If the results are out of specication do the following:
< Inspect the connectors for excessive voltage drop.
< Repair or replace any defective cables or connectors.
< Retest the system.
STARTER DRAW AND DIESEL ENGINES
There are a few points to consider in testing a starter on a diesel
engine. The BVA-350 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 Starter Draw Test.
< Repeat the test in different ways and compare results.
650A
>START ENGINE
‘N’ TO CANCEL
#40 12V STARTER
BEG. VOLTS 12.33
END VOLTS 10.11
EST DRAW 292

14 15
5ALTERNATOR OVERVIEW
This test measures the output of the alternator 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
Alternator.
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? (See section 2 and 3)
Make sure all electrical items are off.
Check for Alternator noise indicating worn out bearings or loose or
glazed belt.
AUTO METER
BVA-350
SYSTEM ANALYZER
READY TO CONNECT
VDrop
ALTERNATOR
SETUP

14
15
ALTERNATOR OVERVIEW ALTERNATIOR TEST
Use the (+Up and -Down) keys
to move cursor to the desired
test.
You will be instructed to
connect the large clamps to the
battery.
You will be prompted with the
OPTION to test the cables.
Note: Battery should be in good condition and near full state of charge
before proceeding with this test. Press (N Esc.) to return to main menu.
Select Alternator Test then press (Y Enter).
If you select (Y Enter), you
will be instructed to connect
small clips to the alternator as
illustrated in the setup. Press
(Y Enter) to continue.
Start engine.
Allow the voltage to stabilize
until it stops rising. Press (Y
Enter)
Allow the BVA-350 to nish
the test (approximately 3 to 5
seconds).
BATTERY
STARTER
>ALTERNATOR
VOLTAGE DROP
>ALLOW VOLTAGE
TO STABILIZE
14.74V
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE.
START ENGINE.
‘N’ TO CANCEL
>CONNECT LARGE
CLAMPS TO THE
BATTERY
‘Y’ TO CONTINE
>CONNECT SMALL
CLIPS TO THE
ALTERNATOR
‘N’ OR ‘Y’
TESTING ALTER.
PLEASE WAIT…
>OPTION: ALSO
TEST ALTERNATOR
CABLES?
‘N’ OR ‘Y’

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13
ALTERNATIOR TEST RESULTS
Alternator has GOOD regulation
and GOOD output. (See Note 2
below)
High Regulation will damage
the system. Replace or repair
the Alternator. No indication of
cable condition if clips are not
connected to the alternator.
Good cables is indicated if clips are
connected to the alternator
High Voltage Drop indicating the
positive and negative cables. Output
cannot be determined until cables are
corrected.
Press (Y Enter).
NOTE 1: If the LCD reads "LOW AMP OUTPUT" it is recommended
that you run the test again with the engine at fast idle. If the LCD still
reads LOW AMP OUTPUT turn on the accessories and select the VOLT
METER test as show below and on page 21.
NOTE 2: Use the VOLT METER test as shown below and on page 21 to
obtain the actual diode ripple. Typically a ripple above 50mV indicates a
bad diode. If the system has a strong battery the ripple will be lower than
if the system has a weak battery.
Run this test with the accessories
on and the engine at fast idle. If the
voltage drops below 13 volts the
alternator does have LOW OUTPUT.
Press the (- Down) key to show
POS and NEG drop.
#43 12V ALT&CBL
GOOD REG. 14.13V
GOOD DIODE/CABLE
OUTPUT OVER 50A.
REVIEW/PRINT
>VOLT METER
DOWNLOAD/SETUP
ABOUT
#43 12V ALT&CBL
LOW REG. 12.83V
HIGH VDROP 1.95V
1.81 POS 0.14 NEG
--VOLT METER--
VOLTS: 14.50V
EXT V: 04.60V
RIPPLE 22.4mV
#43 12V ALTER.
GOOD REG. 14.13V
GOOD DIODES
OUTPUT OVER 50A.
#43 12V ALTER.
HIGH REG. 15.03V
GOOD DIODE
OUTPUT 20-50A.
--VOLT METER--
VOLTS: 13.94V
EXT V: 14.50V
0.36POS 0.20NEG

AUTO METER
BVA-350
SYSTEM ANALYZER
READY TO CONNECT
VDrop
12
17
STARTER OVERVIEW 6VOLTAGE DROP TEST
The generic setup can be used in all the previous applications as well as
it can be used to test the entire circuit, or any particular sections of any
circuit that includes battery, cables and any load.
Select >VOLTAGE DROP from
the main menu. (Down arrow in
the lower right corner indicates
more menu items).
Using the (+/-) key adjust Amp
rating to that of load device
being tested.
System
Setup
BATTERY
STARTER
ALTERNATOR
>VOLTAGE DROP
>ENTER RATED
CURRENT: 180A
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE

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11
VOLTAGE DROP TEST (Cont.)
Connect small leads to the battery
or along the circuit being tested as
illustrated in the setup and press
(Y Enter).
Then connect large leads to either
the alternator or starter or any
generic load such as a winch or
even a stereo connected to the
battery.
If all connections are correct, wait
for a load to be applied.
The results will vary depending
upon and the conditions of the
cables. Both the positive and
negative circuit results will be
indicated from the single test.
If the overall voltage drop is not within the desired specications the
small red lead can be moved closer along the line being tested at some
junction and the test can be run again. If the results are desirable, it is
the section not included in the second test, but included in the rst that is
bad. If the results are still not desirable, you can move the small red lead
closer and retest until you locate the problem.
>CONNECT LARGE
CLAMPS TO OTHER
END OF CIRCUIT.
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE
>CONNECT SMALL
CLIPS TO THE
BATTERY.
‘Y’ TO CONTINUE
LOADING
PLEASE WAIT...
#28 GEN. VDROP
VOLTAGE DROP
AT 250 AMPS:0.65V
0.33 POS 0.32 NEG

10
19
BATTERY LOAD TEST 7OTHER MENU ITEMS
From the rst four menu items you can scroll down to each menu
selection. The next selection after Voltage Drop is >REVIEW/PRINT.
The down arrow indicates
more menu items below.
REVIEW TESTS
The up arrow indicates
more menu items avove.
Press (Y Enter) to select
Review/Print.
The last test will be displayed.
Press (+Up) or (-Down) key to
select the desired test.
The optional AC-22 printer provides an opportunity to print any test
displayed on the LCD. This can be done after each test or from
review. An invisible infrared beam links the BVA-350 to the printer
from up to 40 ft away. No connection cords are needed. For more
instructions on how to operate the printer consult the printer manual.
Printer Type ------------------------------------ Thermal Printing
Paper ----------2.25 in x 80 ft. Thermal Paper (included)
Power ---- AC and Cigarette Lighter adapters (included)
OPTIONAL INFRARED PRINTER
BATTERY
STARTER
ALTERNATOR
>VOLTAGE DROP
STARTER
ALTERNATOR
VOLTAGE DROP
>REVIEW/PRINT
#43 12V aLTER.
GOOD REG. 14.46V
GOOD DIODES
OUTPUT OVER 50A.

20
9
Make sure the Infrared Printer is
properly set up.
After a test is made with the
BVA-350 make sure the results
are displayed on the LCD.
Point the BVA-350 in the
direction of the Infrared Printer
(within 40 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.
Multiple Test Printing:
Pressing the print button
repeatedly (up to six times) will
automatically print the test in
review and previous tests.
PRINTING TEST RESULTS
Point the BVA-350 in the direction of the AC-22 printer (in or out of the
case) with the printer’s IR receiver pointed in the direction of the BVA-
350. Press (Print). You should be within 40 ft of the printer. Wait for
the screen to clear before moving the BVA-350. It takes a few seconds
to send all the test data. The BVA-350 also operates the AC-14 printer
installed in Auto Meter’s XTC-150 tester/charger or BVA-2000 heavy-duty
tester/analyzer.