AutoMeter BVA-360 User manual

28
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BVA-360/360P
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
HAND-HELD ACCURACY WITH
A 40 AMP LOAD
2650-2006-77 7/11/22
Auto Meter Products Inc.
413 West Elm Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
Service [phone]
Toll Free (866) 883-TEST (8378)
www.autometer.com/test The BVA-360P is the Ultimate hand-held tester. It is the auto
industry’s answer to portability in a professionally accurate load
tester and system analyzer.

2 27
Specications .............................................................3
Safety .........................................................................4
Cause of Battery Failure.............................................4
Inspection and Visual Check ......................................5
Controls and Functions........................................... 6-8
Maintenance...............................................................9
Clamp Replacement...................................................9
Sections
1. Hook up ................................................................10
2. Battery Test......................................................11-13
3. Starter Test ...........................................................14
4. Charging Test .......................................................15
5. Full System Test ............................................. 16-18
CONTENTS NOTES
Other Items
• Review Results............................................... 19
• Printer............................................................. 20
• New Battery Reset.....................................21-22
• Settings & Unit Information........................23-24
• Voltmeter ........................................................ 25
• AMPNET and WiFi.......................................... 25
• Warranty Information ...................................... 26
• Replacement Parts......................................... 26
• Notes .............................................................. 27
• Contact Information ........................................ 28

26 3
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have purchased one of Auto Meter's hand-held Electrical
System Analyzers. It is designed to test the battery, and each
component of a vehicle's electrical starting and charging system
with speed and accuracy. If you should have any questions about
your tester, testing procedures, or service see page 28 for contact
information.
Specications
• Load Test Capacity ..................................................................... 40A
• Battery Sizes .................................................100 CCA to 1600 CCA
• Back-Lit Touch Screen User Interface ...................... 2.125” x 3.750”
• Volt Range ................................................................................0-30v
• Cooling .................................................................................. Vented
• Leads.......................................................................2.5 Ft., 16 Gage
• Size................................................................8-7/8” wide x 13” Long
• Memory................................................... Stores the last 1000 Tests
• Internal Battery ..... 7.2 Volt Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery. 3350 mAh
• Internal Battery Charging Input...................................5.0 VDC, 4.0A
• Weight ............................................................................ 3 lbs., 1 oz.
What to Expect from the BVA-360: Immediately recognize a bad battery
and perform a complete starting and charging system analysis. The
BVA-360 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-360 is user
friendly. It tells you what to do. Detailed test results provide “Next Steps”
advice and are displayed after each test or can be reviewed. With the
BVA-360P, you may also print the results.
Note: The BVA-360/360P checks and load tests 6 volt and 12
volt batteries, and tests the starting and charging systems on 12
volt systems.
AC-31 - Adapter for Group 31 Batteries
AC-74 - Side Terminal Adapter
AC-122 - Optional Charging Dock
AC-127 - Replacement Thermal Paper - 24pack
AC-124 - Replacement Lead Set
AC-140 - Replacement Wall Outlet Charger
R3-D - Battery Reset Adapter
Limited Warranty
12 MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE
The manufacturer warrants to the consumer that this product will be free from defects
in material or workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of original
purchase.
Products that fail within this 12 month warranty period will be repaired or replaced at
the manufacturer’s option to the consumer, when determined by the manufacturer that
the product failed due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is limited to
the repair or replacement of parts and the necessary labor by the manufacturer to effect
the repair or replacement of the product. In no event shall this warranty exceed the
original purchase price of the AutoMeter product nor shall AutoMeter Products, Inc. be
responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or costs incurred due to the
failure of this product.
Improper use, accident, water damage, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids
this warranty. The manufacturer disclaims any liability or consequential damages due to
breach of any written or implied warranty on its test equipment.
WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION
Original purchase date will be tracked by serial #. Please contact the call center if you
have a warranty question/issue. Shipper damage incurred during return shipments is not
covered under this warranty. It is the responsibility of the shipper (the customer returning
the Test Equipment) to package the tester properly to prevent any damage during return
shipment. Repair costs for such damages will be charged back to shipper
(customer returning the Test Equipment). Protect the product by shipping in original
packaging.
FCC Regulatory Information
Contains FCC ID: SQG-EWB1
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
▪ Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
▪ Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandreceiver.
▪ Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthattowhichthe
receiver is connected.
▪ Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.
REPLACEMENT PARTS

4 25
SAFETY
CAUSE OF BATTERY FAILURE
• 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 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 recharged.
• Carefully read all operating instructions before using the
BVA-360.
• 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-360 to a battery that is connected to
any other tester or charging unit. Damage may result.
VOLTMETER
To access the
Voltmeter option,
touch Other
Tests on the
Home page.
Connect the
clamps, Red to
positive, and Black
to negative to
obtain a reading.
Then touch
Voltmeter.
The BVA-360/BVA-360P can automatically receive
over-the-airrmwareupdateswhenconnectedtoWiFi.
The BVA-360/BVA-360P can optionally send test
results for storage and analysis to AutoMeter’s
AMPNET cloud data management services. This
requires an AMPNET account and an assigned
Location Code.
The BVA-360/BVA-360P uses a local 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
connection with WPA2 authentication to access
the internet for communications with the AMPNET
services. The local Wi-Fi network SSID name as well
astheWi-Fipasswordusedbythetesteriscongured
on the Settings Screen.
AMPNET & WiFi

24 5
• 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.
• Inspect Belts for cracks, glazed surface and fraying. Most late model
vehicles use an automatic belt tensioner. Tighten loose belts, or replace a
faulty belt tensioner.
• 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. Attempt to charge a dead battery prior to testing (a frozen battery
 mustbethawedrst!).
• 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.
Check for leaks, If no leaks are
present, top off with water, if
serviceable.
Correct loose or dirty battery terminal
Correct loose or low tension
alternator belt.
INSPECTION
SETTINGS & UNIT INFORMATION
Example: Here
you can change the
battery test defaults
to suit your needs,
by touching the
appropriate setting to
modify.
To display Unit
Info, touch
the icon in the
middle lower
part of the
screen.
Example of the
Unit Info page.

6 23
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Power Button/
Power Indicator
Printer and Printer
Paper Compartment
(On BVA-360P
Version)
Paper Feed
Button/Printer
Indicator
(On BVA-360P
Version)
Includes
Battery, Starting,
and Charging
System Tests
Other Tests
Includes New
Battery Reset &
Voltmeter
Battery Test Only
Flashlight
Displays Tester Info
and Settings
USB Port Charging Port
Displays Unit Info
SETTINGS & UNIT INFORMATION
To display
settings, touch
the settings icon
on the left lower
of the screen.
Example of the
Settings page.
You can scroll up for
additional settings,
as shown.
Charging Test Only
Starting Test Only
Settings
Settings
Settings
When you tap on
a particular setting
(a non shaded
setting), you have
the option to
change that setting.
Shown here is the
Location Name
setting where you
can enter your
shop/Business
name.

22 7
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Clamp
Storage Tabs
Flashlight
Flashlight
Serial
Number Tag
Heat Vent
Infrared
Thermometer
NEW BATTERY RESET
Follow the
screen
prompts to
Turn On the
Ignition or
to Turn on
the Engine
during the
procedure.
If the vehicle
does not
contain a
supported
smart charging
system, the
Unsupported
result is
shown.
If the vehicle
is too old to
support OBD II
communications
or if the R3-D
Battery Reset
Adapter is
not properly
connected, the No
VIN Found result
is shown.
NOTE:
When replacing the battery on a vehicle with a smart charging system, be sure
to install a battery that has an equal or greater CCA rating, and also that the
battery type matches the OEM battery. (Replace an AGM battery with an AGM
battery).Forvehiclesthatrequirethesmartchargingsystembereset,conrm
the compatibility of the tester and adapter with the vehicle prior to replacing the
battery.
When the battery
reset process
completes
successfully, the
Complete result is
shown. No further
action is needed.

8 21
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
• Power Button: To power on, push and hold the button for 1 second, then
release.
• To put the unit “to sleep”, push and hold the power button for about 2
 seconds.Theword“Sleep”willashonceonthescreen,thenyoucanletgo
of the button, and the screen will go dark. When in sleep mode, the power
 buttonwillashgreenabouteverythreeseconds.
• To “wake up” the tester from “Sleep” mode, simply push the power button for
about 1 second, then let go.
• To power the unit off, push & hold the power button for 5 or 6 seconds. The
 word“Off”willashonceonthescreen,thenyoucanletgoofthebutton.
• Printer Compartment: Lift up on the tab in the center of the printer
compartment door to open the door, and to access the paper roll. To close,
simply push it shut at both lower corners until it clicks shut.
• Settings: This displays the tester Model Number, Serial Number, Firmware
Revision, Date & Time, Store number, Store address, Store phone number,
Temperature units, Language, and Wi-Fi SSID.
• Flash Light:Amomentarytouchoftheashlighticononthescreenwillturn
 ontheashlightonthebackoftheunit.Anothermomentarytouchofthisicon
 willturntheashlightoff.
• Full System Test: This is used for a complete test which includes Battery,
Starting System, and Charging System. See page 16 for further information
on performing a Full System Test.
• Battery Test: This is used for a battery-only test in, or out of the vehicle. See
page 11 for further information on performing a Battery Test.
Starting Test: This is used for testing the starting system of a vehicle,
when a Full System test is not needed.
• Charging Test: You may use this when a charging system test is needed,
rather than a Full System Test, such as after an alternator replacement to
verify proper function.
• Other Tests:HereyouwillndNewBatteryReset,whichisusedtoresetthe
smart charging system required by some vehicles when a new battery is in
stalled in the vehicle. See page 21 for further information on performing a
 NewBatteryReset.YouwillalsondVoltmeter,(page25)whichisasimple
voltmeter mode for measuring battery voltage (up to 30v)
• Review Results: This unit stores up to 1,000 test results, and you can
review past results by touching this icon. See page 19 for further information
on reviewing results.
• Infrared Thermometer: Aim the thermometer on the back of the tester, at the
battery to be tested.
NEW BATTERY RESET
Connect the
R3-D Battery
Reset
Adapter to
the USB port
of the tester.
Touch Other
Tests.
Touch New
Battery
Reset.
For vehicles that support New Battery Reset such as late
model Ford Trucks, Late model BMW, and late model
Mini Cooper applications.
Touch the
green “Start
Battery
Reset”
button
to begin
the reset
procedure.
Connect the other
end of the Adapter
to the vehicle’s
OBD II port.

20 9
• Power Button: To power on, push and hold the button for 1 second, then
release.
• To put the unit “to sleep”, push and hold the power button for about 2
 seconds.Theword“Sleep”willashonceonthescreen,thenyoucanletgo
of the button, and the screen will go dark. When in sleep mode, the power
 buttonwillashgreenabouteverythreeseconds.
• To “wake up” the tester from “Sleep” mode, simply push the power button for
about 1 second, then let go.
• To power the unit off, push & hold the power button for 5 or 6 seconds. The
 word“Off”willashonceonthescreen,thenyoucanletgoofthebutton.
• Printer Compartment: Lift up on the tab in the center of the printer
compartment door to open the door, and to access the paper roll. To close,
simply push it shut at both lower corners until it clicks shut.
• Settings: This displays the tester Model Number, Serial Number, Firmware
Date, Date & Time, Store number, Store address, Store phone number,
Temperature units, Language, and Wi-Fi SSID.
• Flash Light:Amomentarytouchoftheashlighticononthescreenwillturn
 ontheashlightonthebackoftheunit.Anothermomentarytouchofthisicon
 willturntheashlightoff.
• Full System Test: This is used for a complete test which includes Battery,
Starting System, and Charging System. See page 14 for further information
on performing a Full System Test.
• Battery Test: This is used for a battery-only test in, or out of the vehicle. See
page 11 for further information on performing a Battery Test.
• Review Results: This unit stores up to 1,000 test results, and you can
review past results by touching this icon. See page 18 for further information
on reviewing results.
• Infrared Thermometer: Aim the thermometer on the back of the tester, at the
battery to be tested.
MAINTENANCE
Bothjawsofeachclampmustrmlyengagethebatteryterminal.Onecopperjaw
contains a wire that reads the voltage and the other jaw connects to another wire
that draws the load in each test. Damaged clamps or loose wires will affect the
readings. Keep clamps clean and in good repair.
Over time the battery clamps will need to be replaced if any of the following are
indicated:
• If there is excessive damage or corrosion to the cables or clamps.
• If there are signs of frayed, or broken wires between the tester and the
clamps.
• Grasp the leads connector at the top of the tester, and squeeze the two
locking tabs toward each other, and then pull the connector out of the
tester.
• The clamps & leads are offered as a complete set.
• To install, simply plug the connector of the new set into the top of the
tester until the locking tabs click, and are seated. The connector will only
plug in, one direction with the black connectors on top and the red
connectors on the bottom.
This tester is rechargeable and should be stored on the optional charging dock or
plugged into the wall outlet charger when not in use. When the tester is charging,
thepowerbuttonwillashred.Whenthetesterisnishedcharging,thepower
buttonwillashgreen.
BATTERY CLAMP/LEAD REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURE
Order Auto Meter model number AC-124 Replacement Lead Set
Charging the Tester
PRINTER (BVA-360P VERSION)
To Access the Printer
Paper, lift up on the
tab as shown in the
picture below, and
pull the printer door
open.
Printer Status Light:
If the Paper Feed Button/Status Light blinks twice quickly, then
the paper has run out, or the paper is not correctly inserted
underneath the printer door. A single, occasional blink means
the printer is functioning correctly.
Push the lid closed,
with the end of the
paper sticking out of
the tester.
You can push the button at the lower left of the
printer door to manually feed paper. The tester
must be on for the paper feed to function. If the
tester is in “Sleep” mode or turned off, it will not
feed paper when you push the button.
Clear out any old
paper, or debris from
the printer cavity.
Simply drop in the
new paper, with the
end of the paper
coming out from un-
derneath the roll, and
closest to the screen.
As shown.

10 19
HOOK UP
1. Turn the tester on
2. Connect the leads to the battery. Red to positive (+), and black to negative (-)
3. Choose either Battery Test, or Full System test. If your leads are not
connected or not making good contact, the tester will prompt you to connect
the leads after entering in the battery information.
When testing dual post batteries always check the post to which the system
is attached. If a load test in made from a post connection and the alternator is
connected to side terminals a battery load test and charge can be completed, but
the problem may be in the side post connections. AutoMeter offers proper side
post adapters as model number AC-74. Connections should never be made to a
steel bolt, as that may result in improper test readings.
• If the clamps are reversed the “WARNING CLAMPS ARE REVERSED”
message will be displayed on the LCD with an audible beeping.
• If one or both of the clamps are not in complete contact “Connect Clamps to
the Battery” will display on the LCD.
CONNECTION ERRORS
1REVIEW RESULTS
To review a
previous test,
touch the
black Review
Results
button.
From here (on
360P version)
you may print
the test
results. To go
back, touch
the left
pointing arrow
at the bottom
right of
the screen.
To Exit Test
Results,
touch the
Home icon
at the bot-
tom right of
the screen.
This will be an
example of what
you will then see.
You may touch
the arrow at the
right of a given
test that you
wish to review.

18 11
BATTERY TEST
Touch the
"Battery Test"
Button.
Here you will
enter the CCA
number found
on the battery,
then touch the
green check
mark.
If a battery does
not have a CCA
rating touch
the CCA box
to display this
menu to change
the battery
rating.
Enter CCA by
touching the
blank box to the
left of CCA.
2
FULL SYSTEM TEST
This screen will
appear for up
to 30 seconds,
and then will
automatically
test the charging
system.
Here you have
the summary of
test results. You
may also touch
the print button
at the bottom left
to print the test
results. (Printing
available on
BVA-360P
version only).
This is an
example of a
system that
has passed
the charging
system test.
Touch the green
“Proceed to
Test Summary”
button.
Example of
Printed Results
5
• At the end of the Full System test, or an Individual Test, if you have the
BVA-360P version, you have the option to Print the test results.
• To Print, touch the Print Button, and the results will print as shown in the
picture above.

12 17
Enter RC (Reserve
Capacity) by
touching the blank
box to the left of RC.
NOTE: RC is
optional and can
be skipped/left empty if
no RC value is printed
on the battery.
Here you can
enter in the RC
number found on
the battery. Then
touch the green
check mark.
Choose the battery
type from the
menu shown here.
Then touch the
green check mark.
You may proceed to
the next step, unless
you have to change
the battery type.
Inspect the battery
label to identify the
type. Touch the
Standard/Flooded box
to change.
Aim the back of the tester
at the battery for battery
temperature.
Touch the
Green “Start
Battery Test”
button to start
the battery test.
Test in progress
BATTERY TEST
2FULL SYSTEM TEST
Start the engine
This screen may
appear after
the start up, if
more information
is needed to
determine a
Pass or Fail of a
Starting system.
If no problems
detected, you
will get a Good
Starting System
Screen. Leave the
engine running.
Touch the green
“Proceed to
Charging Test”
button.
This screen may
appear next.
Touch the
number of
cylinders, and
the Starting
Results will
display.
If a problem is
detected, this
would be an
example of a
failed starting
test. Touch the
green “Proceed
to Charging Test”
button.
Proceed to
Page 18
5

16 13
You may get this
message if the battery
tests “low”. Answer by
touching the red “NO”,
or green “YES” button.
If you are unsure,
choose “NO”.
If a battery has tested
good, however the
tester detects normal
wear. Recommend
retesting battery in
3 months. months,
as this battery may
fail under extreme
circumstances, and
is nearing the end of
its life.
The battery tested
good, however
is low on charge,
you will receive
this message.
Recommend
charging battery.
This screen will
appear if “NO” was
chosen above.
Charge the battery
and retest.
This screen will
appear if the
battery is bad, or if
“YES” was chosen
above. Replace
the battery, as the
battery tested bad,
or did not properly
accept a charge.
If the battery
tested good,
this screen will
appear. No further
charging, or testing
of the battery is
required at this
time.
BATTERY TEST
2
FULL SYSTEM TEST
Touch the green
"Full System
Test" button. Follow battery
test procedure,
the same as
shown in the
Battery Test
section.
If the battery is
failed, or too low of
charge, you will not
be able to proceed
to the starting test
until a charged, or
replacement battery
is installed.
When the
Battery Test
passes as a
Good Battery,
this screen will
appear. Touch
the green
“Proceed to
Starting Test”
button.
There are a few points to consider in testing a starting system on a diesel
engine.TheBVA-360/360Pisdesignedtorecognizeanysignicantamountof
draw; this includes glow plugs in small diesel engines.
• 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.
STARTING CURRENT DRAW AND DIESEL ENGINES
Proceed to
Page 17
5

14 15
STARTING TEST
Touch the Starting
Test button.
Connect the
clamps as shown.
Make sure the
engine is turned
off, then touch
the green Start
Starting Test
button.
Start Engine as
prompted.
After starting of
the engine, the
tester may ask
you if the engine
is Gas or Diesel if
more information
is required to
determine an
accurate test result.
The
BVA-360
may ask
you to
input
how
many
cylinders
the
engine
is.
The
starting
system
results
will be
displayed.
CHARGING TEST
Touch the
Charging Test
button.
This message
will come up if no
clamps connected.
Connect the
clamps as shown.
The engine must
be running, so
start the engine,
then touch the
green Start
Charging Test
button.
Waiting for voltage
to stabilize. The
test will resume
on its own, when
stable.
The charging
system results will
be displayed.
34